Pakistan
Former minister, senior PPP leader Rehman Malik dies aged 70
He is survived by his widow and two sons.
Islamabad: Senior Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader and Pakistan’s former Interior Minister, Rehman Malik has passed away on Wednesday due to complications arising from Covid-19. He was 70.
The news of his sad demise was confirmed by his spokesperson Riaz Ali Turi.
As per reports, the PPP leader had been hospitalised in Islamabad as he had developed COVID-related complications and his lungs had been severely affected. He was put on a ventilator after his health deteriorated.
He is survived by his widow and two sons.
Malik had tested positive for the novel coronavirus in January and his condition continued to worsen, following which doctors subsequently had to put him on a ventilator on February 1.
Malik had a long career as a politician and held many portfolios. He served as the Interior Minister of the country from 2008 to 2013.
He was one of the closest aides of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.
He was also a recipient of the Sitara-i-Shujaat (Star of Bravery) for his services in the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and the Nishan-i-Imtiaz (Order of Excellence).
Politicians and PPP stalwarts took to Twitter to express their condolences on Malik's death.