The death of an eminent person, on November 9 in Islamabad, has practically gone unnoticed by the print media and the society. Abu Shamim M Ariff, belonging to the elite civil service, had an illustrious career spanning over 40 years.
Only a few years ago he had retired as federal secretary having served, with distinction, various ministries in that capacity including Information and Broadcasting, Industries and Production, IT and Telecommunication and Statistics divisions. He remained Chairman of Pakistan Steel Mills Corporation (Pakistan Steel), Chairman of Pakistan Telecommunication Co Ltd (PTCL), Vice Chairman of Export Promotion Bureau (now TDAP) and Managing Director of Balochistan Development Authority, where he coped with successfully numerous challenges and ensured quality corporate governance. Founding of the famous Pakistan Institute of Fashion and Design at Lahore, managed by the TDAP, is to his credit.
A gentleman par excellence, Shamim Ariff was a symbol of professionalism, patriotism and determination as characterised in his large contributions at national level. He was a great socialite, an avid reader, a connoisseur and promoter of fine arts, having remained closely associated with Faiz Ahmad Faiz, Sadequain and other notables. Above all, he was a jewel of a person-loved by his colleagues and respected by the juniors. He was not a typical CSP officer even when he served as Assistant Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner in the seventies.
After retirement he remained associated with various educational institutions, hospitals and other organisations. He was Chairman of the Board of Governors of Civil Hospital Karachi and Lyari General Hospital, and Member Board of Governors of the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA). Occasionally he contributed articles in the national newspapers too. Indeed, a life well spent by a noble man! Today, he is no more among us but his accomplishments will live on forever.
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