KARACHI, July 28: Rich tributes were paid to Quaid-i-Azam’s associate late Syed Hashim Raza at a reference held at the Arts Faculty of the University of Karachi on Thursday.

The reference was organized by the Quaid-i-Millat Liaquat Ali Khan Memorial Committee in association with the KU’s Department of Public Administration.

A former ambassador Syed Mehdi Masood, ex-VC of the university Prof Manzooruddin Ahmed, VC of the Ziauddin Medical University Shahid Aziz Siddiqui and Syed Ali Raza (son of Syed Hashim Raza), spoke on the occasion.

They described Syed Hashim Raza as a perfect administrator and an intellectual bureaucrat who always upheld the principles followed by the Father of the Nation, Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah.

He performed his duties in a judicious and honest manner with national spirit and rendered valuable services to the nation which would be long remembered, they said.

They noted that the late bureaucrat had a great deal of love for Sindh and with his posting in the province in 1939, he had adopted the culture and values of this land.

Mehdi Masood said that because of his administrative competence and abilities, the Quaid-i-Azam had appointed Syed Hashim Raza as Collector of Karachi. Besides, he had also served as the chief secretary and acting governor of the then East Pakistan and proved his administrative abilities.

Mr Masood recalled that the site for the Quaid’s mausoleum had also been selected by Syed Hashim Raza, who had immense attachment with Pakistan and the Quaid-i-Azam.

Prof Manzooruddin Ahmed paid glowing tributes to the late bureaucrat and praised his intellectual capabilities.

Mr Shahid Aziz Siddiqui described Syed Raza as a role model for all Pakistanis.

Prof. Ikhlaq Ahmed said the late Hashim Raza was a great administrator and a very good poet as well.

Chairman of the Department of Public Administration Dr Syed Humayun and Mahfoozun Nabi Khan also recounted Hashim Raza’s commendable contributions.

Syed Ali Raza presented the vote of thanks and announced the initiation of ‘Syed Hashim Raza Memorial Gold Medal’ for position-holder of the KU’s Department of Public Administration. — APP