Marvel in Dr. Ahmed
- Dr Sajida Munawar, London

SIR, I would like to share with you my feelings about a living legend whom I luckily met the other day at his home in Gujrat. I don’t know how to define a super man.

I am sure the veteran activist of Pakistan Movement, foremost scholar, historian, poet, author of about 163 research based books, and custodian of “world’s 28th precious private library” (as mentioned in a Punjab text book for MA Arabic), Dr Ahmad Hussain Qureshi Qiladari, meets all standards of great men.

It is unfortunate that the nation, as usual, has not given him his due place. A memorial built in the heart of the city of Gujrat inscribed with a writing containing the contribution of the people of Gujrat in the Independence struggle for Pakistan got my attention during a visit.

The memorial bears the name of Dr Ahmad Hussain Qureshi at the top. How he defied orders of a British police officer and how he got injured during a demonstration for Pakistan.

This prompted me to ask about the veteran hero of Independence. My host shook me by surprise when he got me at Dr Ahmed’s place. The darvesh in his 82 years of age, with glowing forehead and sparkling eyes, unveiled his life-long work, treasure of thousands of precious books, rare manuscripts and contribution in nation-building.

He spoke at length on the situation and issues prevailing in the country. The genius looked like speaking from the depth of depths. His eye-opening simple but brief words were the crux of his experience, imagination and meditation.

Meanwhile, Sharif Kunjahi, the veteran Punjabi poet and scholar, also came to have a call-on with Dr Ahmad Hussain Qureshi. He told us that he was highly impressed by Dr Qureshi’s recently authored Tafseer-ul-Quran in Urdu poetry.

“It meets all technical standards of poetry and does not fall from its aim to deliver the message in its true spirit and meaning”, he said. A number of prominent literary figures, spirituals and mystics regularly visit the knowledge-tycoon.

A number of TV channels approached him to visit their studios for interview but he doesn’t like traveling. But there is a great need to highlight his contributions for our own knowledge. He is really an asset for the nation and should be duly honoured.

The government bestowed him Tamgha-e-Imtiaz in recognition of his services some years ago, but his Tafseer elevates him to deserving not less than Pride of Performance. It was surprising that Iranian government honoured him with highest literary award.

The then Iranian ambassador twice visited his place and offered to pay millions of rupees for an eight hundred years old manuscript hand-written by the Pehlvi dynasty pioneer.

Dr. Qureshi’s library books need not only a well preserving plan but translation into Urdu for nation’s benefit.

But the politics-ridden nation seems to have lost the taste and will of accomplishing such a gigantic task.

I would ask the newspaper editors and TV channels, especially correspondents on education beat, to give Dr Ahmad his due recognition.

His presence is a blessing. His belongings and his works are a national treasure that needs to be preserved for coming generations. God bless you Dr Ahmad!●

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