PPP’s Jahangir Badar dies of cardiac arrest

Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) senior leader Jahangir Badar passed away due to the cardiac arrest late on Sunday night, family sources said.

The family sources said Jahangir was rushed to a private hospital in Defence area of Lahore after he suffered a heart attack.

Ali Badar, son of Jahagir Badar said his father was placed in the ICU, where the doctors made their best efforts to save his life, but he could not recover and died late on Sunday night.

Badar was a senior leader and had served as PPP’s secretary general, among other positions in the party. He was one of the most die-hard workers, who started his political career as a student. He became a member National Assembly from Lahore in 1988, and also served as a Cabinet minister under Benazir Bhutto.

In 2010, he was acquitted by the National Accountability Bureau in cases of misuse of authority and illegal appointments.

Condolences started pouring in after media reported his death.

Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf’s Chaudhary Sarwar tweeted:

Deeply saddened at the death of Jahangir Badar. My deepest sympathies for the family. May Allah bless Jahangir’s soul. Great loss for PPP!

— Mohammad Sarwar (@ChMSarwar) November 13, 2016

“He relentlessly worked and fought for PPP… struggled heroically and was imprisoned during dictator Zia’s rule but stood by Benazir Bhutto,” said former President Asif Zardari in a statement.

He relentlessly worked and fought for PPP, he struggled heroically and was imprisoned during dictators Zia's rule but stood by SMBB -AZ

— AsifAliZardari (@AAliZardari) November 13, 2016

PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari expressed grief over the demise of Badar and announced a three-day mourning period for the party.

shocked to hear the sad news. RIP Uncle JB. never imagined taking this journey without you. Inshallah we will make you proud. #JiyaBhutto pic.twitter.com/iVGDJcmkpa

— BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) November 13, 2016

Faced the toughest of dictatorship & stood tall against brutality with every lash chanting #JeayBhutto #RIP #JehangirBadar #PPP ??? https://t.co/kw360d2m5p

— Bakhtawar B-Zardari (@BakhtawarBZ) November 13, 2016

@AseefaBZ #RIPJahangirBadar ?

— Sanam Baloch (@SanamBalochPPP) November 13, 2016

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif expressed his heartfelt condolences on the sad demise of the renowned politician.

The Prime Minister said the contributions of late Jehangir Badar towards strengthening of Pakistani politics would always be held in great esteem.

Nawaz Sharif said Jehangir Badar was a great political asset who believed and worked for the promotion of democratic norms in our country.

Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has also expressed deep grief and sorrow over the sad demise of PPP leader.

Shocking news about Jahangir Bader-A committed political worker who made his way up from lower rung of politics. May his soul rest in peace!

— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) November 13, 2016

Sadly Jahangir Badar leaves us today Recognised for empowering Political workers and in mobilising people for democracy Leader and worker

— Asma Jahangir (@Asma_Jahangir) November 13, 2016