Asif Pasha, former Minister, and an accomplished advocate, passed away here on December 28, 2025, just three days after turning 96. A nonagenarian who remained vivacious and energetic well into his last moments, Mr. Pasha was widely admired for his “never-say-die” spirit, and a genial temperament.
A day before, he made his last public appearance as the Chief Guest of a felicitation program organized by Media Plus Foundation at its Auditorium to honour 13-year-old Scripps National Spelling Bee Champion Faizan Zaki.
Elected to the Andhra Pradesh Assembly from Vijayawada on a Congress ticket in 1972, Mr. Pasha created history as the first Muslim MLA from the Andhra and Rayalaseema regions. His tenure was extended to six years (1972–78) following the imposition of the Emergency. During his ministerial stint, he held the portfolios of Law, Prisons and Printing Press, and later served as Chairman of the Minority Commission and founder-Chairman of Andhra Pradesh State Urdu Academy. He was also the Trustee of the H.E.H. The Nizam’s Trust.
Before entering politics, Mr. Pasha practised law in Vijayawada for nearly two decades from 1952. A co-founder and Secretary of the Andhra Muslim Education Society (AMES), he spent over 16 years mobilising funds to provide scholarships and financial assistance to poor students and small traders.
A first-class LLB graduate from Aligarh Muslim University, where he also earned an M.A. in Economics. Well-travelled and reflective, Mr. Pasha was known for his insight into human life and psychology. He is remembered as a politician with a difference – unassuming, not power-hungry, and at ease with life’s turns. He leaves behind a legacy of public service reflecting integrity, compassion and warmth.
He is survived by two sons and a daughter.
