KARACHI: Members of Hamdard Shura Karachi and young speakers of the Hamdard Naunehal Assembly paid glowing tribute to Shaheed Hakim Mohammed Said for his multifaceted national services at a joint session held to mark his Martyrdom Day.
Hamdard Foundation Pakistan organised the session under the theme “A Lamp That Still Shines”, highlighting Hakim Said’s contributions to education, healthcare, learning and service to humanity.
Faisal Nadeem, COO Hamdard Pakistan, and Syed Muhammad Arsalan, Director of Hamdard Foundation Pakistan, also attended the session.
Colonel (R) Mukhtar Ahmed Butt, Deputy Speaker of Hamdard Shura, described October 17 as one of the darkest days in the country’s history, saying the nation had lost a true patriot and healer. He said Hakim Mohammed Said was a humble and truthful person who came to Pakistan with determination and devoted his abilities, resources and life to the country’s progress and service.
Brigadier (R) Tariq Khalil said Hakim Said’s ideas, communication and high spirits inspired others. He particularly valued children’s education, training and encouragement and believed young people should be provided opportunities to progress. He said although Hakim Said was martyred, his mission continues through his ideas and services.
Young speakers Arfa Noor, Speaker; Aiza Arsalan, Leader of the House; Rahim bin Amir, Leader of the Opposition; and Laiba Raza of Hamdard Village School also highlighted Hakim Said’s contributions to education and healthcare. They described him as a far-sighted leader who cared deeply about Pakistan’s future and believed the country could progress through knowledge and hard work.
Panel Discussion Highlights Discipline and Character-Building
The session also featured a panel discussion with students. Responding to their questions, Sadia Rashid said Hakim Said’s life was an outstanding example of discipline. She recalled that he would wake early, offer Tahajjud prayers, recite the Holy Quran and reflect before beginning his daily work. Exercise and tennis were also part of his routine.
She said Hakim Said was punctual and regarded time as a trust from Allah. Education, she added, should go hand in hand with good upbringing, with children learning good habits and discipline from an early age at home.
Professor Dr Jafar Ahmed said Hakim Said’s life demonstrated the importance of aligning passion with profession. Medicine was both his profession and passion, through which he made significant contributions. He also described Hakim Said as a social reformer who considered schools and primary education essential for improving society.
Senator Abdul Haseeb Khan recalled that Hakim Said began his professional life with limited resources, establishing a small clinic in a room rented for Rs12 per month. He said Hakim Said’s hard work, honesty, strong principles and commitment to serving humanity eventually laid the foundation for a major institution.
He urged young people to develop strong character, maintain their relationship with Allah and make service to humanity a purpose in life. He also emphasised a balanced diet, adequate sleep, maintaining regular sleeping and waking times, and moderation in eating for a healthy lifestyle.
Zafar Iqbal, Sultan Chawla, Raza Kazmi and Hamdard University Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Imran Amin also spoke at the meeting.
The speakers stressed that continuing Shaheed Hakim Mohammed Said’s mission in knowledge, education, healthcare and welfare remains essential. They said his life and services continue to inspire younger generations, while his ideas and practical efforts can help strengthen character, promote knowledge and encourage a greater spirit of service to humanity.
Huma Baig and Kaleem Chughtai also paid tribute to Hakim Said through poetic verses.