KARACHI: Pakistan Peoples Party’s Senator Dr Sikandar Mandhro passed away in the United States on Saturday after protracted illness, according to party leaders and friends. He was 80.

He left behind a widow, Dr Khalida Sikandar, a daughter and a son, Umaima and Zakaria, respectively, to mourn his death.

Abdul Ghani Gopang, personal secretary to the late Senator, told Dawn that Dr Mandhro was diagnosed with cancer in the left kidney in October last year and was admitted to Aga Khan University Hospital where he underwent surgery. He was later shifted to the US by his wife, Dr Khalida, in December and admitted to a hospital in California, said Mr Gopang.

Dr Mandhro was put on ventilator around a week ago and moved into ICU where he passed away on Saturday. His coffin was likely to arrive in Pakistan on Tuesday to be buried in his ancestral village ‘Mataro Mendhro’ near Badin town, he said.

President, CM grieved over Mandhro’s death President Dr Arif Alvi, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah and Senator Shibli Faraz among other political leaders have expressed deep sorrow over the death of the veteran politician.

In his condolence message, the president expressed sympathy with the bereaved family and prayed for the departed soul, said a press release. May God grant fortitude to the bereaved family to bear the loss, he added.

The chief minister expressed grief over Dr Mandhro’s death and paid him tribute saying that he was the only party leader who had the singular honour to work with Z.A. Bhutto, Benazir Bhutto, Asif Ali Zardari and Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari.

Mr Gopang said that Dr Mandhro and his wife, Dr Khalida, joined PPP when they were studying in Liaquat Medical College, Jamshoro. He graduated in 1968 and started practice of medicine at a clinic he opened in Badin where his wife also worked as gynaecologist. The couple continued medical practice along with party politics in the city for 45 years, he said.

He recalled that after imposition of martial law by Gen Ziaul Haq in the country, Dr Mandhro went into self-exile particularly when his name was included among the suspects wanted in PIA plane hijacking case. He initially went to the US and later shifted to Saudi Arabia before returning to Pakistan in late 1980s, he said.

He had remained member of Sindh Assembly multiple times in all general elections since 1988 and was appointed minister of various portfolios including health in successive PPP governments in the province. He was elected as Senator in 2018.

Mr Gopang said that Dr Mandhro had established a hospital in Badin in 2013, which was his last wish. The hospital was now being run by Dr Abdul Bari of the Indus Hospital under an agreement, he said.

Published in Dawn, June 12th, 2022