Governor Sindh Saeed-uz-Zaman passes away

KARACHI: Sindh Governor Justice (Retd) Saeed-uz-Zaman passed away on Wednesday after prolonged illness. He was 79.

The funeral prayers of Siddiqui will be held on Jan 13, after Friday prayers, at Polo Ground and he will be buried at Gizri graveyard, said Governor House spokesperson.

Flags at government buildings were flown at half-mast. Moreover, work at the Sindh High Court was suspended.

Speaker Sindh Assembly Agha Siraj Durrani will assume charge as acting Governor Sindh.

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, Geo News 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.

PM grieved over demise of Governor Sindh

Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif has expressed deep grief over the sad demise of Governor Sindh.

The Prime Minister 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 has 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.