Lahore, July 23: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Pakistan Secretary General Ameerul Azeem was laid to rest on Thursday following funeral prayers at Mansoorah, Lahore, attended by thousands of mourners from across the country. The funeral prayer was led by JI Emir Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman, who paid rich tribute to the late leader, describing him as a committed worker of Islam who devoted his entire life to religious, political and organizational service. A large number of senior Jamaat-e-Islami leaders, politicians, religious scholars, lawyers, journalists, teachers, traders, representatives of labour and farming communities, civil society members and party workers attended the funeral. Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal, former Punjab Governor Chaudhry Sarwar, former Foreign Minister Khurshid Mahmood Kasuri, former Federal Minister Muhammad Ali Durrani, former Lahore Mayor Khawaja Ahmad Hassan, JUI-F leader Maulana Muhammad Amjad Khan, PML-N leaders Hafiz Nauman and Mian Marghoob, Jamiat Ahl-e-Hadith chief Ibtisam Elahi Zaheer, along with several senior Jamaat-e-Islami office-bearers and district emirs from across Pakistan, were among those present. Representatives of minority communities, including Punjab Minister for Minority Affairs Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora and members of the Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee, also attended to offer condolences. Addressing the gathering, Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman said Ameerul Azeem spent his entire life striving for the establishment of Islamic values and remained an example of sincerity, discipline and dedication. He said the late leader was deeply compassionate toward party workers and always remained accessible to every member of the organization. Despite suffering from cancer, he continued fulfilling his organizational responsibilities with determination and never allowed his illness to affect his commitment to the party. The JI chief said Ameerul Azeem believed Jamaat-e-Islami had entered a crucial phase in its struggle and consistently encouraged workers to remain steadfast in pursuing the party’s mission. He prayed that Allah Almighty grant the departed leader the highest place in Jannah and bless his family with patience. Senior JI leader Liaqat Baloch also paid tribute, recalling his more than five-decade association with Ameerul Azeem. He said the late leader’s journey from student politics to one of the party’s highest offices reflected his unwavering dedication, adding that his services would continue to inspire generations of workers. Ameerul Azeem passed away on Wednesday night after a prolonged battle with cancer. Throughout his illness, he remained active in party affairs and continued serving the movement until his final days. Born in Lahore in 1958, Ameerul Azeem earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from the University of the Punjab. He began his political journey through Islami Jamiat-e-Talaba (IJT), serving as Nazim of IJT Lahore before becoming Nazim-e-Aala of IJT Pakistan. During General Zia-ul-Haq’s rule, he led the movement for the restoration of student unions, endured imprisonment, and was elected Nazim-e-Aala while in jail. He also served as president of the Punjab University Students Union. After transitioning from student politics, he held several important positions within Jamaat-e-Islami, including Emir of Lahore, Emir of Central Punjab, Central Information Secretary and Secretary General of Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan on two occasions. In 2019, then JI Emir Sirajul Haq appointed him Secretary General of the party. Remembered for his humility, integrity and organizational abilities, Ameerul Azeem also played a prominent role in the Lawyers’ Movement for the restoration of the judiciary and remained a strong advocate of constitutional supremacy, democratic values and the rule of law. Widely respected across political, social and media circles, he leaves behind a legacy of principled leadership and dedicated public service.
