Civil service is not only a career but also a lifestyle. One joins around mid-twenties and retires at 60 years, having given the most productive years to public service. In this tremendous journey, on average an officer serves with 50 senior officers, directly and indirectly. And they vary from extremely large-hearted positive Officers who take a stand for their juniors to those whose single-point agenda is to be totally subservient to the powers to be while making the lives of the under command a living agony.
In my long career, I have come across some very wonderful people who were not only good officers but also good human beings. And I also had my share of the other ones. However, when I look back, the Late Mr. G M Sikandar stands tall as the one gentleman who not only impacted me but of so many other people from all walks of life.
I met him the first time in 1998 when I came back from Sindh and reported for duty to the Government of Punjab. I did not know him. But the wide grin, the welcoming body language and the tight hug gave me confidence. The culture of Service between the two provinces was like night and day, and finding someone so senior yet so humble and helpful was simply wonderful. Hardly knowing anyone in the secretariat, his office became an early refuge till I was posted.
I came to know him closely once I started working with him in the Chief Minister's Office. The gentleman had indescribable energy. Despite suffering from chronic backache, he would perform his duty till late evening and till the last visitor had not left. The entire staff, from the junior-most to the Officers, thought that he was their elder brother. Welfare, help, kindness, empathy, these are the most positive attributes a person can have; he had them. And in his most intelligent manner, he inculcated the same in his subordinates.
Since I was the only PSP Officer in his staff, he would go out of his way to ensure my comfort and respect, lest I feel left out. Not even once did I feel that I was not part of the erstwhile DMG. I remember when I was going on Hajj and had no arrangements, how he made sure that me my family and get the best Government facility as per my entitlement in Makkah and Medina.
One other aspect of his personality which needs to be highlighted is that he did not indulge in backstabbing or maligning Officers. Although I know of many instances in which he helped officers who were on the left of the Government of the time, suffice to say that even some of them do not know to what level Sikandar sahib would go in negating the stories and so called, Intelligence reports. Having served in pivotal positions in Punjab for a long time, he knew most of the bureaucracy and would act as a Principal Secretary should. I remember on various occasions, if an officer was being subjected to political victimisation, he would try his best to get him/her rehabilitated. This large-heartedness was the single most impactful trait of his personality.
If one looks at his journey, one is amazed. A man starting from Gilgit Baltistan, with no roots in Punjab, rising to the top most positions of this Country, speaks volumes about his acumen, professionalism and astute knowledge of people. In his charming manner, he could handle the pressures which at that time were tremendous and maintaining the civil-military balance, while safeguarding the civil service, was maybe his biggest contribution.
A very loving father and a kind, loving husband, I always found his family relaxed and happy. This was another aspect of his multifarious personality, which tells so much about him. People who are given even small power change their colours, starting to act differently, even with their families, but not Mr. Sikandar. He was as he was. Grounded, positive, respectful and no pettiness whether he was at the top of the ladder or retired.
I found out that he was sick a few months ago. On the telephone call, he was the same Sikandar sahib I knew. I met him sometime back and found him in his jovial self. He shrugged off the fear of death and had blind faith in the Almighty. I sensed that he was ready for any eventuality.
But even being mentally ready, the news of his passing has come as a shock. All of us have to die, no matter who we are. What is really heart warming is the accolades he has received by so many people. And in this legacy, he will stand shoulders above his peers for years to come.
Rest in peace, Mr. G M Sikandar. May Allah bless you with the highest pedestal in Jannat and give the strength to your family and friends to bear this immense loss.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).