Senior Pakistani politician Mian Manzoor Ahmed Wattoo, who served as Chief Minister of Punjab and Speaker of the Provincial Assembly, passed away on December 16, 2025, in Lahore at the age of 86. His family confirmed the news, noting he had been battling prolonged illness.
Born on August 14, 1939, in Okara’s Depalpur area, Wattoo hailed from a prominent political family and left an indelible mark on Punjab’s landscape. His career began in 1983 as Chairman of Okara District Council during General Zia’s non-party elections. Elected to the Punjab Assembly in 1985, he served as Speaker multiple times (1985, 1988, and 1993), earning respect for his parliamentary acumen and constitutional expertise.
In 1993, backed by the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Wattoo became Chief Minister after leading a successful no-confidence motion against the PML-N government. His tenure, marked by coalition dynamics, lasted until 1996 amid political shifts. Later affiliations included PML(Jinnah), PML-Q, and PPP, where he held federal ministerial roles in Industries and Kashmir Affairs.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed profound grief, praising Wattoo’s dedication to democracy and public service. Leaders across parties echoed condolences, highlighting his principled approach and role in strengthening national unity.
Manzoor Wattoo passes away 2025 marks the end of an era for seasoned politicians known for navigating complex alliances. Funeral details are awaited, with tributes continuing to reflect his enduring legacy in Pakistani politics.
