Dr Rashid Nisar (1927- 2013), son of Malik Imdad Ali, was from Rawalpindi. Although he was much older than me in age, but a friend of mine because of Bhera’s connections. He saw Bhera in his youth before and after Independence, as his sister was married there.
Rashid Nisar wrote 34 books on a variety of topics. Several articles in newspapers and magazines. I found him to be a humble, straightforward, and professional person. He spent an honest and simple life. Never projected himself in public or media circles. Had long hair, wore simple clothes, and had no beard. Throughout in life travelled by public transport. He remained affiliated with Anjuman Faiz-ul-Islam, Trunk Bazaar, Rawalpindi, for a long time. Loved by the minorities because of his liberal views. He was a different breed of writers, yet to come across one like him. Rashid Sahib had photographic memories of Bhera. To know more about him, see Wikipedia. His observations regarding Bhera, have been covered in his Urdu article, “Bhera Jo Aak Sahar Tha”, published in his book, “Aakh Jahpakta Lamha “. PP 55 -69.
Notes:
1. Dr Rashid Nasir’s article mentioned above is given below.
2 . Dr Rashid also wrote an article about Prof. Dr Gian Sarup (late) from Mohalla Dhona da Ghara, Bhera. Prof Gian, after Partition, migrated to America. If interested in reading, his write-up is given on the website: bhera. org, also articles of Prof Dr Gian Sarup.
3 . It is suggested that some students should write their M.Pil/Ph.D., thesis on Dr Rashid Nisar.
Zahid Mumtaz
