Former Sindh Chief Minister and Defence Minister Aftab Shaban Mirani passed away in Karachi after a prolonged illness.

Mirani, a senior leader of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and one of the close associates of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto, had been unwell for several months.

He was shifted home from the hospital about a week ago, according to family sources.

Born in Shikarpur district, Aftab Shaban Mirani had a long political career spanning several decades. He served as Chief Minister of Sindh and later as Federal Minister for Defence.

President Asif Ali Zardari expressed deep sorrow over Mirani’s passing, describing him as “one of the senior-most and most loyal comrades of the Bhutto family.”

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah also offered condolences, acknowledging Mirani’s lifelong commitment to the party and democracy.

According to the family, his funeral prayers will be offered tonight (Saturday) at 10:00pm at Masjid Baitul Islam in Defence Phase IV, while burial will take place at Gizri graveyard.