Former Punjab CM Mian Manzoor Wattoo, a veteran Pakistani politician, passed away today in Lahore at the age of 85 following a prolonged illness, family sources confirmed. The news of Wattoo’s death has triggered widespread sorrow across political circles and among supporters, as Pakistan mourns the loss of a towering provincial leader.
Wattoo, who served as Chief Minister of Punjab during the 1990s and later held various influential roles in national politics, had been in declining health for some time. While specific medical details have not been publicly disclosed, several reports indicate that his advanced age and ongoing health challenges contributed to his passing. Close aides said he had been receiving treatment in Lahore in recent weeks before his condition worsened.
Born on August 14, 1939, in Okara, Wattoo rose through the ranks of provincial politics to become one of Punjab’s most recognizable leaders. He was known for his forceful voice in governance, his decades-long service, and his ability to navigate shifting alliances within Pakistan’s complex political landscape.
Political figures from across party lines have expressed their condolences, highlighting his contributions to provincial development and political discourse. Plans for his funeral prayer (Namaz-e-Janaza) are expected to be announced later today, with a large turnout of politicians, party workers, and ordinary citizens anticipated.
In recent months, Wattoo’s health had been a subject of public discussion, with some social media reports noting his difficulties during official public appearances. Despite the challenges, he remained a respected elder statesman whose legacy spanned turbulent and transformative eras in Punjab’s politics.
Wattoo’s passing comes at a time when the nation is also remembering other veteran public figures, such as the late Indian leader Shivraj Patil, whose own legacy of long public service was noted recently.
As tributes continue to pour in, the news of Mian Manzoor Wattoo’s death marks the end of a significant chapter in Pakistan’s political history.
