Pakistan's Religious Affairs Minister Mufti Abdul Shakoor dies in road accident

Pakistan’s Religious Affairs Minister Mufti Abdul Shakoor was killed in a ro accident when his car was hit by anor vehicle in national capital, police said.

minister’s car was hit by a Hilux Revo while he was travelling from Mariott towards Secretariat Chowk on Saturday, Islamab Police said in a statement.

minister was rushed to Polyclinic Hospital where he was declared de.

“Five persons present in vehicle involved in accident have been taken into custody and a probe is launched,” it said.

Islamab Inspector General of Police Akbar Nasir Khan told media that minister was driving his car alone when he collided with or vehicle.

“He died on spot from he injury he suffered,” Khan said.

Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah has ordered a thorough investigation into incident.

Shakoor was a senior member of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) of Maulana Fazlur Rehman whose party is part of ruling coalition.

JUI-F has said that funeral prayer of minister will be offered at Tajbi Khel area of Lakki Marwat district in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province on Sunday.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condoled his death and praised late minister for his contributions to society as a practical scholar, ideological political activist, and a good human being.

President Dr Arif Alvi also expressed his deep sorrow over minister’s death and paid tribute to his services for interfaith harmony in country.

" grief is not just for his family but for me and entire party," JUI-F's media cell quoted party chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman as saying.

Shakoor hit helines some months ago when a woman officer accused minister of refusing to endorse her appointment as director general of Hajj affairs due to her gender. However, minister rejected allegations.