ABBOTTABAD, Aug 5: Omar was a passionate, determined and practical man who devoted his entire life to serve the oppressed and downtrodden sections of the society.

This was observed by speakers in a reference organized by the Sungi Development Foundation in connection with the Chehlum of Omar Asghar Khan, who was also the founding executive director of the organization.

That cool-minded and soft-spoken man always stood for truth and never compromised on the principles he set for himself, they said.

Air Marshal Asghar Khan, chief of the Qaumi Jamhoori Party founded by Omar Asghar, said his son was a man of principles and never bowed before the evil forces.

His devotion to the poor and neglected people, particularly those of Hazara Division, had always been reciprocated with love and adoration for the departed soul, he remarked.

Sungi Executive Director Dr Shahid Zia said Omar through his untiring efforts had lit candles of hope in the hearts of voiceless people.

He resolved to continue “Omar’s mission to bring about policy and institutional changes by mobilizing the deprived and marginalized communities with a view to creating an environment in which people at local level might be able to transform their lives through the equitable and sustainable use of resources.”

Qaiser Bengali, an eminent economist and scholar, recounted his friendship with the late leader, and said Omar was not satisfied with the existing power structure of the country and throughout his life kept on trying to bring much needed changes at the grassroots.

Ali Asghar Khan, the younger son of Air Marshal Asghar Khan, said Omar being elder brother had always been his role model. He said his brother was a very humble and down-to-earth person.