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Dr Akhtar Hameed passes away
KARACHI: Dr Akhtar Hameed Khan -- a well-known social scientist, reformer, scholar and director Orangi Pilot Project (OPP) -- died of cardiac arrest in the US state of Indiana on Sunday.
Akbar Khan, son of late Dr Akhtar Hameed Khan, said that his father was rushed to a local hospital after he felt pain in his chest but he died on the way. The doctors confirmed his death and told the family members that his kidneys had failed due to heart stroke.
Dr Hameed (85) was on a private visit to the US and was staying with his daughter in Indiana. His body will be brought here in next couple of days for burial. Dr Akhtar Hameed Khan was born in Agra in 1914. After completing his education from Aligarh and Cambridge University, he joined the Indian Civil Service (ICS) in 1936 and served on various government posts. Later, he resigned from the government service and opened a small locker factory. He also served in Jamia Islamia Delhi as headmaster.
Having migrated to Pakistan, he founded Rural Development Academy (an NGO) in Commilla, former East Pakistan; and motivated farmers to save one paisa for development. Later, he set up another NGO for bus and rickshaw workers. However, his wide recognition in Pakistan was for establishing the Orangi Pilot Project in 1980 and developing the slums with the help of local people.
The government in recognition of his work awarded him Sitara-e-Imtiaz and Hilal-e-Imtiaz. The Philippine government also awarded him 'Magsaysay Award' for his services. Dr Akhtar's rural and urban development plans were adopted by various countries.
Dr Hameed was also the author of two books. He also wrote various columns for a number of national and international newspapers and magazines. He would believe in self-reliance and oppose foreign aid. His philosophy was that "no foreign agency or bank favor development in any country and only local people can carry out development of their areas, cities and country on cooperative bases."--The News
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