RAWALPINDI: A condolence reference was held here in memory of former Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan secretary general Amirul Azim and Pakistan Railways labour leader Sarfaraz Khan.
Addressing the gathering, Prem Union Central President Sheikh Muhammad Anwar paid rich tributes to the deceased leaders and said late Hafiz Salman Butt, former president of the Prem Union, had provided political, labour and organisational training to union workers.
“We are not narrow-minded people. We believe in taking all workers along,” Sheikh Anwar said. He added that Pakistan Railways was “our home” and the union stood by every railway worker.
Sheikh Muhammad Anwar said late Sarfaraz Khan had spent his entire life struggling for the rights, honour and dignity of workers. He said his death was a major loss for the labour movement in Pakistan Railways, adding that it was the responsibility of all workers to carry forward his ideals, struggle and commitment to labour rights.
He also thanked all guests, labour leaders, families of the deceased leaders and railway employees for attending the condolence reference despite their engagements and for expressing solidarity with the bereaved families.
Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan Deputy Secretary General Azhar Iqbal Hassan, who was the chief guest, conveyed a message from the Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan ameer. He said the Prem Union was not an abandoned organisation, adding that Jamaat-e-Islami stood behind it and was committed to protecting the rights of workers.
Azhar Iqbal Hassan said that after completing sit-ins and other national responsibilities, Hafiz Naeemur Rehman would also be seen standing alongside workers on railway tracks to fight for their rights within the railways.
He said the relationship between Jamaat-e-Islami and the Prem Union was based on a commitment to workers’ rights, justice and service, and that the Prem Union would never be left alone.
Those who spoke on the occasion included Prem Union Chief Organiser Chaudhry Khalid Mehmood, Lahore Division President Sheikh Fayyaz Shehzad, Drivers Association Chairman Tanveer Hussain, Nazir Awan, Ikram Kundi, Syed Zahoor Shah, Rauf Khan, Asim, Muhammad Khan, Malik Jameel, Asad Shah, Nasir Khan, Irshad Ahmad, Anwar Bhatti, Khizar Hayat, Khurram Junaid, Amir Billi, Zeeshan and Salamat Khan.
Sarfaraz Khan’s sons, Waqar Khan and Shehryar Khan, and Amirul Azim’s son Muneebul Azim and elder brother Noorul Azim were also present.
Speaking at the event, Muneebul Azim thanked the workers for arranging a blessed programme in memory of his father. Noorul Azim said he was pleased to be among workers, adding that his younger brother had held a prominent place in Islami Jamiat Talaba, Jamaat-e-Islami and the labour movement. He thanked the Prem Union president and his colleagues for inviting the family and offering condolences in their time of grief.
At the end of the condolence reference, prayers were offered for the elevation of the ranks and forgiveness of Amirul Azim and Sarfaraz Khan, and for patience and strength for their bereaved families.
