WHEN I was in the final year of MBBS, I authored a poem, though the verses have been lost to time, the spirit is still there. The poem went something like this:

Zakia’s Smile

When sighs arise from every lip,

Signifying the distress,

One is undergoing,

Someone estimable,

Concealing all her agonies,

Bequeath upon everyone,

Her life-bestowing smile;

Her teeth shining behind lips,

As a moon shines behind clouds,

Her smile creates,

A new zeal in dying souls

Urging them to live,

Embellishing their eyes with joy

She was the spring

That Khizr discovered

This was the time when my only acquaintance with her was that of a student with a teacher. Over the years, our bond evolved into a strong relationship that withstood the tests of time. Sure enough, I would become restless, if I did not see her for a few days.

This iron lady, who was very tough with her subordinates and house staff, always had a broad smile to offer to all her patients.

I remember very fondly her telling us off as students, for not meeting her expectations (which were always very high!) but as she would turn to her patient, her face would soften into a smile. This revealed the love and kindheartedness she had for her patients, which was, and still is, a glowing example for all of us.

“There is only one Mard among all the doctors and that happens to be Prof Zakia Minhas,” governor and chief minister of the then NWFP Gen Fazle Haq often used to reiterate. He was very fond of her administrative capabilities and appointed her as administrator of Khyber Teaching Hospital.

The hospital became cleaner, doctors and nurses became more punctual, the nursing call system started working, and poor patients started getting medicines.

The hospital store was an absolute mess when she took over but responded to the demands of the wards and patients in her time. The corridors used to shine, the bed sheets cleaner and whiter; the place became well-known for its friendlier and cleaner atmosphere.

Many doctors owe their careers to her. She was obsessed with the welfare of people around her. All her staff had to work hard for post-graduation. She treated teaching with sanctity and expected doctors to improve their clinical skills and background knowledge. All her ward rounds were conducted very solemnly, and they were full of practical tips. Most of the practicing obstetricians and gynaecologists are products of her training and hard work.

One factor that distinguished her from others is her belief in human sanctity and respect for human values.

I believe, when her accounts will be checked on the Day of Judgment, she will have countless prayers from poor people, who owe their lives to her. She will have blessings of unknown faces, whose children were fed by her.

Many hearts will recommend her, who kept beating on the energy provided by her donated pacemakers. Many young persons will have their hands raised up in the air, for the books and clothes they got from her. She was in the forefront of all philanthropic activity in the province, may it be Shaukat Khanum Hospital or CHEF.

She was a gift of God to the people of Pakistan; Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Peshawar in particular. People of her qualities are born after centuries. The love that she had for the underprivileged people of our society was highly commendable.

Her enthusiasm for teaching was inspiring and her dedication to the profession was worth emulation.

Her life was a model for all of us to follow. Honesty, sincerity, and straightforwardness were the gems, which she had aplenty.

Her sweet smile bestowed life and ignited candles of hope in the darkness of despondency in many lives. — Prof Dr Mohammad Hafizullah

Published in Dawn, December 20th, 2021