My father, the late Lieutenant General Mustafa Kamal Akbar, who was one of the most loyal and longtime readers, of Friday Times was recently lost. Since the establishment of Friday Times in 1989, he had not skipped a single edition. Prior to that, he used to be a passionate reader and collector of various other reputable publications like The Reader's Digest and National Geographic, etc. However, it was Friday Times that became his preferred choice for news and entertainment. He eagerly anticipated each new weekly issue, frequently visiting the closest bookstore for immediate purchase instead of waiting for it to be delivered to his home the next day.
My father had a specific routine when reading the Friday Times. He always began with his preferred section, The Diary of a Social Butterfly by Moni Mohsin, starting from the final page. Following the laughter and cleverness found on that page, he would systematically read the rest of the paper, frequently discussing news or articles that intrigued him. He discovered that Friday Times was a dependable source of current affairs and thought-provoking stories, concluding with the enjoyable satire at the end. Soon, the whole family became captivated by TFT too, rotating between reading and talking about the material as a group.
Other regular columns that he liked were the ones written by Mr. Ardeshir Cowasjee. He praised Mr. Cowasjee's honesty and his generous nature. This deeply struck a chord with my father, as he was a dedicated philanthropist throughout his life. Upon reaching the pinnacle of his career as an ophthalmologist and Surgeon General, he chose not to boast about his past accomplishments after retiring and resting on his laurels. Instead, he redirected his focus towards contributing to society. He was extremely generous, giving wheelchairs to those in need, donating sports equipment and books to children’s homes, offering sewing machines to women's shelters, and making financial contributions to different causes. However, his selfless blood donations were his most recognised trait.
In his role as a doctor, he had personally seen the urgent necessity for blood transfusions to be given promptly. One vivid memory he had was when, during his time as a medical student, he was summoned to arrange blood for a pregnant woman in need of a blood transfusion during surgery. Regrettably, her family declined to donate, and a professional blood donor insisted on them surrendering all their property in exchange for the blood. Confronted with an immediate crisis, my dad chose to donate his blood. Unfortunately, the mother died before the transfusion could be done. This experience had a deep impact on him and inspired him to dedicate his life to regularly donating blood and educating others about the significance of blood donation.
Being a dedicated tennis player his entire life, he never believed that giving blood would impede his ability to participate in physical activities. In reality, it has been scientifically shown that frequent blood donation can lower the likelihood of a heart attack
He strongly believed in setting a good example and living out the change he wanted others to embody. Each year, on his birthday, he would visit the Armed Forces Institute of Transfusion to give blood as his life-saving present. He repeated this action on at least three additional occasions over the year, reaching the maximum limit permitted. Even when he was older and had diabetes, he continued to do this without any fear or hesitation. At the conclusion of his life, he had an incredible personal record of 160 pints of blood donated.
He also questioned the false beliefs about donating blood, like the idea that it causes weight gain or fatigue. In a jesting manner, he joked that if giving blood led to gaining weight, he would have exploded from all the sessions he had done! Being a dedicated tennis player his entire life, he never believed that giving blood would impede his ability to participate in physical activities. In reality, it has been scientifically shown that frequent blood donation can lower the likelihood of a heart attack.
To raise more awareness, he started actively participating in groups such as the Thalassemia Foundation and the Jamila Sultana Foundation in Rawalpindi. These organisations concentrate on Thalassemia, a genetic blood disorder that necessitates monthly blood transfusions to stay alive. My father would frequently go to the blood banks, bringing presents and candies for the kids who were waiting for their blood transfusions. He would participate in the blood donation events held by these organisations, aiming to encourage others to give as well.
My father recently passed away while surrounded by family in a hospital bed. However, I find solace in knowing that the act of donating blood will positively enhance his afterlife. He frequently reiterated that life after the age of 70 years is a bonus. He would advise against grieving or feeling sorry. He would say that instead, we ought to honor a life that was well-lived and bid farewell with the hope that they performed admirably in their endeavors. It is now time to go to the afterlife pavilion with a positive track record. His words to the departed soul were, Sir! Well played.
Maybe these words could be a suitable tribute for him too.
May his soul rest in peace forever. Ameen.