Khawaja Shafaat Hussain
Before beginning my discussion about Syed Zamir Hussain Shah Gardizi (late), I consider it necessary to record a few details about his respected father, Syed Amir Hussain Shah Gardizi (late). He belonged to a distinguished Syed family. This family settled in the central town of Hari Ghel in District Bagh, and from the very beginning, they have remained residents of this village. Before the freedom movement, Syed Amir Hussain Shah Gardizi served in an important position in the Revenue Department in Poonch. He was a highly knowledgeable personality, particularly well-versed in history. In addition, he was a humble, spiritual, and saintly figure. He was also known for his foresight, and many of his predictions proved to be true. It is unfortunate that his spiritual and historical insights could not be preserved in writing. Guests who visited their home often suggested that his historical knowledge should be documented.
During his stay in Poonch, my great-grandfather, Jafar Ali Karbalai, shared a deep friendship with him. My great-grandfather had the honor of serving as a special assistant to the Maharaja of Poonch, Sardar Baldev Singh, which I have mentioned in my previous article. In two books by the renowned Poonch author Muhammad Din Fauq—History of the Peoples of Poonch and History of the Peoples of Kashmir—both Jafar Ali Karbalai and Syed Amir Hussain Gardizi (late) have been paid rich tribute. Unfortunately, these rare historical books are no longer available in their original form. A century ago, my great-grandfather traveled on horseback to Iraq for pilgrimage, which is why he was called “Karbalai.” I myself have visited occupied Kashmir three times. However, since the central focus of this article is Principal Syed Zamir Hussain Shah (late), I will share more about this saintly and highly capable administrator.
My association with Syed Zamir Hussain Shah (late) spans twelve years, during which I spent three years in Hari Ghel, District Bagh, while he served as Principal of Degree College Chakar for nine years. His tenure in Chakar was a golden period; during that time, many students from the college went on to become doctors and engineers. He holds the distinction of having served there for the longest period. He was an excellent leader, head of institution, a noble and well-mannered person, of strong character, reserved in speech, deeply committed to his profession, and an exceptionally capable professor. It is a unique honor that upon his transfer and farewell ceremony, every eye was filled with tears, and the entire college staff accompanied him with great respect up to Sudhan Gali to bid him farewell.
In District Bagh, three major tribes reside, but among them, the Syed tribe holds a distinguished position, like a jewel in a ring. This is why the legacy of Syed Zamir Hussain Shah (late) is considered truly exemplary. He provided excellent upbringing to his children, and through his prayers and efforts, his offspring achieved remarkable success that will remain an example for generations. Two of his sons are doctors, one is an SP in Jhelum veliy, one is a professor, and one is an engineer. This is a source of pride for the entire family and the region.
Moreover, he also played a key role in the upbringing of his nephew and son-in-law, Corps Commander Syed Imdad Hussain Gardizi, who is a matter of pride for the entire district. He serves in the Pakistan Army as a Lieutenant General and is the Corps Commander Gujranwala. In recognition of his valuable contributions, a road has been named after him as “Syed Zamir Hussain Shah Road.” I appeal to the government to also name the Higher Secondary School Hari Ghel after the late Syed Zamir Hussain Shah in honor of his services.
From the depths of my heart, I pray that Allah Almighty elevates the ranks of Syed Amir Hussain Shah (late), grants him a place in the highest levels of Paradise (Jannat-ul-Firdous), blesses him with the intercession of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his family, and makes his grave a garden from among the gardens of Paradise. May his students be blessed to follow in his footsteps. In today’s era, personalities like Shah Sahib are rare; every aspect of his life is worthy of being written in golden words.