Former senator, businessman and philanthropist Taj Muhammad Afridi was laid to rest in his ancestral graveyard at Takhta Baig on Saturday, as thousands of mourners gathered to bid farewell to one of Khyber’s most influential public figures. Afridi died on Friday in a motorway crash near the Karnal Sher Khan Interchange on the M-1 while travelling from Islamabad to Peshawar.
Funeral Prayers Attended by Dignitaries
His funeral prayers were attended by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan and SAFRON Engineer Amir Muqam, former governors Shaukatullah Khan and Ghulam Ali, MNA Iqbal Afridi, former senator Pir Abdul Malik, tribal elders, political leaders, social activists and a large number of people from different walks of life.
Widespread Grief and Tributes
News of his death sparked widespread grief across Khyber District and beyond, with political leaders, community figures and members of the public paying tribute to his contributions to public service and regional development. Mourners remembered Afridi as a dedicated public representative who worked tirelessly for the welfare of local communities and the socio-economic development of the tribal region. Emotional scenes were witnessed at the funeral as relatives, friends and supporters offered prayers and paid their final respects.
Political and Philanthropic Legacy
Besides serving as a senator, Afridi also held the portfolio of provincial minister for relief in a caretaker government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He was the younger brother of former MNA Haji Shah Gul Afridi and the uncle of former provincial assembly members Shafiq Sher Afridi and Bilawal Afridi. His death marks the end of a distinguished career in public service, business and philanthropy. Supporters and political colleagues said his legacy of leadership, generosity and commitment to the people of Khyber would continue to be remembered for years to come.
