Written BY:Dr. Jamal Nasir
Former Provincial Minister for Health and Population Welfare, Punjab
CEO City Lab, Chair Qamar Jahan Foundation
President Pakistan Green Task Force
Published By:ANI
There are some personalities in life who, even after leaving this world, leave indelible impressions of their character, love and sincerity on the hearts. Such people become a source of cool shade, peace and courage in the turmoil, difficulties and trials of life. There is no dearth of people in the world, but perhaps only one or two are lucky enough to be sincere and selfless people. For me, the late Hamid Javed Awan was also such a personality. I considered him not only my friend but also my younger brother. The honor, position and successes that I have in life from Allah Almighty were due to the grace of Allah, then the prayers of my parents and the selfless friendship of Hamid Javed Awan. He encouraged and guided me at every turn. After my student days, the days passed at their own pace, but then there came a stage in my life when I became a little distant from social and public activities. At such a time, Hamid Javed Awan was the personality who reactivated me. One day he published the news that I had been appointed as the Information Secretary of the Pakistan Medical Association Punjab. This position instilled new energy in me. At the same time, he came up with a beautiful idea that why not establish an organization that would play a practical role in making Pakistan green and eco-friendly. It was his natural instinct that in the coming era, environment would be the biggest global issue and conflicts would arise over water. As a result of this insight and foresight, we together founded the Pakistan Green Task Force, which soon became an effective and well-known organization in Pakistan. This platform played a valuable role in raising awareness among the people about environmental protection, tree plantation and pollution prevention. Then when I entered practical politics, Hamid Javed Awan stood by me at every step despite being a government employee. From writing, reading, speaking, communication, advertising and effective use of social media, he selflessly guided me in every field. Whenever I was in trouble, his opinion proved to be a beacon of light for me. When I suddenly received the news of his death, it felt as if my real brother had been separated from me or an important part of my being had been separated from me. This shock was indescribable for me. But we all submit to the will of Allah Almighty. There are two personalities in my life whom I consider to be my true guide and mentor. One is my respected father, who started his struggle from very simple circumstances, set up a cart, worked hard and taught us to live with self-respect. The other personality is the late Hamid Javed Awan, who achieved a distinguished position in life on the basis of his hard work, honesty and character. He spent his entire working life with utmost honesty. In the responsibilities he held, advertisements worth crores of rupees and major financial transactions were under his supervision, but his honesty was such that till date no person or institution has accused him of even a single penny of irregularity or corruption. This is the biggest recognition of his impeccable character. After retirement, when he came to Rawalpindi, I happened to tell the then Deputy Chairman NAB and my younger brother Sohail Nasir that NAB needs a person of character, talent and experience like Hamid Sahib who can effectively highlight the positive image of NAB because NAB was doing great work. On my suggestion, the late Hamid Javed Awan was given the responsibility of Additional Director Media and as always, he did his best for this position. My relationship with Hamid Javed Awan Sahib spans the past four decades. This relationship, instead of weakening with the passage of time, has become stronger, deeper and enviable. Our friendship has been a beautiful example. Whenever I used to organize walks for public awareness in Islamabad, Hamid Sahib would always participate with full enthusiasm and enthusiasm along with his family. His presence was not only encouraging for me but also a positive message for the other participants that serving the society is not done only through words but through practical participation. He always considered my happiness and sorrow as his own. Be it moments of happiness or days of trial, he stood by my side at every opportunity. His companionship always made me realize that true friends are the greatest blessing of life. Today, when I turn the pages of the past on the occasion of Hamid Sahib’s first death anniversary, every moment spent with him becomes fresh before my eyes. The pain of his separation is still present in my heart with the same intensity. Hamid Sahib had gone to America on leave during the last days of his service and apparently he had no intention of returning. But when I got the honor of becoming the Health Minister of Punjab, a desire arose in my heart that such an experienced, honest and talented officer should definitely complete his term of service. I personally persuaded him to return to his homeland and complete his government service. I convinced the then caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi, caretaker Information Minister Aamir Mir and Information Secretary Ali Nawaz Malik to call him back from America on my request. He returned home and resumed his duties as Director Advertisements Punjab, DGPR Lahore and completed his job with great grace, dignity and sense of duty. Even during my time as the Health Ministry, Hamid Sahib always supported me fully. He would attend various important meetings, provide guidance with his valuable opinions and vast experience.And played a significant role in communicating the public projects and welfare initiatives of the Health Department to the public. I will always regret that I could not attend his funeral prayers and last rites. I was out of the country during those days due to my personal engagements. As soon as I returned home, I offered my condolences to his son and family at his residence, recited Fateha and expressed my heartfelt sorrow and grief over the separation of this long-time friend and brother of mine. I pray that Allah Almighty forgives him com
pletely, grants him a high place in Paradise, raises his ranks and grants his family patience. Amen.
According to Irfan Siddiqui
زیست جلتے ہوئے سورج کی شعاعوں جیسی
دوستی اس کی گھنی پیڑ کے چھاؤں جیسی
