By Syed Shamsuddin
A Facebook post last year (2023),by Mummad Ghazi Khan Lone, featuring a poignant photograph of the late Muhammad Hashim, a former colleague of his, stirred vivid memories of the extraordinary life led by this remarkable individual. Hashim’s life was a testament to tireless service, dedicated to the welfare of the public. Every endeavor he undertook reflected his unwavering commitment to making a meaningful impact on the lives of those around him. His legacy is one of altruism, resilience, and an enduring desire to uplift the community.
I first had the privilege of meeting him in the 1990s at the district court in Gilgit, where I would often represent my department. From our very first interaction, I was struck by his humility and his deep-rooted compassion. Over the years, it became clear that he was not merely a man of words but of action, always willing to lend a helping hand to those in distress. At that time, I was residing in Khomar, Gilgit, and I vividly recall how he would visit my home with individuals seeking assistance. Whether it was drafting letters or writing applications, he entrusted me with these tasks, recognizing my proficiency in English. Our regular meetings cemented a bond between us, one that went beyond mere professional acquaintance and evolved into a relationship built on mutual respect and shared values.
What set Hashim apart was not just his desire to serve, but the manner in which he did so—selflessly and without expectation of reward. He was driven by a rare and profound empathy for the underprivileged, always putting the needs of others before his own. It is truly exceptional to find someone in a public-facing role who, like him, goes above and beyond in their service to humanity. His actions were not motivated by duty alone, but by a deep, intrinsic sense of compassion that is seldom seen in today’s world. Hashim was, without a doubt, a rare gem—a man whose kindness, dedication, and generosity will be remembered for years to come.
I vividly recall a visit Haji Hashim made to my residence in Danyore nearly three years ago. He had come seeking my help in drafting an application to address some pressing community issues, demonstrating once again his commitment to serving the public. Ironically, just a few days after that meeting, he was unexpectedly hospitalized due to a sudden onset of COVID. The severity of the illness left him bedridden for an extended period.
At the time, I had relocated to another part of the country, which unfortunately prevented me from visiting him in the hospital to check on his condition personally. Nevertheless, I stayed in contact by making phone calls from Rawalpindi to his younger son, as Haji Hashim was too ill to speak due to the gravity of his condition. Despite his silence, I was relieved to hear from his family that his health was gradually improving, and eventually, he was discharged from the hospital.
However, my attempts to speak with him afterward were in vain. His persistent throat issues prevented him from communicating over the phone, a lingering consequence of his illness. In August of this year, upon my return to Gilgit, I had the unexpected and sorrowful encounter with his eldest son, Mohammad Aasim Advocate. It was during this meeting that I received the heartbreaking news—Haji Sahib had passed away just two months earlier, in May. His loss was felt deeply, and the news came as a profound shock, marking the end of a life defined by compassion, service, and dedication to others. This is especially true for the dwellers of Al Asr Colony in Sakwar, Gilgit, where he tirelessly devoted himself as a social worker, working day and night to address their pressing social issues. It is important to emphasize that half of his community, originally from the village of Jagote in Sai, relocated to Al Asr Colony in 1988, while the other half resettled in Jotel Khari. Both groups had to rebuild their lives from scratch, facing numerous challenges. During this critical time, they were in dire need of dedicated individuals like Haji Hashim, whose tireless efforts and voluntary social work were essential in addressing the many problems they encountered. His commitment to serving his people was a vital force in helping them navigate these hardships. May the soul of late Muhammad Hashim rest in eternal peace. Amen!
Comments