ian Muhammad Azhar, the veteran politician, a former Punjab governor and elected mayor of Lahore, passed away on July 22, at the age of 83. His death marked the departure of a politician whose career spanned the most turbulent decades and whose political legacy is likely to remain relevant for quite some time.

Born into a prominent business family, Mian Azhar carried himself with the grace and restraint typical of an older political generation. He rose through the ranks of the Pakistan Muslim League at a time when politics still had room for civility and discretion. Elected mayor in the late 1980s, he made a name for himself as a firm administrator. In 1990, he was appointed governor of the Punjab by then prime minister Nawaz Sharif.

Those close to him during his tenure as governor said he preferred to stay away from confrontational politics. That would change as the rift between Nawaz Sharif and the military establishment deepened. Following the 1999 military coup that ousted Nawaz, Mian Azhar realigned himself politically and was instrumental in the formation of the Pakistan Muslim League (Quaid), widely seen as the party’s establishment-backed faction under Gen Pervez Musharraf.

He became the founding president of PML-Q, but his political fortunes took a hit when he lost his National Assembly seat in Lahore in the 2002 general election. While his party led the coalition governments in Islamabad and Lahore, Mian Azhar found himself sidelined. Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain and Chaudhry Pervez Elahi gradually took over the party. The electoral defeat marked the beginning of his withdrawal from electoral activity, but not from politics. He remained a respected elder statesman, offering counsel and guidance to younger leaders.

In a surprising political comeback, Mian Azhar returned to the National Assembly in the 2024 general elections. Running as an independent candidate backed by the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf, he won his Lahore constituency at a time when the PTI was locked out of power. His victory was seen as both personal vindication and a reminder of his enduring stature. Though he maintained a low profile in the parliament, his presence on the opposition benches lent quiet weight to PTI’s parliamentary presence. His role as an elder in the party was acknowledged by both senior leaders and newcomers.

Some of his critics acknowledged that he did not allow political expediency to compromise his personal dignity. In a political culture often dominated by noise and narcissism, he remained, until the end, a man of poise and restraint.

Condolences poured in from across the political spectrum following his death. Speaking to The News on Sunday, former federal minister Fawad Chaudhry said, “Mian Azhar was admired for his grace, political foresight and statesmanship. He mentored many emerging political figures, including his son Hammad Azhar. His death is a significant loss to Pakistan’s political and social landscape. He will be remembered respectfully for his lifelong commitment to public service.”

Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal also expressed grief, telling TNS: “I am deeply saddened by the passing of former governor Mian Azhar. Our families have longstanding ties and I had a personal bond with him. He was a man of refined character and the epitome of grace in politics.”

Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, described his passing as a “personal and national loss.” He said he was praying for his forgiveness. Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif echoed similar sentiments, acknowledging Azhar’s decades of public service. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and several federal ministers joined in condoling the veteran politician’s death, as did former colleagues from the PML-Q and leaders from the PTI.

His influence had extended beyond politics. Mian Azhar was a successful businessman and philanthropist, supporting healthcare and education initiatives with quiet generosity. His role in promoting sports, particularly football, was substantial. It was acknowledged this week by the Pakistan Football Federation of which he was once president.

Funeral prayers, held in Lahore, were attended by a wide spectrum of political figures, business leaders and lay admirers. It was a rare display of unity in an otherwise fractured political landscape, a fitting tribute to a man who had friends across party lines.

Mian Muhammad Azhar’s career was not without controversy. His decision to part ways with Nawaz Sharif and lead the PML-Q under a military regime was criticisedby many. But most of his critics acknowledged that he did not allow political expediency to compromise his personal dignity. In a political culture often dominated by noise and narcissism, he remained, until the end, a man of poise and restraint.

He is survived by his wife, children and a legacy rooted in personal integrity. As the country continues to grapple with political polarisation and generational divides, Mian Azhar’s death reminds us of an era when disagreements did not preclude decency. His life was a testament to the belief that politics can be honourable.

The writer is a journalist based in Lahore. He reports on politics, economy and militancy. He can be reached on X at @Hassannaqvi5