KARACHI, Sept 8: Seven human-rights organizations heaped praises upon the late Dr Syed Amiruddin, educationist, human- rights activist and leading exponent of democracy, at a function held at the Pakistan Medical Association House on Saturday evening.

The function was organized by the Irtiqa Institute of Social Sciences, Idara-i-Amn-o-Insaf, Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, Amnesty International, Joint Action Committee for Peace, Aurat Foundation and Shirkat Gah.

Shiyam Kumar from Balochistan recalled that Dr Amiruddin had been a progressive who would undertake a project singlehandedly. “Whenever he succeeded in his projects he would share the praise with others but when he failed he would put the entire blame on himself,” he said.

He said Dr Amiruddin had been extremely daring. “All his life he continued to brave adversities but he never compromised on principles. After espousing a certain ideology, he kept his mind open so much so that he never associated with a certain bloc or a group.”

Muslim Shamim recited a poem in the memory of Dr Amiruddin. He suggested that Dr Amiruddin’s writings be published in different magazines so that his ideas could be disseminated.

Anis Haroon of the Aurat Foundation said she had known Dr Amiruddin as human-rights activist who had had the courage to stand up and be counted. “Whenever we lose such a person our sense of isolation increases because there are few people who could say ‘no’ to an oppressor. We should strengthen the hands of those who are following in the footsteps of Dr Amiruddin.”

The vice-chairperson of the HRCP, Sindh chapter, Ali Hassan, observed that over the past 52 years society had shaped up in such a manner that it had become extremely difficult to work for human rights.

He added that Dr Amiruddin had spoken about injustices in the country, particularly in the tribal society of Balochistan, without fear or favour.

“It is deplorable that we all failed to provide relief and succour to him when he was alive and beset with many financial problems. He remained out of work for a long time and we did nothing for him,” he remarked.

Wahid Basheer reminisced about his long association with Dr Amiruddin.

Uzma Noorani of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan said she had worked with Dr Amiruddin for three years. “He was a kindly man. His reports on Balochistan were very insightful and showed that he was a committed person who knew Balochistan very well.”

Prof Hasan Abid recited a poem about Dr Amiruddin.

Rahat Saeed of the Irtiqa Institute of Social Sciences read out a resolution condemning the government for not arresting those who had killed the office assistant at Irtiqa, Hoshiyar Ali Malik, and his guest, Dr Mahboob Ali, on Aug 16. “What makes the unfortunate incident all the more disconcerting is the fact that it took place at the office of an institute which takes an active part in intellectual and literary activities. This organization stresses peace, justice and tolerance in its meetings.”

Surriya Amiruddin, Dr Amiruddin’s widow, thanked all the organizations that had organized the memorial meeting. She also spoke about various facets of her late husband’s personality as a human-rights activist and educationist.

Dr Mohammad Ali Siddiqui, Prof Mohammad Naseer and Mohammad Sarwar also spoke.