LAHORE, Sept 27: Known political leaders on Saturday expressed grief and shock over the death of ARD president Nawabzada Nasrullah Khan.

MMA parliamentary leader Qazi Husain Ahmad has described the death of the Nawabzada as a national tragedy.

In a statement, he said the Nawab was a lighthouse for sincere political workers as he had never compromised on building the Pakistani society on the principles of Islam, democracy, federalism and basic human rights.

The Qazi, who is also the amir of the Jamaat-i-Islami, termed it a mourning day, and urged the people to convert this grief into a force that could work for the supremacy of Islam, democracy, constitution and basic rights.

“On this day of mourning, we should make a pledge to stick to our stance that no individual will be allowed to amend the constitution of his own free will and make the otherwise consensus basic law controversial.”

Millat Party chief Farooq Leghari said the late politician was an emblem of courage, tolerance, integrity and sincerity, and he had the “charisma of bringing politicians of divergent thoughts to one platform.”

“He worked hard throughout his life for the cause of democracy and protecting rights of the poor.”

Markazi Jamiat Ahle Hadith president and MMA leader, Senator Sajid Mir, said the death of the Nawab at a time when fight against the LFO was at a crucial stage had come as a bolt from the blue for the forces working for the restoration of democracy.

Punjab Assembly Speaker Afzal Sahi and Deputy Speaker Shaukat Mazari also offered condolences and prayed for the departed soul.

In the death of the Nawab the nation had lost a genuine democrat, according to PML-Q Senator S M Zafar, who added, “the deceased’s unprecedented devotion to democracy would continue to inspire and guide the democratic forces.”

MMA Deputy Secretary-General Liaquat Baloch described the veteran politician’s personality as a symbol of politeness, patience, and political acumen. The services of the late Nawab for the supremacy of the constitution and parliament had become a part of history, he added.

MPA Dr Wasim Akhtar, Dr Mubashar Ahmad Siddique and other Jamaat leaders also expressed grief and a sense of bereavement.

Rehmat Khan Vardag of the Tehrik-i-Istiqlal said it was a national loss at a time when the nation was passing through a crucial phase.

The Jamiat Mashaikh Pakistan held a condolence reference in which Pir Fazle Haq said the late had devoted his whole life towards the cause of democracy.

Khaksar Tehrik leader Hameeduddin al-Mashraqi heaped praises on the Nawabzada by calling him a man of principles.

The Punjab Union of Journalists says the Nawab’s death has caused an irreparable loss to those who are struggling for democracy, the constitution, freedom of expression and human rights.