ARDESHIR Cowasjee, a private citizen, had dedicated himself, totally voluntarily and gratis, for the past over 20 years to investigate, unearth and expose cases of gross maladministration, rank corruption, blatant nepotism and outrageous plunder of national resources by the high and mighty of the land.

During all this period he has divulged most meticulously and methodically horrendous details of several sordid stories and scandals involving many sacred cows. A lesser mortal in Pakistan or in any Third World country could never muster courage enough to even cast an innuendo on any one of the many icons yet Mr. Ardeshis Cowasjee has proceeded to lay bare their perfidies with a single minded patriotism and a sheer determination to serve the national interests with a total disregard to his personal or familial safety and well-being.

Thus he has discharged his duties as a citizen in the best traditions of a soldier on the battlefield. However, in war, professional soldiers have a fair idea of possibilities and probabilities and are trained, prepared and indeed paid for them. For a civilian, who is a septuagenarian and a heathen to boot, to undertake such hazardous and perilous operations, year after year and time after time, demonstrates valour and gallantry of the highest order, much beyond the call of duty and such as would outshine a daredevil operation by any Special Services Group.

AGHA KHALIL AHMAD Karachi

Bold and blunt

ARDESHIR Cowasjee is no more but he will continue to live in our minds through his numerous writings and utterances.

He was 12 years senior to me when I met him for the first time in Acapulco (Mexico), during the annual convention of the American Society of Travel Agents in the 1970s. He was representing the government of Pakistan as Managing Director of Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation and I was representing my travel and tour agencies. Coincidentally Byram Avari was also attending the convention, representing his Avari hotels.

I had high hopes from him for reforms and programmes of lasting benefit to the nascent and unexploited tourism industry but before I could see any change, he was forced to opt out of the responsibility; though I was not surprised as during the short conversations with him, I could predict that he would not be able to survive in the manipulative bureaucracy.

Cowajee’s departure has created a void and I cannot think of any name right away that could fill the gap. But I suggest that we at least do something to perpetuate the memory of this patriot. Maybe, naming of a prestigious road, certainly not a lane or street, would perhaps serve the purpose of inspiration for all those who love and care for Pakistan.

ABDUL JABBAR KHAMISANI Former President, Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry Karachi