CHINIOT, June 27: Religious scholar and central leader of the International Khatm-i-Nabowat Movement Maulana Manzoor Ahmad Chinioti died of renal failure in Lahore on Sunday. He was 80.

The Maulana was admitted to the Sharif Medical City Complex some two weeks ago.

After hearing the news of his death, people from all walks of life thronged his residence near Bilal Masjid and the Jamia Arabia for expressing the grief. Shopkeepers of all bazaars and markets also closed their shops to mourn his death.

His funeral prayers will be held at 8am on Monday at the local Government Islamia College ground.

Maulana Chinioti, who got his basic religious education from Sindh Madrisatul Islam, Tandu Allahyar, and Madrisa Talimul Quran, Rawalpindi, spent his life visiting various countries for spreading the message of Islam. He founded Jamia Arabia and Idara Markazia Dawat Wal Irshad in Chiniot.

The Maulana being an important figure of the Pakistan National Alliance played a pivotal role in the Tehrik Nizam-i-Mustafa in 1977. He also played an important role in Khatm-i-Nabowat Movements of 1973 and 1984.

He was the author of several books on Khatm-i-Nabowat.

The Maulana started his political career as councillor from his home town and was elected MPA in 1985, 1988 and 1997. He also remained chairman of the Chiniot Municipal Committee in 1993.

The Maulana frequently visited Saudi Arabia as he had close terms with the King family. He was the visiting professor of Jamiatul Madina (Madina University).