Islamabad: President Azad Jammu and Kashmir Barrister Sultan Mahmood Chaudhry passed away in Islamabad today after a protracted illness. He was seventy-one. His funeral prayer will be offered tomorrow at 3:00 p.m. in Mirpur Azad Kashmir.

According to Radio Pakistan, President Asif Ali Zardari has expressed deep grief and sorrow over the demise of Barrister Sultan Mahmood Chaudhry. In his statement, he prayed for the elevation of the departed soul’s ranks and for patience for the bereaved family. The President remarked that Sultan Mahmood Chaudhry’s national and political services will always be remembered.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif also expressed deep sorrow and grief over the death of the President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. In a statement, the Prime Minister prayed for the elevation of the departed soul’s ranks and for patience and strength for the bereaved family. He highlighted that Barrister Sultan Mahmood Chaudhry was a wise and dedicated politician who spent his entire life serving the people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

The Prime Minister further noted that Barrister Sultan Mahmood Chaudhry raised his voice strongly for the Kashmir cause and against Indian atrocities in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that his services to the Kashmiri people and his struggle for the Kashmir cause will always be remembered.