PESHAWAR – The caretaker chief minister of KP, Azam Khan died on Saturday, according to his family.
Azam Khan had been rushed to the Rehman Medical Institute in Peshawar after his health took a turn for the worse. Despite the best efforts of the medical team, he succumbed to a severe stomach infection that led to cardiac arrest.
Azam Khan’s political career was marked by significant contributions to both provincial and federal governments. He took the oath as interim Chief Minister in January 2023, having previously served as the KP finance minister from October 24, 2007, to April 1, 2008. His tenure also included roles as the secretary of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources in Islamabad, and the chief secretary in KP from September 1990 to July 1993.
Azam Khan held the position of minister for interior, capital administration, and development in the caretaker cabinet of Prime Minister Nasir-ul-Mulk in 2018. He also served as the provincial minister for finance, planning, and development in the KP caretaker cabinet of CM Shamsul Mulk from October 2007 to April 2008.
Born and raised in Pakistan, Khan pursued higher education at the University of Peshawar before heading to Lincoln’s Inn, London, where he completed his Barrister-at-Law degree in 1962.
After the announcement of his death, condolences began pouring in from across the country, reflecting the respect and admiration he commanded during his lifetime. The funeral prayers for the late chief minister are scheduled to be held at 3pm in Charsadda.
As the region grapples with this loss, questions are already being raised about who will step into the role of the new KP interim Chief Minister. However, as the nation mourns, the legacy of Azam Khan’s dedication to public service continues to resonate.
