Islamabad, May 3, 2025: Senator Professor Sajid Mir, a distinguished religious scholar, senior politician, and the Ameer (head) of Markazi Jamiat Ahle Hadith Pakistan, passed away on Saturday at the age of 86 following a heart attack.
Born in Sialkot, Punjab, Professor Mir was widely respected in both religious and political circles for his intellectual depth, moderate views, and lifelong commitment to Islamic scholarship. He held a Master’s degree in English and Islamic Studies, a Bachelor’s in Economics, and also completed the traditional Dars-e-Nizami curriculum, earning recognition as a faazil (learned scholar).
Mir served multiple terms in the Senate of Pakistan, most recently elected in 2021 on a Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) ticket — his fifth Senate term with the party. Remarkably, he never personally sought a Senate nomination; Nawaz Sharif regularly invited him to contest, including his most recent nomination in 2021.
Between 2009 and 2015, he also served as a senator and was known for his parliamentary grace and principled stance on key national issues. In 2017, he called for a unified political front against military intervention, advocating for civil supremacy and constitutional governance in Pakistan.
Professor Sajid Mir was also a prominent advocate for religious tolerance, consistently speaking against sectarianism and extremism. Under his leadership, Markazi Jamiat Ahle Hadith maintained a relatively moderate profile, focusing on education, inter-sectarian dialogue, and political engagement through democratic means.
His sudden passing has sent shockwaves through political and religious communities, with leaders across the spectrum expressing deep sorrow and paying homage to his lifelong contributions.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in a statement from the PM Office, called Mir a “visionary political figure and a distinguished Islamic scholar” whose absence has left a void in Pakistan’s religious and political landscape. “Late Mir always raised his voice against extremism and sectarianism, which is a golden chapter in his contributions,” he noted, offering prayers for the deceased and condolences to the bereaved family.
Former Prime Minister and PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif posted on social platform X, expressing profound grief at the “sudden death” of his longtime colleague. “His religious, academic, and parliamentary services are unforgettable,” he wrote.
Scholars, politicians, and civil society members across the country praised Mir’s lifelong dedication to Islamic learning, democratic values, and his unwavering support for unity and moderation within Pakistan’s religious discourse.
His funeral will be held at Sialkot at 10:00 pm tonight.
