LAHORE: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited Jamia Ashrafia to offer condolences on the passing of former Mohtamim-e-Aala, Maulana Fazlur Raheem Ashrafi.

He expressed sympathy with the current Mohtamim-e-Aala, Maulana Qari Arshad Ubaid, and prayed for the elevation of the late scholar’s ranks.

Hafiz Asad Ubaid, the late Maulana’s son Zubair Hasan, and Nazim-e-Aala Qari Maulana Owais Hasan were also present.

The prime minister offered Fateha and paid tribute to Maulana Ashrafi’s lifelong services to Islam, saying his contributions would be remembered across the Muslim world.

Recalling his personal association with the seminary, the prime minister said he regularly offered Friday prayers at Jamia Ashrafia for a long period along with his father, Mian Muhammad Sharif. He praised the institution’s historic role in promoting unity within the Muslim Ummah.

National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, and Special Assistant Talha Barki accompanied the prime minister during the visit.

Separately, JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman also visited Jamia Ashrafia to condole the demise of Maulana Fazlur Raheem Ashrafi. He expressed condolences to the late scholar’s son, Maulana Zubair Hasan, describing the deceased as a rare blend of knowledge and practice. “With his passing, academic circles have been left orphaned,” Maulana Fazlur Rehman said, adding that he shared a longstanding bond of affection with the late scholar.

Published in Dawn, January 12th, 2026