Senior PPP leader Amin Fahim passes away in Karachi

Fahim had been abroad for the last several months for cancer treatment and had recently returned to the country

KARACHI: Senior leader of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), Makhdoom Amin Faheem passed away early Saturday morning in a local Karachi hospital.

Fahim, 76, a senior vice chairman of PPP and a member of the National Assembly in the NA-128 constituency, was diagnosed with blood cancer and was under treatment in London and Dubai hospitals.



Having been abroad for several months, his condition became critical and he returned to Karachi; where he was under treatment at a private hospital.

Senior leader of Pakistan People’s Party Makhdoom Amin Fahim has died in Karachi after protracted illness.

— Radio Pakistan (@RadioPakistan) November 21, 2015

Makhdoom Amin fahim sahib was an asset for PPP.

— Sharjeel Inam Memon (@sharjeelinam) November 21, 2015

Funeral prayers for the veteran politician are going to be held this afternoon after his body is transported from Karachi to Hala. Following news of the death, several towns in Hyderabad division including Hala, Matiara, Saeedabad remained closed. Meanwhile, condolences poured in, with politicians expressing their grief over the demise of the senior leader.

A sad loss. May Allah grant him highest place in jannat. Makhdoom Sb you leave behind a legacy & a huge void. pic.twitter.com/OeqSmv2MWG

— Dr. Sharmila sahibah faruqui (Phd) s.i (@sharmilafaruqi) November 21, 2015

https://twitter.com/SenFaisalAbidi/status/667872238662721536

Makhdoom Amin fahim sahib was an asset for PPP.

— Sharjeel Inam Memon (@sharjeelinam) November 21, 2015

PM Nawaz expresses grief

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif expressed deep grief and sorrow over the sad demise of Fahim, Radio Pakistan reported.

The premier prayed for eternal peace and tranquility for the departed soul and commiserated with the bereaved family, the statement said.

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Born in August 1939 in Hala, Fahim belonged to an influential feudal family.



Fahim's father, Makhdoom Muhammad Zaman alias Talbul Mola, was a renowned poet, famous politician and spiritual leader of "Sarwari Jamaat". A prominent figure of Sindh and one of the founding members of PPP, Mola was a close aid of PPP’s founder Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.

Fahim started his primary education from his hometown, after which he went to Sindh University to complete his Masters in Political Science in 1961. Fahim's political career began in late 1970 after he won his first seat in the National Assembly.

Fahim was elected as MNA eight times. First in 1972 and then in seven elections between 1988 and 2013. He is the only MNA in Pakistan who sat in eight assemblies.

Further, Fahim had several roles during each tenure of the PPP. He became a trusted aide of PPP’s former chief, Benazir Bhutto and was appointed twice as the federal minister during her tenure.



In 1988, Fahim served as a Federal Minister of Communication while remaining the Federal Minister for Housing and Works during Benazir's tenure.

Following Benazir's assassination in 2007, Fahim felt abandoned by Asif Ali Zardari, as Fahim, who once led the party during Benazir's exile, despite his demands, was not selected as PPP's candidate for prime minister in 2008.

PPP announces day of mourning

Expressing grief over the demise of former federal minister, PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari announced a day of mourning at party level all over the country on Sunday.

In his condolence message, PPP chairman said Fahim was an icon of loyalty to the party, its workers and people.

In his condolence message, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that Makhdoom Sahib was an icon of loyalty to the party, its workers and people. Praising his commitment to three generations of PPP leadership, Bilawal said, “For Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and myself, he was like a right-hand.”