Remembering GM Sikandar | Political Economy

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On August 6, Pakistan lost one of its excellent government employees, Ghulam Mohammad Sikandar – who is just known as GM Alexander, friends and colleagues. An extraordinary humility and a hard -solving man, died in Lahore after a long illness. His last rites gathered senior bureaucrats, political leaders and citizens who faced their warmth and professionalism during the 39 -year -old career in the state service.

Born in Shigar district of Gilgit -Baltistan, the rise of Alexander in the ranks of Pakistan’s civil service was not only of his intellect, but also his fault for public service. From the very beginning, he emerged as the most respected officer of Pakistan administrative services, who played a senior role in several districts like the Deputy Commissioner, the Prime Minister of the Prime Minister, the Principal Secretary, the Chief Secretary of the Punjab and the Secretary of the Federal Secretary. Still, they were never the title of those who praised it. It was his role.

Former Chief Minister Chaudhry Pervez Elahi remembers him as “more than the administrator”. Talking to the news on Sunday, Elahi said, “GM Alexander was a pillar of support in my time. He was an honest, decent man who never allowed the bureaucracy to be a hindrance between the people and his government. He played an important role in implementing the reforms of our people.

People who worked with him remember a man who walked gently and thought deeply. As the Chief Secretary of Punjab, Alexander moved the province’s bureaucracy with calm confidence, and introduced internal reforms which have been cited today. He believed in raising young officers and setting an example through words rather than words. Many people who have joined the ranks under their patronage say they have never faced a more compassionate or principled leader.

The most heartfelt tribute was presented, the Sadd Tayeb Hussain Rizvi, a lawyer for the Supreme Court of Pakistan and the lawyer of Late Zia H R Rizvi, a lifetime friend of GM Sikandar. Talking to the news on Sunday, Rizvi said, “GM Alexander’s death is for me and for all those who had the honor of closer to know. He was much more than a prominent bureaucrat – he was a man of principle, calm and unprecedented determination for public service.

“My late father, a lifetime friend of GM Sahib, Zia H R Rizvi often said that he was one of the rare people in the government who had changed from power. His heart was always with the people – especially weak and voice.

“There were very few people like GM Alexander in Pakistan. His integrity, humility and silent power left us a lasting impression that was fortunate that he was growing around his stable presence.

“He was not just a bureaucrat but a visionary social leader. His simplicity and humanity made him a role model. Employers need to understand what they live every day. His service is not controlled. It is sympathetic.”

“May Allah grant him the highest place in Jinnah and give his family and loved ones power to do great harm. Amen.”

Gilgit-Baltistan was also paid tribute, where he was affectionately known as Mohsin-Gilgit-Baltistan (Gilgit Baltistan helper). Despite having some high offices in the country, Alexander never lost contact with his roots. The villagers of Sheegger remembered it to send medicines, arrange scholarships and ensure that public infrastructure – is often overlooked in the region. Not only did he go, but it is also remembered for what extent he took others.

Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, acknowledged Alexander’s 39 -year meritorous service and issued a formal condolence. Additional Chief Secretary South Punjab Fawad Hashim Rabbani called him a “statue of courtesy, grace and integrity in public office.” Even those who had never met the inheritance of their inheritance – as if the example he had presented had entered the bloodstream of Pakistan’s civil service.

What GM Alexander is distinguished was not merely qualified, but his power was the ability to humanity. He was known for returning the calls of low -level staff, attending junior colleagues’ funerals, and ensuring that no file was delayed when a pensioner, widow or anxiety was worried. In such a system, it is often accused of apathy, an exception. There are stories of officers to be arrogant for arrogance or neglect. But the repression was never personal. He was reminding that state service was a moral responsibility.

Prof. Dr. Sikandar Zarin, a resident of a colleague, summarized this when he said, “He was a visionary social leader, not only a bureaucrat by office. His simplicity and humanity made him a role model. The officers need to understand this day.”

Its legacy cannot be limited to files or titles. It lives in the minds of people who witnessed a different type of civil servant.

In his last days, he was the person in which he always reviewed the special protocol, resisted to enter the hospital until necessary and asked friends to pray for the country. His death is not just a personal loss for those who knew it – this is a collective mourning for people who think that public service can still be excellent. May Allah grant him eternal peace, raise his position and give his family strength in this difficult time.

The author is an award -winning journalist who is based in Lahore. This can be reached to X @HassanNaqvi5.