Ailing PPP Senator Dr Sikandar Mandhro passes away in US.

KARACHI -- Pakistan Peoples Party's Senator Dr Sikandar Mandhro passed away in the United States on Saturday after protracted illness, according to party leaders and friends. He was 80.

He left behind a widow, Dr Khalida Sikandar, a daughter and a son, Umaima and Zakaria, respectively, to mourn his death.

Abdul Ghani Gopang, personal secretary to the late Senator, told Dawn that Dr Mandhro was diagnosed with cancer in the left kidney in October last year and was admitted to Aga Khan University Hospital where he underwent surgery. He was later shifted to the US by his wife, Dr Khalida, in December and admitted to a hospital in California, said Mr Gopang.

Dr Mandhro was put on ventilator around a week ago and moved into ICU where he passed away on Saturday. His coffin was likely to arrive in Pakistan on Tuesday to be buried in his ancestral village 'Mataro Mendhro' near Badin town, he said.

President, CM grieved over Mandhro's death President Dr Arif Alvi, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah and Senator Shibli Faraz among other political leaders have expressed deep sorrow over the death of the veteran politician.

In his condolence message, the president expressed sympathy with the bereaved family and prayed for the departed soul, said a press release. May God grant fortitude to the bereaved family to bear the loss, he added.

The chief minister expressed grief over Dr Mandhro's death and paid him tribute saying that he was the only party leader who had the singular honour to work with Z.A. Bhutto, Benazir...