THIS apropos the news item (Nov 11) Rahmat Ali, who is credited with coining the word ‘Pakistan’, had a lonely death in 1951, at a hospital in Cambridge, penniless. The hospital had no address to contact. It was Rahmat Ali’s old tutor who bore the hospital and burial expenses, even the Pakistan High commission in London did not respond.

He was heart-broken on his return to Cambridge in October 1948, after the shabby treatment he got in Lahore. He was a disillusioned person after his visit, as it was not the Pakistan that he had visualised.

One is not aware whether he had a desire to be buried in Pakistan, and if the consent of any of his descendants has been obtained for moving his mortal remains. Also, if during his life he did not get the honour and respect he deserved, what good would it be to relocate his burial place after 66 years? It would, therefore, be advisable to let his soul rest in peace where his remains are at present interned.

Ibna Ismail Din Muhammad

Islamabad

Published in Dawn, December 14th, 2017