HAVING spent best part of my life in Karachi for well over 35 years, first in 1956, then from 1966-1997,and finally over a year in 2000-2001,my stay there has been full of lasting memories and friendships with many known and remarkable personalities.
But unfortunately as years go by, I am shattered to see the once remarkable city of Karachi rapidly declining as also loss of many friends, acquanticies and former colleagues with whom I had lasting associations.
It was therefore with a sense of utter sadness that I learned today of the passing away of Prof.Sharif Al Mujahid. I had known him from his days with Karachi University where I had gone once to help a colleague, Amanullah to get his admission in the post graduate class of journalism. He received me with utmost civility but mentioned a technical hitch .Who can do the needful I asked? He mentioned the name of Vice Chancellor, Mr. Ehsan Rashid.
I promptly went to see him and spent an hour with him to discuss the affairs of the Karachi University. The result was an op-ed article on VC and Karachi University, in the Pakistan Times, which I represented and a lasting friendship with Ehsan Rashid, and Prof. Mujahid and naturally a prompt admission to Amanullah, who went on become a worthy journalist in due course of time. I remained in touch with the worthy Prof. Mujahid,, even afterwards at Quaid E Azam Academy ,where he also served with distinction for many years. Another old colleague and friend Khalique Zubairi has passed away in Islamabad, where he had shifted in later years to make a name as a worthy journalist in Economic Affairs. Here is wishing my deep condolence to both the families of Prof. Sharif Al Mujahid and Khalique Zubairi.
