ISLAMABAD – Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) leader Abid Sher Ali has been elected senator unopposed.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated Abid Sher Ali on his uncontested victory and wished him success in his new role.
The nomination papers for the Punjab general seat in the Senate by-election were scrutinised. Three candidates including Abid Sher Ali, Ahsan Afzal Khan and Abdul Jabbar initially filed the papers.
Ahsan Afzal Khan and Abdul Jabbar later withdrew their nominations, leaving Abid Sher Ali as the sole candidate. No candidate from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) contested the seat, which became vacant following the passing of PML-N’s Irfan Siddiqui.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised Abid Sher Ali, saying that PML-N continues to succeed in every arena due to its commitment to public service. He described Abid Sher Ali as an active party leader who has earned recognition for his service in previous terms.
The prime minister added that as a senator, Abid Sher Ali would contribute significantly to national development and public service under the enduring leadership of PML-N’s Quaid, Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif.
Earlier, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) senior leader and Senator Irfan Siddiqui passed away in Islamabad.
The seasoned lawmaker was hospitalised for some time but his condition worsened over weekend, and he was put on ventilator.
Tributes continue to pour in from across the country, reflecting the profound impact of a man who devoted his life to public service and democratic ideals.
Siddiqui was said to be among core leaders of PML-N and a aide of former PM Nawaz Sharif. As PML-N’s parliamentary leader in the Senate, he played a key role in steering legislative debates and upholding his party’s political vision at the national level.
Over decades, he served on key positions including Business Advisory, Human Rights, Information and Broadcasting, Interior and Narcotics Control, and National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination. He also held a seat on the Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and was elected from Punjab on a general seat.
Beyond the corridors of power, Irfan Siddiqui was equally admired in the world of journalism. As a seasoned columnist for Daily Jang, he captivated readers with his sharp political insight and eloquent commentary.
Following the devastating news, President Asif Ali Zardari expressed deep sorrow and grief over Siddiqui’s passing. In his condolence message, the president lauded the late senator’s “remarkable services for the promotion and strengthening of democracy in Pakistan” and prayed for the departed soul’s eternal peace.
Siddiqui’s passing leaves behind a void in both politics and journalism, one that few can fill.
