In fond memory of Dr Zahir

He went away this day two years ago. He went away rather quietly. No visitors flocked around his sickbed. No news was seen on TV or newspapers about his terminal illness. He died in silence in a hospital abroad. A life so full of vigour ended so unceremoniously. 

He had a boisterous presence in life, which could never be ignored by those around him. He knew how to draw attention; by robust arguments in law court, by ruthless forehands in the tennis court, and by euphonious sounds of the piano at home. The law court, tennis court and music were his life. It is a pity that he had to leave so soon. He left without knowing how much he was loved. For he did not see the processions of mournful crowds rushing to his burial from across the country. He did not hear the collective wail of the nation on his parting. He did not know that judges of the Supreme Court rose from their benches in his honour and stopped all court proceedings for the day. A fitting tribute for a life so beautifully lived and a soul so deeply loved.

His lifetime of dedication serves as a monument to the exemplary man he was. Once the country's leading jurist, his contribution to law, particularly in constitutional and corporate affairs, was manifest. His views were dearly valued during constitutional crises. He was a quintessence of neutrality; not having any political inclination unlike most others, his objective and dynamic opinions guided us in times of crises. In a country of wide political divide, he spoke with clarity about the need for solidarity. As a lawyer, his integrity and hard work will continue to inspire us for the rest of our lives.

We have not forgotten you Dr Zahir, our dearest sir. Our hearts still ache in sadness, and secret tears still flow. Not a day goes by that we do not think of you. In your tiny chamber at the High Court, we still sit, like we did when you were there. We still do the same work as we did before: prepare petitions, yell at the clerks, discuss loopholes of law, pour out grudges against the judges. But believe me, sir, it is not the same without you. And it is heart-rending to realise that it will never be the same again. The childlike glee with which you greeted us every morning made our day brighter.You livened us up with your endless reserve of stories, the real-life first-hand tales about your interactions with eminent personalities. We miss your little anecdotes. We miss your constant guidance. You blessed us so abundantly with your support and advice. For years, the little room in the High Court was an epitome of captivation for us. The time spent with you cultivated a sense of duty and a passion for law that we hope will stay with us for ever.

As Rabindranath said, death is not extinguishing the light; it is only putting out the lamp because the dawn has come. As you rest from your life's long labour, we pray for eternal repose of your soul. Your life was a blessing, and your memory a treasure. There is nothing more certain than death, and nothing more uncertain than its time. We are ready too. After all, it is only a brief parting in a larger scheme of life. May your soul rest in peace.

The writer is a practising barrister and an associate of Dr Zahir & Associates.