Thousands gather at Liaquat Bagh as political and religious leaders pay tribute to late scholar Maulana Ashraf Ali.
RAWALPINDI: A large number of mourners gathered in Rawalpindi on Friday as the funeral prayers of prominent religious scholar Maulana Ashraf Ali were offered at Liaquat Bagh, drawing participation from key political and religious figures.
The late cleric, who served as the head of Jamia Taleem-ul-Quran Raja Bazaar, was widely respected in religious circles. His funeral became a significant public event, reflecting his influence and long-standing service to the community.
Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Yousaf, Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi, former Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid, and former provincial minister Jamal Nasir were among the notable attendees. Commissioner Rawalpindi Engineer Aamir Khattak and other local personalities also joined the funeral prayers.
The funeral prayer was led by Maulana Ziaullah Shah, while a large crowd of citizens, students, and followers attended to pay their final respects, highlighting the deep connection the cleric had with the public.
Before the funeral prayers, a ceremonial turban-tying event was held in which Maulana Waliullah was formally appointed as the new head of Jamia Taleem-ul-Quran Raja Bazaar, signaling continuity in the institution’s leadership.
Maulana Ashraf Ali’s body will be laid to rest in his ancestral area in Attock, where burial arrangements have been completed.
The passing of the senior cleric marks the end of an era for many followers, with community members remembering him for his religious scholarship and guidance.
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