Malik Muhammad Iqbal Channar, a veteran PML-N leader and sitting National Assembly member from Bahawalpur, died on Saturday after weeks of illness. He was 76. His death triggered an outpouring of grief from top party figures, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and party president Nawaz Sharif. Main Developments Channar's family confirmed the funeral prayers will be held at 6pm on Saturday at Bahawalpur Stadium. He is survived by his son, Malik Zaheer Iqbal Channar, who serves as Deputy Speaker of the Punjab Assembly. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed profound grief and praised Channar's political, social, and public services, calling him a sincere representative and loyal companion of Nawaz Sharif. The PM recalled working with him during his tenure in the Punjab cabinet. Read also: Avalanche kills Nirmal Purja, team on Broad Peak: company Nawaz Sharif said he was "deeply grieved" and described Channar as a sincere representative who made public service his motto. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz also offered condolences, while NA Speaker Ayaz Sadiq said his death "deprived parliament of a sincere, dignified and people-oriented member." Background Channar had been an influential PML-N figure in south Punjab for decades, having previously served as a provincial minister. He was elected to the National Assembly from constituency NA-168 Bahawalpur, representing the area in the current parliament. His political career spanned years of close association with the Sharif family, and he was regarded as a committed, ideological party worker. PML-N leader Tariq Fazal Chaudhry termed his death "a great loss for the party and national politics." Why It Matters Channar's passing removes a seasoned south Punjab political heavyweight at a time when the region's electoral dynamics remain pivotal. His relationship with the Sharif family and his long parliamentary service made him a bridge between the party's central leadership and its southern base. His death also leaves a vacancy in NA-168, which could trigger a by-election and test the PML-N's local organisational strength in Bahawalpur. The outpouring of tributes underscores his standing within the party's old guard. What's Next The funeral is scheduled for Saturday evening, with the burial to follow. The National Assembly will likely observe a formal condolence reference when it next convenes, and the Election Commission may announce a schedule for the NA-168 by-poll in the coming weeks.