Ex PML-N spox Zaeem Qadri laid to rest

Qadri died of heart attack at 61; senior leaders, supporters gathered to attend funeral prayers, pay respects

LAHORE:

Former Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) spokesperson and senior Punjab politician Zaeem Qadri died of a heart attack at 61 on Friday, as senior leaders, colleagues and supporters gathered in large numbers to attend his funeral prayers and pay their respects.

Family members said Qadri suffered a major cardiac arrest reportedly earlier this week. Qadri served as a former provincial minister and former spokesperson to then Punjab chief minister and current Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. During his time with the government, he regularly represented the party in the media, defending policies and addressing press conferences.

In 2018, Qadri left the Pakistan Muslim League (N) after disagreements with the party leadership, criticising what he called dynastic politics. Despite distancing himself from the party, he continued to stay active in politics. His wife, Uzma Zaeem, remained associated with the party and served as a member of the Punjab Assembly until 2023.

More recently, he had been informally linked with the Awan Pakistan Party, launched by former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and former finance minister Miftah Ismail, though he had not taken on a formal role.

Funeral prayers were offered on Lawrence Road later in the day. A large number of political leaders, family members and citizens attended.