Former Punjab Chief Minister Mian Manzoor Ahmad Wattoo Passes Away at 86

Report Ali Imran Chattha 
LAHORE/, Dec 16 (Nazrana Times) –
 

Veteran Pakistani politician and former Chief Minister of Punjab, Mian Manzoor Ahmad Wattoo, passed away in Lahore on Tuesday after a prolonged illness, family sources confirmed. He was 86 years old.
Born on August 14, 1939, in Okara district, Wattoo had a prolific political career spanning over four decades. He served as Chief Minister of Punjab from 1993 to 1995 (and briefly in 1996), Speaker of the Punjab Assembly on multiple occasions, and held federal ministerial positions, including Industries and Production, and Kashmir Affairs and Northern Areas during the 2008-2013 PPP-led government.
Known for his pragmatic approach and shifting alliances, Wattoo was associated with various parties, including PML-Junejo, PML-Jinnah (which he founded), PML-Q, and most recently rejoined the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) in 2024 after a stint with PTI.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed profound sorrow over his demise, paying tribute to his contributions to democracy, public service, and national unity. President Zardari described his passing as a great loss to the nation and prayed for the departed soul's highest ranks in Jannah.
PP Central Punjab leaders, including Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Hassan Murtaza, and Shehzad Saeed Cheema, also conveyed deep grief, standing in solidarity with the bereaved family.
Wattoo is survived by his sons Khurram Jahangir Wattoo, Jahanzeb Wattoo, Muazzam Wattoo, Zeeshan Wattoo, and daughters Rubina Shaheen Wattoo, Jahan Ara Wattoo, and Amina Wattoo.
Funeral arrangements will be announced later by the family.
His death marks the end of an influential chapter in Punjab's dynamic political history, where he remained a key power broker through turbulence