SARGODHA - PML-Q leader Chaudhry Anwar Ali Cheema, former federal minister and seven-time member of the National Assembly, has passed away at age 81 in a private hospital at Lahore after short illness.

He was commonly known as 'Emperor of Construction' because of his record development works across the district. His son MPA Chaudhry Amir Sultan Cheema said that his father had been shifted to the hospital due to critical condition. His funeral prayer was offered in Mela Mandi ground. A great number of parliamentarians, politicians and common public were present.

PML-Q head Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain and former Punjab chief minister Chaudhry Pervez Elahi expressed their deep sorrow over the demise of Chaudhry Anwar Ali Cheema. His Rasam-e-Qul will be offered at Qasar-e-Sultan on August 2, 2016 Tuesday.