Lahore, Pakistan

Former Pakistan finance minister Sartaj Aziz has passed away in Islamabad aged 94. On Tuesday, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) announced Aziz's demise. 

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"It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Mr Sartaj Aziz. A stalwart, a true icon and a towering figure! His contributions to the nation and towards the party will never be forgotten," wrote the party in a post on X.

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Sartaj Aziz's political career

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As per reports, during his term as Pakistan's Foreign minister, Aziz made an effort to promote peace with neighbouring India. India declared Pakistan as a most favoured nation (MFN) in 1996. Following the Pulwama attack in 2019, this status was revoked.

He is also known to be the only senior minister in the Pakistan government who, back in the late 1990s, counselled against the nation's plans for carrying out its own nuclear tests—codename Chagai-I and Chagai-II, in retaliation for India's May 1998 Pokhran-II nuclear tests.

Aziz held senior positions at the Ministry of Finance and the Planning Commission, where he played a crucial role in shaping economic policies that "steered Pakistan through crucial eras".

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Aziz served as the deputy chair of the Planning Commission of Pakistan, a member of the federal cabinet as the de facto Minister for Foreign Affairs, a Federal Senator and a National Security Advisor.

President Dr Arif Alvi expressed grief over Aziz's death, extending condolences to his family. 

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Caretaker Prime Minister Anwarul Haq Kakar praised Aziz as an experienced politician and a great asset to the nation. 

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Former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, expressing sorrow, noted that Aziz lived "a rare life of courage, dignity, and integrity; a life worth celebrating." 

He also said that Aziz contributed and accomplished much in his life.

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PML-N Secretary General Ahsan Iqbal said Aziz was a veteran of the Pakistan movement and said he was a "great asset" to Pakistan. 

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Conveying his "deep" sorrow, Interim Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani described Aziz as an "iconic figure who served Pakistan selflessly with exemplary dedication".

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(With inputs from agencies)