Former Senator of the Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PMAP) and Pashtun Tahafuz Movement activist Usman Khan Kakar has passed away in Karachi at the age of 59.

Kakar was rushed to the hospital on Thursday after he reportedly fell in his house in Quetta and suffered a critical head injury. He underwent brain surgery after which he was shifted to a private hospital in Karachi through an air ambulance due to brain haemorrhage.

His death was confirmed by a number of sources, including Spokesperson of the Government of Balochistan, Liaquat Shahwani on Twitter:

“Usman Lala we will never forget you,” wrote Shahwani, “you have always respected both Politics and Politicians, may Allah grant you a place in heaven.”

Kakar, who was born in Muslim Bagh, Balochistan, earned a degree of Bachelor of Law from Law College Quetta in 1987. He was initially part of the Pashtun Student Organisation and then joined the Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party in 1996.

He was praised for his social work and advocacy for human rights. When news of his injury broke, many prayed for his recovery, including the Members of the National Assembly.

Many on Twitter also tweeted their praise for his boldness and honesty as a politician.

“One of the few unapologetically bold political voices from Balochistan,” wrote a Twitter user. Another called Kakar a “companion of the oppressed.”

After his death was announced, citizens, including politicians, mourned the “irreparable loss of “Balochistan and minorities”, acknowledging Kakar’s activism and advocacy for the Pashtun people.

Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Qasim Suri expressed his sorrow on Kakar's death.

And Speaker of the National Assembly Asad Qaiser also tweeted his condolences for Kakar’s family:

Some social media users, however, blamed the state for Kakar’s death, citing his last speech as a senator where he refused to stop advocating for democracy and stated that he will put the rights of minorities above his own life.