Big Baba
By Faraz Khan
Islamabad
Later this year, we will be celebrating the 97 th birthday of my grandfather, Roedad Khan (or Big Baba as he is known within the family). Born in 1923 to a Pashtun family in the Frontier, Khan has grown up with Pakistan and in many ways has had an instrumental role in shaping the country’s history. Currently, he is the most senior civil servant in Pakistan, having worked with five previous Presidents. Professional accolades aside, he has influenced many of the lives of his children and grandchildren through his wisdom and knowledge.
As a young child growing up in the twilight of British rule in the Subcontinent, Roedad Khan’s quest for knowledge took him to the famed FC College in Lahore in 1939. As he recalls, Lahore was a magical place at the time, full of culture and life. From there, he attended the Aligarh Muslim University before joining the prestigious civil service in newly formed Pakistan. During his tenure as a civil servant, Khan worked throughout the country in various capacities. At the pinnacle of his career, he was appointed as the Secretary General of Pakistan (the highest rank in the bureaucracy) under Zia-ul-Haq’s administration.
While his professional achievements are noteworthy, what is striking is his life post-retirement. Instead of becoming an old, whining forgotten ex-bureaucrat, Khan stayed in the limelight. In the early 1990s, he served as Minister of Accountability and was regarded as one of the key aides to President Ghulam Ishaq Khan. In addition, he launched a writing career in the local print media expressing his views without fear of retribution.
Having seen Pakistan suffer at the hands of martial laws in the past, Roedad Khan became one of the staunch opponents of General Musharraf and his regime. In the 2000s, Khan took on yet another role, this time as a civil society activist. I strongly remember his active participation in the lawyers’ movement of 2007, marching up and down the Constitution Avenue in Islamabad. His speeches and talks motivated and inspired others and eventually played a part in the downfall of General Musharraf.
Khan also played a major part in promoting environmental sustainability in Islamabad. He founded the Margalla Hill Society, a non-profit organization geared to preserve and protect the greenery around the hills overlooking the city. I remember being part of various fund-raising walks and charity events. His commitment to the community around him to this day is truly remarkable.
As his grandson, two facets of Roedad Khan’s personality stand out. One is the remarkable discipline he has maintained throughout his life. His regimen includes having a structured life combined with a healthy lifestyle. Nearing 97, he can be found walking around Islamabad in the wee hours of the morning, engaging with people around him. He also started a “Friday Club” at his house, where people from different walks of life engage in weekly political discourse.
Second, his passion and zest for life stands out. His has been a purpose-driven life. Whether it be in his career or afterwards, Roedad Khan is always full of vigor. The hunger to learn and continue to live on has inspired not just me, but many of my other cousins and family members. Personally, he has motivated me by exemplifying the true way to live a full, wholesome life with utmost integrity.
Swayed by the appeal of protest and change, Roedad Khan has been a prominent supporter of Imran Khan. Whether the current setup can live up to his ideals remains to be seen.
When all is said and done, Big Baba has had an impactful life. I, for one, am fortunate to be edified by it.
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