Dharamshala, March 20 -- Former Himachal Pradesh minister Wazir Kewal Singh Pathania passed away at the age of 88 after a prolonged illness.

Born on June 29, 1937, in Kangra's Nurpur, Pathania was elected to the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly in 1972, 1990, and 1993. In 1972, he won from the Nurpur Assembly constituency and later secured victory from the Jawalamukhi Assembly segment as well.

He served as the transport minister with independent charge from 1995 to 1998 in the Virbhadra Singh government and was deeply committed to social service.

The Himachal Pradesh Assembly, currently in its budget session, paid tribute to Pathania on Thursday, acknowledging his contributions to the state and society. In an official statement, t...