Former senator Taj Afridi dies in M-1 motorway crash

Former senator Taj Muhammad Afridi passed away on Friday after his vehicle was involved in a fatal accident near Colonel 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. “Former senator Afridi died in the accident, while his driver sustained minor injuries,” the statement said. 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. 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.