Symbol of tolerance

Thomas Paine once said, “The world is my country, all mankind are my brethren, and to do good is my religion.” The reflection of these words could be seen in the multidimensional personality of the former acting chief justice of Pakistan Rana Bhagwandas, who passed away in Karachi a few weeks ago leaving behind a huge legacy of his strong character and utmost honesty not only with his legal profession but all other offices he held during his lifetime.
Bhagwandas himself once said that “people see me as a Hindu. However, I am neither a Hindu nor a Muslim rather my only religion is humanity”. He twice served as the acting chief justice of Pakistan. He was the first Hindu and the third non-Muslim (after Justices A R Cornelius and Dorab Patel) to serve in this post. In 2007, Bhagwandas was one of those judges who refused to take oath under the PCO. Holding a Masters in Islamic Studies, he also wrote poetry and a book in praise of the Holy Prophet (pbuh). People of such genius when passed away leave behind a vacuum that is hard to fill. Bhagwandas was a symbol of religious tolerance.
Muhammad Yasir Kayani
Kasur