Islamabad: Lawmakers on Monday paid tribute to Malik Muhammad Iqbal Channar for his services to democracy, loyalty to his party and service to the people of his constituency.
Speaker National Assembly, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq informed the House about the death of Member National Assembly (MNA) Muhammad Iqbal Channar from Bahawalpur. He said the deceased was the father of Punjab Assembly Deputy Speaker Malik Zaheer Iqbal.
The MNAs paid tribute to his decades-long political and public service, particularly his contributions to Bahawalpur and southern Punjab.
Speaking on the floor of the National Assembly, Federal Minister for Housing and Works, Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada said Malik Iqbal Channar was a longstanding political colleague and a committed worker.
He said the deceased remained associated with the Pakistan Muslim League (PML) throughout his political career.
Mian Riaz Pirzada recalled his long political and personal association with Malik Iqbal Channar. He said their relationship continued through different phases of their careers.
He said Malik Iqbal Channar consistently represented the people of Bahawalpur and the Saraiki region. He also remained loyal to his political party during difficult times.
The minister said the late parliamentarian played an important role in local and provincial politics. He continued to serve the people of his constituency.
He said political representation in southern Punjab should be viewed in the context of local people’s aspirations. He added that the services of leaders who genuinely represented their areas should be recognised.
Mian Riaz also recalled the contribution of Malik Iqbal Channar’s family to politics. He expressed hope that the younger generation would continue the family’s tradition of public service.
MNA Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI), Malik Muhammad Amir Dogar also expressed grief over his death. He described Malik Iqbal Channar as a friend, elder and political mentor.
He said Malik Iqbal Channar had served as an Member of the Parliament alongside him and had also worked with his late father.
Recalling their last meeting during the budget session, Amir Dogar said they had discussed the deceased’s health and treatment.
He paid tribute to Malik Iqbal Channar as a popular and dedicated political worker. He said the deceased remained associated with one political party throughout his life.
He said Malik Iqbal Channar actively contributed to the development of Bahawalpur and southern Punjab.
Amir Dogar recalled that the deceased had also served as Punjab’s provincial minister for prisons. He said he had contributed to reforms in the prison system.
He said Malik Iqbal Channar was known for his accessibility and commitment to political workers.
Amir Dogar prayed that his son, Punjab Assembly Deputy Speaker Malik Zaheer Iqbal Channar, would continue his father’s mission of public service.
He also recalled the services of former MNA Malik Mukhtar Ahmad Awan. He said the late MNA represented his constituency in 1988 and served as federal minister for labour and manpower.
He said Malik Mukhtar Awan had also served as provincial law minister in the 1970s. He was also among the founding members of the Pakistan Peoples Party.
Amir Dogar said such political figures represented an era of ideological and principled politics. He said Parliament and future generations should remember their services.
Pakistan Peoples Party MNA Syed Ali Musa Gilani also expressed grief over Malik Iqbal Channar’s death on behalf of himself and his party.
He described the deceased as a prominent political figure from southern Punjab. He said Malik Iqbal Channar had rendered valuable services to democracy and electoral politics.
Musa Gilani said his death had created a significant vacuum in southern Punjab’s political landscape. He added that his son was continuing his public service in the Punjab Assembly.
He prayed for strength and patience for the bereaved family. He also urged political leaders to learn from the services of senior leaders.
Referring to former MNA Malik Mukhtar Ahmad Awan, Musa Gilani described him as a respected political figure from Multan.
He said Malik Mukhtar Ahmad Awan had made significant sacrifices for democracy and the Constitution during periods of dictatorship.
He said Mr Awan remained a genuine political worker and served as federal minister after being elected to the National Assembly in 1988.
Musa Gilani also paid tribute to former parliamentarian Fauzia Habib. He recalled her association with the PPP and former prime minister Benazir Bhutto.
He said the contributions of such political workers and parliamentarians should not be forgotten. Their democratic struggle and public service should serve as an example for future generations.
PML-N MNA Dr Nisar Ahmad Jatt also expressed grief over the death of Malik Iqbal Channar.
He described his death as a major loss for Bahawalpur and its people.
Dr Nisar said Malik Iqbal Channar had been residing in the same parliamentary block. Although their association was brief, he said he was impressed by his political acumen and personality.
He said Malik Iqbal Channar always showed positive sentiments towards Bahawalpur. He remained committed to its development and welfare.
The lawmaker particularly praised his close contact with constituents. He said very few politicians maintained such a strong and continuous connection with their voters.
‘His departure is a great loss for Bahawalpur, and perhaps the gap created by his death will not be easily filled, ‘ he said.
Dr Nisar also expressed grief over the deaths of workers and others who had lost their lives in recent incidents.
He prayed to Allah Almighty to ease the final journey of the deceased. He also prayed for guidance for the living to follow their good example.
JUI-P MNA Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri said death was inevitable for every living being. He prayed for the forgiveness of all those whose names were mentioned in the House.
He said the House did not have details of many people who had recently died. However, he said a large number of innocent people had lost their lives in different incidents.
He prayed that Allah Almighty grant martyrdom to those who sacrificed their lives and forgive all the deceased.
