FORMER President of Pakistan Mamnoon Hussain passed away in Karachi on Wednesday after protracted illness.
He was eighty. He was diagnosed with cancer in February last year and was under treatment at a private hospital in the city for some days where he breathed his last.
Mamnoon Hussain served as the 12th President of Pakistan between September 2013 and September 2018.
In the death of Mamnoon Hussain the country has been deprived of a simple but sincere leader who earned respect from all segments of the society because of his credentials as a true Pakistani.
He rose from the position of a businessman to the prestigious office of the President of Pakistan and left indelible marks as an honest to the core personality.
Under the constitution of Pakistan, the President is considered to be symbolic head of the country but we have examples before us when some incumbents of the office stepped beyond their constitutional mandate and conspired against the elected leaders and governments.
Mamnoon was, no doubt, a long time PML(N) loyalist but after his election to the office of the President, he tried his level best to remain neutral and perform his responsibilities strictly according to the book.
His speeches and remarks as President of Pakistan always reflected his deep commitment to the cause of the country and welfare of the people.
He also contributed his share towards promotion of Islamic identity and ideological foundations of Pakistan as well as cultural moorings and preferred to speak in the national language.
At the time of assuming the onerous responsibilities as the President, he also vowed to work for resolution of issues facing Sindh and restoration of peace in Karachi and throughout his tenure he tried his best to contribute towards this end.
Mamnoon Hussain was widely known among his circles as a man of principles, a reputation he also enjoyed as President of Pakistan.
His services for the country especially for the cause of much-needed political stability would long be remembered. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
