ISLAMABAD: Hafiz Abdul Karim has been elected the new emir of the Markazi Jamiat Ahle Hadith (JAH) party, stepping into the role unopposed after the passing of former chief Professor Sajid Mir earlier this month.
This leadership change marks a significant moment for the religio-political group as it prepares for upcoming Senate elections.
Karim’s election came smoothly, filling the vacancy left by Professor Mir’s death on May 3.
The new chief enjoys widespread support, including from the political heavyweight Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended his congratulations and best wishes to Karim on assuming leadership of the influential party.
Political Path and Senate Prospects
Before this appointment, Hafiz Abdul Karim served as secretary-general of JAH and was the PML-N’s candidate for the Senate seat vacated by the late Professor Mir. Initially, the PML-N had offered the Senate seat to Mir’s son, Ahmad Mir, who declined, leading to Karim’s nomination.
Karim’s political career spans years of public service. He served as a senator from March 2018 to March 2024, representing Punjab on a technocrat seat. Prior to that, he was a member of the National Assembly from 2013 to 2018 and held the post of communications minister in the cabinet of then-Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi in 2017.
Remembering Professor Sajid Mir
Professor Sajid Mir, a key religious and political figure, passed away at the age of 86 due to a heart attack.
Mir was a veteran senator, having been elected multiple times since 2009, most recently in 2021. He was laid to rest in his hometown of Sialkot, leaving behind a legacy of dedicated service.
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) announced the Senate election for the vacant Punjab general seat will be held on May 29, where Hafiz Abdul Karim is expected to be a key contender.
