Sindh’s political landscape was draped in mourning on Wednesday as Agha Siraj Khan Durrani, one of the province’s most respected and principled politicians, passed away in Karachi after a prolonged illness.
Widely regarded as a symbol of composure, dignity, and parliamentary grace, Durrani was among the most senior leaders of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and one of the longest-serving Speakers of the Sindh Assembly. His passing marks the end of an era defined by discipline, dialogue, and devotion to democratic norms.
Born into a politically influential family of Shikarpur, Durrani inherited his passion for public service from his father, Agha Sadiq Durrani, who was a prominent provincial figure in his own right. Beginning his political career during the martial law era of General Zia-ul-Haq, Agha Siraj stood with the PPP and embraced a lifetime of struggle under the party’s banner, dedicating over three decades to public service.
His political journey was not confined to power or privilege; it was rooted in principle and perseverance. Over the years, he served in various legislative and administrative capacities, leaving behind a legacy defined by his measured temperament, balanced leadership, and steadfast loyalty to the party.
As Speaker of the Sindh Assembly, Agha Siraj Durrani was known for his firm yet courteous conduct. His belief was simple yet profound: “The dignity of the House depends on the conduct of its members.
Under his stewardship, the Sindh Assembly was often described as more disciplined and functional than other provincial legislatures. Durrani insisted on constitutional decorum, parliamentary ethics, and tolerance across political divides, qualities that earned him respect from both allies and opponents.
Durrani’s political life was not without turbulence. He faced arrests, NAB investigations, and prolonged legal battles, yet his loyalty to the PPP remained unshaken. Friends and colleagues recall his calm resilience, his refusal to trade principles for convenience, and his unwavering trust in the party leadership.
Even in the toughest times, he never lost faith in the PPP or its ideals, said one close associate. He was a man of resolve quiet, firm, and utterly loyal.
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari led the tributes, calling Durrani a pillar of the party who never compromised on principles. President Asif Ali Zardari and numerous leaders from across the political spectrum expressed deep sorrow over his passing.
Members of the Sindh Assembly also paid homage, recalling him as a man who “brought civility to debate and humanity to politics.
Durrani will be laid to rest in his ancestral city of Shikarpur, where party workers, leaders and admirers will bid farewell to a man remembered as both a mentor and a statesman one who believed that respect, not rhetoric, was the true strength of politics.