DERA GHAZI KHAN: Sardar Muhammad Jaffar Khan Leghari, PTI MNA and Leghari tribe elder, passed away at the age of 83 at a private health facility in Lahore on Saturday.

Popular among locals in Choti Zaireen area, Jaffar Leghari was born on June 23, 1942, to Sardar Atta Mohammad Leghari and his western wife. He obtained a degree in agriculture from the Agriculture University of Faisalabad.

Jaffar Khan Leghari spent his entire life in a historical, pre-colonial fort situated in the heart of Choti Zaireen town.

He was easily accessible to tribal-cum-political figures of Tumandar family of Leghari tribe as well as common and needy people.

He started his practical political life in 1970 and was elected chairman of the Rajanpur District Council. Twice he became the member of the Punjab Assembly and returned to the National Assembly six times.

He left behind a widow, former MNA Dr Meena Jaffar Leghari, and daughter Fatima Leghari.

He was a cousin of former president Farooq Ahmad Khan Leghari and was the uncle of present chief of Leghari tribe Jamal Khan Leghari, former federal minister Awais Leghari and provincial minister for finance Mohsin Leghari.

His funeral prayers will be held on Sunday afternoon in Choti Zaireen.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi expressed grief and sorrow over the demise of Sardar Mohammad Jaffar Khan Leghari.

Published in Dawn, january 1st, 2023