LAHORE: Syeda Saloni Bukhari, the founding member of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), lost her battle against cancer on Friday morning at the age of 62. She was laid to rest in the afternoon.

As a committed leader, she was entrusted with the role of the PTI central vice president as well as Punjab’s Women Wing president. Besides, she was member of the core and central executive committees.

Condolences poured in for the late party leader who was considered a dedicated and hardworking politician.

In a tweet, PTI chief Imran Khan expressed his shock and grief over the death of Ms Bukhari who worked with him for 21 years. “Devastated by the loss of Saloni Bokhari who lost her battle to cancer this morning. She stood by me through thick and thin. She was there when the party passed through its greatest crisis.”

Survived by two daughters and a son, Ms Bukhari had been suffering from blood cancer for the last eight months. Her funeral was attended by the entire provincial leadership of the party, including Leader of Opposition Mian Mahmoodur Rashid, Ejaz Chaudhry and Umar Sarfaraz Cheema.

Jahangir Khan Tareen tweeted: “Extremely saddened by the demise of PTI stalwart Saloni Bukhari, who had been fighting cancer for long! Her selfless services for PTI & the way she stood with IK during difficult times, can never be forgotten.”

Sadia Suhail Rana, who worked with Ms Bokhari as general secretary, remembers her as the most dignified and selfless leader who taught other women colleagues how one can grow and earn respect through sheer hard work – without any shortcuts.

Being an old member of the party, she fought for provincial assembly seat twice and was planning to contest for a National Assembly seat in 2018. “She topped the list of party candidates for reserved seats for women in 2013. However, as a committed stoic, she offered the party to accommodate others and withdrew her candidature. She never struggled for limelight and earned huge respect for her mannerism. The women wing of the party lost a mother-like figure today and the loss would be long felt by all in the party,” said Sadia Sohail.

Published in Dawn, December 16th, 2017