PESHAWAR: Ilyas Ahmad Bilour, a prominent figure in both the business and political landscapes of Pakistan, passed away on Saturday afternoon at the age of 84.
The veteran industrialist and senior leader of the Awami National Party (ANP) had been struggling with kidney failure and had been on a ventilator in the days leading up to his death. His condition worsened overnight, and he passed away shortly thereafter.
A respected personality, Bilour’s funeral prayers were held at Wazir Bagh on Sunday afternoon, with political figures, business leaders, and well-wishers gathering to honor his memory. Following the Janaza, he was laid to rest at Sayyed Hassan Badshah Graveyard in a heartfelt ceremony attended by his family, friends, and supporters.
Ilyas Bilour was born in 1940 into a distinguished family. He was the brother of former federal minister Haji Ghulam Bilour and the late Bashir Bilour, both influential figures in their own right. He received his early education in Peshawar and later pursued a degree from Edwardes College, followed by an MBA from Preston University, Peshawar. In 1965, he moved to Rawalpindi to further expand the family business, quickly earning the respect of the local business community.
In 1969, Bilour was elected as president of the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, marking the start of his active involvement in business and trade. His career in the political arena began when he was elected to the Senate in 1994 on an ANP ticket.
Over the course of four terms, Bilour became a steadfast advocate for the business community, using his platform to address key issues related to trade and commerce. He served in the Senate from 1994 to 2000, 2003 to 2006, 2006 to 2012, and again from 2012 to 2018.
Bilour’s leadership extended beyond the Senate. He was a prominent figure in Pakistan’s business world, having served as the president of the Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) and the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry.
His contributions to regional trade were also notable, as he held leadership roles in international organizations such as the SAARC Chamber of Commerce and the India-Pakistan Chamber of Commerce.
His death has been met with sorrow across both political and business circles. The SCCI, where Bilour was a respected leader, announced a three-day mourning period and suspended all activities in his honor. His colleagues from the chamber expressed deep gratitude for his tireless efforts to promote economic growth and trade in Pakistan, with many emphasizing that his absence will be felt for years to come.
The passing of Ilyas Bilour has also drawn condolences from President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, both of whom praised his dedicated service to the nation.
The Prime Minister remarked on Bilour’s exceptional contributions to public welfare and emphasized that his political impact would not be easily replaced.
Bilour’s death marks the end of an era for both his family and the political and business communities he served so devotedly. His legacy will remain ingrained in Pakistan’s history, and his efforts to advance both the nation’s economy and its political landscape will continue to be remembered by all who knew him.
