Former foreign minister Sartaj Aziz passed away after a prolonged illness on Tuesday, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leader Ahsan Iqbal said in a post on X, erstwhile Twitter. Aziz was 94.

“Mr Sartaj Aziz has passed away. He was a veteran of Pakistan movement & great asset for the nation,” PML-N leader Ahsan Iqbal said in his post where he also shared one of his pictures with the former minister.

The funeral would be held on Wednesday at 2:30pm in the H-8 graveyard in Islamabad, the party said.

Aziz served as the adviser to the PM on national security and foreign affairs during the PML-N tenure in 2013.

“He will be missed very much,” Iqbal said and added that the former foreign minister’s services for the nation would always be remembered. “I had honour of working with him very closely and will never forget his affection and guidance. May Allah Bless his soul and Grant patience to the family Ameen.”

Sartaj Aziz had a distinguished career as a civil servant in the Ministry of Finance and the National Planning Commission in Pakistan. In 1971, he began his international career as the director of the Commodities and Trade Division of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

He also served as the assistant president of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), a specialised United Nations agency.

He began his political career as minister of state for food and agriculture. Later he served as the minister of finance and economic affairs and held the position of minister of foreign affairs.

He was a member of the Senate from 1985 to 1999. From 2004 to 2013, Aziz served as the first vice-chancellor of the Beaconhouse National University. After the 2013 elections, he resumed his political career as an adviser to the PM on National Security and Foreign Affairs and then deputy chairman of the Planning Commission.

In 2023, President Arif Alvi conferred the Pakistan Civil Award of Nishan-i-Imtiaz upon Aziz in recognition of his services in the field of public service at the investiture ceremony on Pakistan Day, held at Aiwan-e-Sadr.

He also wrote a book titled Between Dreams and Realities Some Milestones in Pakistan’s History. The book “attempted to demonstrate that only a genuine democratic dispensation can ensure its survival as a viable federation.”

Condolence

President Arif Alvi expressed his grief over the death of the former finance minister and offered condolences to the family of Aziz.

He extended his condolences to the family of the deceased and prayed for him.

“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Mr. Sartaj Aziz. A stalwart, a true icon and a towering figure!” the PML-N said in a post. “His contributions to the nation and towards the party will never be forgotten.”

The former ruling party prayed for the departed soul.

Caretaker Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani was grieved to learn of the demise of Aziz. He described him as a “thorough gentleman” and an iconic figure who served Pakistan “selflessly and with exemplary dedication.”

Aziz would always be remembered for his intellectual prowess, integrity, and kindness, Jilani added.