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Farewell to a Noble Soul: Remembering Haji Mirza Ali

By Syed Shams Uddin With a heavy heart and deep sorrow, I received the devastating news here in San Francisco of the passing of my longtime friend, Haji Mirza Ali, Senior Advocate of the Supreme Appellate Court, Gilgit-Baltistan. Overwhelmed by grief, I immediately reached out to his eldest son, Mirza Sikandar Ali, who confirmed the heartbreaking truth. His departure has created an irreplaceable void in my heart and soul—one that no words can truly express. It feels as though a chapter of my own life story has quietly closed with his departure. The grief I feel is deeply personal, and the loss serves as a poignant reminder of life’s fragility and the fleeting nature of our time in this world. With his passing, a significant and cherished era of our enduring friendship has come to an end—one that gracefully spanned many decades and was grounded in mutual respect, trust, unwavering loyalty, and deeply shared values that withstood the test of time and distance.
Haji Mirza Ali was more than a dear friend—he was a man of rare integrity, intellect, and moral courage. His calm presence exuded wisdom, and his unwavering commitment to truth and justice earned him deep respect within the legal community. He lived by his principles, never swayed by pressure or convenience, and always spoke truth with conviction, even in solitude. Though I was based in Rawalpindi for the past six years, our bond remained strong. Heartfelt calls kept us connected, offering comfort, warmth, and shared reflection. His reassuring voice was a source of strength during trying times. Whenever I visited Gilgit, we made time to meet—brief yet meaningful moments filled with laughter, sincerity, and mutual respect. Ours was a rare friendship, strengthened by time and shared values. His loss is deeply personal and a great blow to the legal fraternity and the people of Gilgit-Baltistan. He leaves behind a legacy of integrity, excellence, and selfless service that will continue to inspire many. May Allah grant his noble soul eternal peace and bless the bereaved family with strength to bear this irreparable loss. Ameen.

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