ISLAMABAD   -  Prominent Pakistan People’s Party leader Senator Rehman Malik was laid to rest yesterday as scores of politicians, social workers, journalists and citizens paid last respects at the funeral.

Chairman Senate Sadiq Sanjrani and federal minister Sarwar Khan attended the funeral among others. Dozens of PPP workers were also present. Senator Malik had passed away on February 23 after developing corona complications. The PPP leader’s son Omar Malik said that his family will continue Malik’s mission. “My father remained committed to the PPP for life and we will continue his mission. I am back from London. I am going to stay in Islamabad,” he told The Nation. The younger Malik said he will keep serving the people like his father. “My father is an example for others. I will keep his flag flying,” he added. Senator Malik’s brother Khalid Malik said the participation of the common citizens in the funeral showed that the late PPP leader was very popular and helpful. “Serving the people was his passion. He never disappointed anybody. We will make sure his mission of a poverty-free Pakistan is achieved,” he maintained.

Politicians, notables and journalists continued to visit late Rehman Malik’s house for condolences. Senator Mian Raza Rabbani and Dr Nafisa Shah were among the politicians who visited the late Malik’s residence. Rehman Malik was born on December 12, 1951 in Sialkot. He remained a Federal Investigation Agency officer and later served as the Interior Minister when the PPP formed the government in 2008. Prior to politics, Malik had pursued a successful career in the FIA, eventually becoming the Additional Director General of the Federal Investigation Agency in 1993 until 1996.

Former Interior Minister Senator Rehman Malik’s Qul and Qur’an Khawani will be held today (February 25) at his residence, his spokesperson Riaz Ali Turi said. “The Qul and Qur’an Khawani will be performed on Friday at 3:30 pm at House No. 9, Street No. 89, Embassy Road G-6/3 Islamabad. The friends and sympathisers are requested to participate in the prayers,” he added.