Former PML-N spokesperson Zaeem Qadri passes away at 61

LAHORE:

Awaam Pakistan co-founder and spokesperson Zaeem Qadri passed away in the early hours of Friday aged 61.

Qadri, a former provincial minister and once the chief spokesperson for then-Punjab chief minister and now-Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, was admitted to a private hospital in Defence three days ago due to a heart condition. 

He had parted ways with the PML-N in 2018 after developing differences with the party leadership, particularly over what he termed dynastic politics. His wife, Uzma Zaeem, continued her association with the party and served as an MPA until 2023.

His funeral prayers were offered after evening prayers near his residence on Lawrence Road on Friday evening.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi expressed sorrow over the death, extending sympathy and condolences to the bereaved family. “May God grant the departed soul a place in His mercy and grant the bereaved family patience,” he Naqvi said.

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Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif also expressed her sorrow over Qadri’s death, expressing sympathy and condolences to his family.

Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan stated, “I was deeply shocked to hear the news of the death of senior politician Zaeem Qadri,” adding that the deceased’s political and social services would always be remembered.

He stated that Qadri played a prominent role in public service and in the promotion of democratic values.

“I share equally in the grief of the bereaved family and express heartfelt sympathy. May God grant the departed soul a high place in His mercy and grant patience to the family,” he said.

Other former PML-N colleagues of his also paid tribute to him.

His last affiliated party also posted a message in his honour on X.

“My good friend, one of Awaam Pakistan’s founder and our Punjab head, a courageous political leader and a kind and generous human being Syed Zaeem Hussain Qadri has passed away. His passing leaves a big hole in the democratic politics of Pakistan. May he rest in peace and may his family have the fortitude to bear his irreparable loss,” said senior party leader Ahsan Iqbal.