Sindh Governor Justice (retd) Saeed-uz-Zaman Siddiqui, 79, passed away on Wednesday, according to a spokesman of Governor House.
The governor was admitted to a private hospital just days after taking oath. At the time it was reported that he was suffering from a chest infection and breathing problems, however, the Governor House spokesman had stressed that the ailment was not serious and that the governor was out of danger.
Justice (retd) Saeed-uz-Zaman Siddiqui was appointed as the 31st governor after it was decided to replace Dr Ishratul Ebad Khan during a meeting between President Mamnoon Hussain and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, a private channel had reported earlier.
Zaman had served as the Chief Justice of Pakistan from July 1999 till December 2005. During the rule of former dictator General (retd) Pervez Musharraf, Zaman had refused to take oath under the Provisional Constitutional Order (PCO).
In 2008 he also ran as a presidential candidate from Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz.
Speaker Sindh Assembly appointed acting Governor
After the death of Saeed-uz-Zaman Siddiqui, Speaker Sindh Assembly Agha Siraj Durrani will assume charge as acting Sindh Governor.
He will perform duties as Governor Sindh till the appointment of the next governor.
PM grieved over demise of Sindh Governor
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif expressed deep grief over the sad demise of Sindh governor.
The PM said the services of Justice (R) Saeed-uz-Zaman Siddiqui in the field of judiciary and upholding rule of law would be remembered, a statement issued from the PM’s Office said.
“Justice (R) Saeed uz Zaman was an upright and honest Judge who never compromised on his principles and remained impartial in delivery of justice”, he added.
The prime minister further said that Justice (R) Saeed uz Zaman’s contributions regarding resisting and giving sacrifices against undemocratic elements were unparalleled. He prayed for the departed soul and expressed sympathy with the bereaved family.
President Mamnoon Hussain also expressed deep grief and sorrow over the death.
In a statement, he prayed for eternal peace for the departed soul and commiserated with the bereaved family.
Further Reactions:
Sad to hear about the demise of Governor Sindh & Former CJ Saeed uz Zaman Siddiqui. May Allah SWT grant him the highest place in Jannah.
— Syed Mustafa Kamal (@KamalPSP) January 11, 2017
PPP Chairman @BBhuttoZardari expresses grief and sorrow over the sad demise of Governor Sindh Saeed U Zaman Sidiqi.
— PPP (@MediaCellPPP) January 11, 2017
Saddened to hear about the passing away of Governor Sindh, CJ (R) SaeeduZaman Siddiqui. His services for the country'll always be remembered
— Sardar Ayaz Sadiq (@AyazSadiq122) January 11, 2017
Sad demise of Governor Sindh Saeed uz Zaman Siddiqui. He was a jurist & legislator of great prominence. May his soul rest peace. 1937-2017
— Naz Baloch (@NazBalochPTI) January 11, 2017
Condolences on the passing of Sindh Governor Saeeduzzaman Siddiqui. May his soul rest in peace ?
— SenatorSherryRehman (@sherryrehman) January 11, 2017
Following from the Sindh's longest serving Governor, #SaeeduzZamanSiddqui serves the shortest term. Grieved at the loss – RIP
— Nafisa Shah (@ShahNafisa) January 11, 2017