Lost gem

On October 10, Pakistan and South Asia lost Syed Abid Rizvi. Although his passing at the fine age of 86 years went largely unreported, Rizvi was a truly exceptional individual who made significant, unprecedented contributions to radio broadcasting, literature and the promotion of social and cultural cohesion. He joined Radio Pakistan as a producer in 1965 after securing a Master’s degree in Urdu literature from the University of Balochistan. Initially, he conceptualised, produced and presented a diverse series of programmes which highlighted facets of Balochi language, history, folk arts and literature. In Turbat, he organised numerous cultural events and played a virtually pioneering role in popularising the use of the historic term of ‘Kech’ to accurately portray the distinctness of Southern Balochistan’s identity. He also helped build new, enduring channels of inter-community dialogue. Back in Quetta in his later years, he served as a very active secretary of the literary forum known as ‘Qalam Qabeela’. Rizvi’s humanism transcended ethno-linguistic divides and earned him wide respect as a broadcaster who was able to present both political and cultural programmes of absorbing interest.

Major leaders and personalities, ranging from Nawab Akbar Bugti to ZA Bhutto and from Ghaus Bux Bizenjo to Ataullah Mengal, readily agreed to be interviewed by him. He encouraged hundreds of girls and boys to participate in radio programmes to develop their self-confidence and talents. Over a span of over 30 years, he received several international and national awards. I was privileged to serve with him as a fellow-volunteer when we, together with 32 other development specialists from across Pakistan, established the Strengthening Participatory Organisation (SPO) in 1994. Tragically losing his beloved wife Arifa in 1978 only a few years after their marriage, he did not remarry and devoted the next 20 years as a loving single parent to nurturing his daughter Kanwal and his son Hasan – to enable them to become well-educated, capable professionals. Syed Abid Rizvi was truly compassionate, cultured, and committed to public service.

Senator (r) Javed Jabbar

Karachi