Senior Politician Passes Away in Bahawalpur
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz lawmaker Malik Muhammad Iqbal Channer passed away in Bahawalpur on Saturday. He was 76 years old.
Channer had suffered a brain haemorrhage around 20 days before his death. He was admitted to a hospital, where he remained under treatment for several weeks. His family later confirmed his passing.
His funeral prayer is scheduled to be held at Darang Stadium in Bahawalpur at 6:00 pm on Saturday, August 1.
Channer was also the father of Punjab Assembly Deputy Speaker Malik Zaheer Iqbal Channer. His death has prompted condolences from political leaders, party workers and residents of Bahawalpur.
Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan expressed deep sorrow over the lawmaker’s death. He said Channer’s political and public services would always be remembered.
Political Career Spanned More Than Two Decades
Malik Iqbal Channer was born in Bahawalpur on March 15, 1950.
He completed a Bachelor of Laws degree from Wilayat Hussain Islamia Law College in Multan in 1971.
Channer entered provincial politics after winning the PP-272 Bahawalpur-VI seat as a PML-N candidate in the 2002 general elections.
He retained the constituency in the 2008 elections and later joined the Punjab cabinet led by Shehbaz Sharif.
He served as Punjab’s minister for special education from June 2008 until June 2010. He was later appointed provincial minister for prisons.
Channer secured another Punjab Assembly term in the 2013 general elections. He was subsequently appointed provincial minister for cooperatives.
His political career advanced to the federal level in 2024. He won the NA-168 Bahawalpur-V constituency on a PML-N ticket and took his oath as a National Assembly member on February 29, 2024.
Prime Minister Pays Tribute to Late Lawmaker
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed grief over Channer’s death and extended condolences to his family.
The prime minister described his passing as a major loss and praised him as a sincere public representative.
Shehbaz said Channer remained a committed and principled PML-N worker throughout his political career.
He also paid tribute to the late lawmaker’s political, social and public services.
The prime minister said Channer’s loyalty, dedication and contributions to the party and his constituency would remain highly respected.
He also prayed for strength and patience for the bereaved family during the difficult period.
