LAHORE: MNA Malik Muhammad Iqbal Channar, who had been unwell for several weeks, passed away in Bahawalpur on Saturday. He was 76.

According to the family, his funeral prayers will be offered at 6pm on Saturday at Bahawalpur Stadium.

He was father of Punjab Assembly Deputy Speaker Malik Zaheer Iqbal Channar.

Channar, who had served as a provincial minister and remained an influential PML-N leader in south Punjab for decades, was elected to the National Assembly from NA-168 Bahawalpur.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed profound grief over Channar’s demise and paid tribute to his political, social and public services.

The prime minister described him as a sincere public representative, a committed and ideological PML-N worker, and a loyal companion of former premier Nawaz Sharif.

“I had the privilege of knowing him personally and had the opportunity to work with him on several occasions when he served in my Punjab cabinet,” PM Shehbaz said, adding that Iqbal’s loyalty, dedication, public service and commitment would always be remembered.

PML-N President and ex-PM Nawaz Sharif said he was “deeply grieved” on Channar’s death.

“He was a sincere representative who always made public service his motto,” he wrote on X, praying for his elevated ranks.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz also expressed deep sorrow over the lawmaker’s death and extended her heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.

She said Channar’s political and public services would be remembered for a long time.

NA Speaker Ayaz Sadiq expressed profound grief and sorrow over Channar’s demise, saying his death “deprived parliament of a sincere, dignified and people-oriented member”.

Sadiq said Channar’s parliamentary, political and public service would always be remembered. He added that the deceased’s “contributions to national politics and the promotion of democratic traditions were invaluable”.

The NA speaker also extended his heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the deceased’s son.

“In this hour of grief, I stand in solidarity with the bereaved family,” he added.

PML-N leader Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said that he was saddened to learn about Channar’s demise, terming it a great loss for the party and national politics.