Khan Hasham bin Saddique
(Vice Chief of Naval Staff and former Ambassador of Pakistan to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia)
T hey say friends are one of the greatest assets one can have and if one of them happens to be Fawad you don’t need too many.
When I first met him as a diminutive boy; way back in 1969, little did I realise that one day he will grow into such an imposing stature in every sense of the word. Looking back, frankly, Fawad could have been an outstanding, sportsman, accomplished politician, successful businessman, note-worthy writer/poet, skillful media person, an eminent lawyer or what have you dare I say a film hero too. That he chose to be a civil servant was a surprise for many. He is such a rare multi-faceted talent, who is endowed with uncanny intelligence and intellect. I have seen his exponential growth in the service albeit to the envy of some. Having often been chosen for important and difficult assignments beyond his rank and seniority, Fawad was always masterful and set exceptional standards of performance. Competent, brilliant, professional, bold et cetera are some of the adjectives that reverberate whenever or wherever Fawad gets mentioned.
I am obliquely aware of his performance in his previous assignments but I know first-hand, it is his what I call his service to the nation as Secretary to the Prime Minister that is apogee of his career. He was the lynchpin in overseeing and directing strategic issues of monumental significance during this tenure. He put his heart and soul into his job, always in overdrive, challenging the status quo, enterprising and industrious to the limit. History will bear testimony to his glorious legacy of a towering personality, leadership and unparalleled accomplishments.
Fawad is admired by many for his compassion and kindness, willing to help anyone and everyone literally at a toll free helpline. He is witty with a great sense of humor exuding an aura of vibrancy. As a son he was so attached to his parents and looked after them quite diligently despite being the youngest in the family.
Finding so many values and traits in common between him and I, he is far beyond a mere friend. My relationship with him is one of the most pleasurable experiences of my life.
I am deeply hurt and saddened to see the treatment being meted out to him. A person who deserved the best accolades finds himself in such an incomprehensible quagmire.
May Allah bless him with happiness and prosperity.
16th December 2019