Rana Ijaz: A Tribute
During the cold December of Lahore came the sad news that the popular figure of Rana Ijaz is no more.
Rana Ijaz was raised in challenging circumstances wherein obstacles were placed in his path for formal education, but what he may have lacked in social advantage he amply made up with grit and determination.
For 50 years, Rana Ijaz was a prominent fixture in the Lahore legal scene, including serving in the Punjab Government as a Minister and Advisor on Law & Human Rights (2002-2007). To me personally he was a cherished Cabinet colleague and a much-valued sincere friend.
During the course of his career, he was also elected to the prestigious post of Vice Chairman of the Pakistan Bar Council. He set up a successful law firm, Rana Ijaz& Partners, on Turner Road, opposite Lahore High Court, with substantial international clientele.
He was a tireless advocate for human rights and minority dignity values. To that end, he was a bridge of amity to the worldwide Sikh diaspora.
Rana Ijaz had no pretensions. In a sometimes contrived environment of pomposity, he had the disarming trait of not taking himself too seriously. His lack of guile, along with a sense of humor, endeared him to many. He was noted for his open-hearted genuineness and unfailing hospitality and kindness.
Through his departure, Lahore has been left bereft of an affectionate presence. He will be much missed. He leaves behind a wonderful wife in Nasreen, his two sons, Sajad and Ahmed, and daughter, Sadia, and many whose lives he touched.
- Mowahid H. Shah
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