Irfan Mirza’s tribute to Munir Hussain

By Syed Khalid Mahmood
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Irfan Mirza, a veteran sports administrator, has paid glowing tribute to Munir Hussain, the famous Urdu commentator, who expired in Karachi on July 29. 

“He was blessed with quite a few outstanding qualities. I had the privilege of knowing him closely for four decades. Our first meeting had taken place in 1970 when I was working at UBL’s Nursery branch. We became friends in 1975 and we remained friends all along. In fact we were due to have another meal together soon after Eid but unfortunately it won’t be happening now,” Irfan Mirza, who headed the sports division of United Bank Limited (UBL) for a number of years since its inception, remarked in a choked voice. 

“Munir Bhai was basically a very kind person who was soft-hearted as well. He used to break into tears when he saw people in distress. His columns in Daily Jang by the name of ‘Yun Bhi Zindagi Guzarti Hai’ brought to light the miseries of ordinary folks. He was deeply concerned for the less privileged persons and he tried to help them in every possible manner,” he recalled. 

“Munir Bhai cared for his friends. He was always there to lend a helping hand, be it just an advice or some practical support. He was like an elder brother to me. He was just a call away whenever I needed him. He guided me at various critical stages. He was always willing to help which is quality not commonly found these days. I will miss him a lot,” he added. 

Irfan Mirza, one of the rare breed of gentlemen who believe in doing things gracefully rather than keeping others guessing, had immortalized himself by building the dream UBL Sports Complex in the heart of Karachi in 1993. Although he is no more with the bank, the sports complex, one of its kind, reminds of his awesome management capabilities that enabled him to accomplish the gigantic task against the heaviest of odds.