Former federal interior minister Major (retd) Raja Nadir Pervez passed away in Faisalabad today, setting off a bout of grief and condolences from political leaders and social figures across Pakistan.
His death marks the end of a long public career that included serving the country in the military and in parliamentary politics.
Raja Nadir Pervez held some of the most sensitive portfolios in the government as the interior minister of Pakistan, and later as federal minister for water and power.
Known for his experience and political adaptability, he was for decades an influential figure in national politics.
Colleagues often called him a seasoned parliamentarian who had good command over the matters of governance and security affairs.
He was elected to the National Assembly five times from two constituencies (four from Faisalabad and one from Rawalpindi).
His repeated electoral successes were evidence of his continuing political relevance and as well as strong constituency ties.
Over the course of his career, he continued to affiliate with multiple prominent political coalitions such as the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and the Islami Jamhoori Ittehad.
Following the news of his passing, there were many tributes from across the political spectrum. Leaders and public figures paid homage to his contribution to parliamentary politics and his service to the state, saying they were sorry he had died.
Beyond the political part, Raja Nadir Pervez had a great military background. A retired officer of Pakistan Army, he had served in 6 Punjab Regiment before his entry in politics.
He was awarded the Sitara-e-Jurat for his bravery during the war of 1965.
His service continued on during the war of 1971 where he was a central part of a daring escape from an Indian prison at Fateh Garh with fellow officers.
This extraordinary act earned him for the second Sitara-e-Jurat and promotion to the rank of a lieutenant colonel.
Raja Nadir Pervez is recalled as a soldier-politician having lived a life, full of services, firmness, and possessed great ties to the political and military history of Pakistan.
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