- Prominent religious scholar requests prayers from all on the sad occasion
LAHORE: Prominent religious scholar Maulana Tariq Jameel’s son Asim Jamil died on Sunday after sustaining a gunshot wound to his chest at his farmhouse in Tulamba area of Khanewal district.
Dr Asif Imam of the Tulamba Hospital confirmed the death.
According to sources, Asim was exercising at his gym located in the farmhouse while a guard was standing alert for his security. Asim took the pistol from the guard and shot himself in the chest, they added.
The tragic news was shared by the scholar himself on social media platform X, requesting prayers for the departed soul.
“My son Asim Jameel passed away today in Tulamba. This accidental death has made the atmosphere sombre. All of you are requested to remember us in your prayers on this sad occasion. May Allah grant my son a high place in Jannatul Firdous,” he said.
According to Mian Channu Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Mohammad Saleem, Asim was taken to Talamba Rural Health Centre, where he was pronounced dead.
The body is being moved to the family’s home from the health centre, he added.
A statement from the Punjab police spokesperson said the cause of death appeared to be a “gunshot”.
Talking to media Multan Regional Police Officer (RPO) Sohail Chaudhry said Asim “shot himself in the chest” in a gymnasium at his home. “According to the family, Asim committed suicide,” the RPO said.
The RPO further said the police had acquired CCTV footage that “confirms he can be seen shooting himself in the chest”. “We are sending the footage for forensic analysis,” he added.
RPO Sohail said Asim was suffering from mental illness as he had been using mental health medicine for a long time.
He was married in a Niazi family of Khanewal.
The sources said Maulana Tariq Jamil had built Al-Hussain School in Tulamba, which was managed and run by Asim’s wife, who was also the principal of the school, while Asim had neither completed matriculation nor had he received any religious education.
Asim had divorced his wife two years ago, had no children and was suffering from mental health problems, they added.
Meanwhile, Punjab IG Police Dr Usman Anwar has taken notice of the incident and sought a report from the Multan RPO.
He said that the cause of death should be determined in the light of evidence and forensic report.
According to Punjab Police, DPO Khanewal and senior police officers are present at the spot and evidence are being collected.
The death of Jamil’s son prompted political and influential personalities to extend condolences. Former Speaker National Assembly Raja Pervaiz Ashraf offered his heartfelt condolences on the unfortunate demise of Asim Jamil.
In his message, he prayed for the elevation of the departed soul, invoking the Almighty to grant solace and fortitude to Maulana Tariq Jamil and his grieving family during this challenging period.
Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar on Sunday expressed his deep grief and sorrow over the death of Asim Jameel, son of Maulana Tariq Jameel.
Expressing his condolence, the prime minister prayed for the departed soul and for the bereaved family to bear the loss with equanimity, PM Office Media Wing said in a press release.
On the other hand, Caretaker Minister for Information and Broadcasting Murtaza Solangi also expressed deep grief and sorrow over demise of Asim Jamil, son of a prominent religious scholar Maulana Tariq Jamil.
The minister, in a condolence message, conveyed sympathies to the bereaved family and said he shared their grief.
He also prayed to the Almighty to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage and fortitude to the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss.
The minister said the death of a young son was a big tragedy.
Caretaker Interior Minister Sarfraz Bugti expressed regret over the incident.
“We all share your grief over this accident,” PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif said as he condoled the family.
The PTI and party secretary general Omar Ayub also extended their condolences.
