Religious affairs minister Abdul Shakoor dies in road accident

Maulana Abdul Shakoor, the Federal Minister for Religious Affairs, died in a road accident in Islamabad on Saturday, according to a spokesperson for the Islamabad Capital Police.

Shakoor was reportedly travelling from Marriott to Secretariat Chowk when his vehicle was hit by a Hilux Revo carrying five men.

The spokesperson confirmed that Shakoor was transported to Polyclinic Hospital but unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries.

Senior police officers arrived at the scene while the vehicle and occupants involved in the accident were taken into police custody.

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According to JUI-F's media cell, the funeral prayer of the late minister will be offered at Tajbi Khel in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s Lakki Marwat district on Sunday at 2pm.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his condolences on the death of Mufti Abdul Shakoor. In a statement, the premier expressed his sympathies and condolences to the family and relatives of the prominent religious figure.

He also praised the late minister for his contributions to society as a practical scholar, ideological political activist, and a good human being. Shehbaz noted that Shakoor was one of the dynamic and ideological leaders of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F).

Furthermore, the prime minister recognised the late minister's diligence, sincerity, and honesty while serving as the Minister of Religious Affairs. He paid homage to Shakoor's religious, national, and political services.

The prime minister prayed that Allah grants the deceased a high place in Jannatul Firdous and grant patience to the bereaved family.

President Dr Arif Alvi also expressed his regret over the tragic road accident. In a statement, he expressed his deep sorrow over the loss of Mufti Abdul Shakoor and paid tribute to his services for interfaith harmony in the country.

He also offered his condolences to the family of the deceased. He noted that Shakoor will always be remembered for his dedication to promoting peace and harmony among different faiths.

JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman also expressed deep sorrow over the death of the federal minister, calling it a great loss not only for the party but for him personally.

"The grief is not just of his family but for me and the entire party," JUI-F's media cell quoted him as saying.

He remembered the deceased's contributions as a religious scholar, teacher, and politician, stating that he will always be remembered.

Fazl mentioned that Shakoor had raised his voice in National Assembly for peace in his area just a day before his untimely death.

Describing Shakoor as a compassionate human being who had served the Hajj pilgrims, Fazl prayed to Almighty to forgive him and raise his ranks in the hereafter.

Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari also extended his sympathy and condolences to the family of Mufti Abdul Shakoor. He recognised the late minister's contributions and expressed his deep sadness at his passing.

The foreign minister offered his prayers for Mufti Abdul Shakoor's forgiveness and high status in the hereafter.

Former president Asif Ali Zardari also expressed deep sorrow over the tragic accident. In a statement, the PPP co-chairman extended his sympathy and condolences to the family of Mufti Abdul Shakoor.

He also conveyed his condolences to Maulana Fazlur Rahman and JUI-F, which Shakoor was a prominent member of.

Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah also expressed grief over the death of Maulana Abdul Shakoor. He extended his condolences to the family of the deceased and prayed for Shakoor's soul to be granted a high rank in the hereafter.

He also expressed his support for the family in their time of grief and asked Allah to grant them patience and strength.

He noted that Mufti Abdul Shakoor's services will always be remembered, saying that Pakistan has lost a valuable and dedicated public figure.

Furthermore, he said that he has directed the Inspector General of Islamabad to conduct a full investigation into the incident.

Rana Sanaullah also highlighted Shakoor’s efforts in facilitating Pakistani Hajj pilgrims for the second year in a row. He also termed the death a big loss for JUI-F and its chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman.

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah also expressed deep condolences and sympathy with the bereaved family over the tragic death of Shakoor, according to a spokesperson.

Murad offered prayers for the high status of the deceased, and acknowledged that they shared the family's grief.

More to follow...