Former senator Taj Muhammad Afridi passed away on Friday after his vehicle was involved in a fatal accident near Karnal Sher Khan Interchange on the M-1 motorway, police said in a statement.

According to a statement by the Motorway Police, the former senator was travelling from Islamabad to Peshawar.

It further said that upon receiving reports of the accident, the Motorway Police immediately reached the scene, adding that a technical fault in the vehicle reportedly caused the crash.

“Afridi’s car met with an accident near Karnal Sher Khan Interchange on the Islamabad-Peshawar Motorway. He passed away on the spot while his driver sustained minor injuries,” said Swabi Rescue 1122 Spokesperson Saqib Shah.

The casualties were shifted to Mardan Medical Complex, added the rescue official.

The deceased was a member of the Senate from March 2015 to March 2021. He was also the provincial caretaker minister for relief and rehabilitation.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi and Chief Minister Sohail Afridi expressed grief at the passing of the former lawmaker.

Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani expressed deep grief over the death of the former senator, extending heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the bereaved family, the Senate Secretariat said.

“The parliamentary, political, and public services of Taj Afridi will always be remembered,” Gilani said, adding that the passing of the former Senator was a significant loss for the nation as well as parliamentary circles.

“The late leader played an important role in promoting public welfare in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, strengthening democratic values, and contributing to the legislative process,” the statement quoted Gilani as saying.

Gilani further stated that the nation has lost a sincere, dignified, and people-oriented political figure whose contributions will continue to be acknowledged with respect and appreciation, the Secretariat said.