Punjab Loses Former Chief Minister Manzoor Wattoo at 86 – Remembering His Legacy

Former Punjab Chief Minister Manzoor Wattoo Passes Away at 86 in Lahore – Veteran Politician Remembered

Lahore, Pakistan – Former Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Mian Manzoor Ahmed Wattoo passed away in Lahore on Tuesday at the age of 86, confirmed his secretary, Muhammad Asif, to Dawn. The veteran politician had been suffering from a prolonged illness. He is survived by three sons and four daughters.

His grandson, columnist Hassan Kamal Wattoo, shared the news on social media platform X, stating, “With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of my beloved grandfather, Mian Manzoor Ahmed Wattoo.” Funeral prayers will be held at Wasawewala Stadium in Okara at 2 pm tomorrow.

National Leaders Pay Tribute

President Asif Ali Zardari expressed deep grief over Wattoo’s death, praising his “invaluable public service, role in strengthening democracy, and contributions to national unity.”

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also condoled his passing, saying, “The services of late Manzoor Wattoo for Pakistan’s politics will always be remembered.”

Political Career and Achievements

Born on August 14, 1939, in Deepalpur, Okara, Wattoo had a long and influential career in Pakistani politics.

Early Career: Elected chairman of the Okara District Council in 1983, he became a member of the Punjab Assembly in 1985 and served as Speaker of the Assembly.

Punjab Assembly and CM Tenure: He was repeatedly elected as MPA and Speaker and became Punjab Chief Minister in 1993, backed by strategic political maneuvering and PPP support.

Federal Roles: Wattoo served as Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs during the 2008–2013 PPP-led coalition government.

Party Affiliations

Wattoo’s political journey saw multiple party changes:

Early association with Pakistan Muslim League (PML) and later PML-Junejo

Formation of PML-Jinnah in 1995

Joining PML-Q during Pervez Musharraf’s regime

Later joining PPP, serving as central Punjab president in 2012

Briefly joining PTI in 2018, before returning to PPP in 2024

Legacy and Influence

Known as a master strategist, Wattoo was respected for his ability to navigate Pakistan’s political landscape and secure key positions under varying governments. He also played a pivotal role in shaping Punjab’s provincial politics and influencing federal-level decision-making.

Wattoo is remembered as a veteran politician, a skilled negotiator, and a key figure in Pakistan’s democratic evolution over several decades.