KARACHI: In wee hours of October 17, 1998 founder of Hamdard Pakistan Shaheed Hakim Mohammed Said was martyred at entrance of Hamdard Matab Arambagh Karachi, very place where he started journey of Hamdard Pakistan in 1948. 

With his demise came an end to a remarkable life of an exceptional physician, a social reformer, an entrepreneur and a visionary educationist. Shaheed Hakim Said devoted his life serving Pakistan to best of his abilities. His life's accomplishments make him one of greatest influential Pakistanis. 

He was born in 1920 to Hakeem Abdul Majeed and his wife Rabia Begum. Abdul Majeed was also a renowned Hakim in Delhi. But Young Hakim Said lost his father at an early age. His strong-willed mother and her elder son Hakim Abdul Hameed took over charge of Hamdard Dawakhana. With sheer brilliance and management, mother-son duo made Hamdard an established apothecary in Delhi. But political dynamics in colonial India were changing.

Just like many young men, young Shaheed Hakim Mohammed Said was also inspired by 1940 resolution of an independent land for Muslims of subcontinent.  Following partition in 1947, Hakim Said migrated and faced unrelenting challenges. His commitment to resolve all difficulties hovering above him and his ambition stiffened than ever.

Consequently, Hamdard in Pakistan went from two small rented rooms having rented furniture to an Eastern Medicine industry.  It was converted into an Islamic irrevocable trust based on catering to health and education sector of Pakistan. Almost all profits of Hamdard Pakistan were made over to trust for use in development of health, education, national and philanthropic fields.

Hamdard University is another incredible institution leading core values of Hamdard Pakistan. Two universities in Islamabad and two in Karachi are known to be among best institutions in field of Unani/Herbal medicine. In addition, Hamdard University houses a whole research center in particular category. It also offers financial assistance to deserving students, thus keeping quality education not a requisite for only those who could afford it.

Shaheed Hakim Said's contribution to Pakistan and its people is monumental. His legacy shall remain alive and institutions shall continue to do their service.

Published in The Daily National Courier, October, 17 2022

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