English Text : Shoaib SobaniUrdu Text : Khalid IqbalPresentation : Shoaib Sobani

Rasheed Barkat’s family is originally from Burma. They migrated to Karachi andRasheed studied at Happy Home School along with Najum, Bashir, Iffat andHashmat Malik. Rasheed lost his father early in life and being the only sonhe had to immediately shoulder the responsibility of keeping the family afloat.Rasheed’s strong belief in Allah, relentless hard work and determination helpedhim through his years of struggle to achieve heights of success few people canboast. He is indeed a self-made man.

Rasheed had always been very quiet & low keyed during his high school days.His clairvoyance and maturity of mind can be assessed from the fact that he fanciedand fell for the very vivacious and energetic Iffat, the girl with an inbornsophisticated mental make- up, who he married soon after she finished her medicalstudies. Rasheed is a successful commodities trader, also involved with mining.

Material success had to follow such an upstanding person. The fact that most ofhis staff has been with him for many years and none of them want to leave, speaksitself of what a caring person he is. His civic sense of duty regularly indulges him inthe up- keep of the street he lives on, from ensuring proper lighting to cleanliness.He is not at all concerned if others follow his suit or not.

Rasheed loved his mother enormously and took great care of her and Iffat sharedthis responsibility with equal warmth, compassion and with full dedication.Rasheed is fond of good food which has been motivation enough for Iffat to putout the best Burmese ‘Khow Suey’ you could have in town.

Considering the challenges of living and conducting business in Karachi and optionsopen to him to immigrate to wherever he desires, Rasheed prefers to stay here andis of the firm belief that if one does honest business and pays Zakat on time, noharm will ever come his way. They have built the most beautiful home in Defence,which is testimony to the fact that he has no intention of ever moving.

His four children have all studied at the Karachi Grammar School. Their eldestdaughter Sania is married; Bilal graduated in Business Studies from the Universityof Toronto and has joined his father’s business. Marium graduated from LondonSchool of Design and is now one of the principle designers for the famous Sana &Safinaz, while Talal is still at Grammar. It is always a pleasure to meet hisextremely well groomed and accomplished children and see how balanced anddown to earth they are.

When you get right down to it, life is a series of popularity contests and no onewins it better than our own, Rasheed Barkat. Most people got introduced to himduring our London get together and found in him a super likable guy. Hishumble, quiet confidence was just plain attractive and made others feel at ease.There were never any awkward silences with him around.

He showed genuine interest in others and participated with enthusiasm. Alwayswell intentioned and well mannered. Slowly people started gravitating to him likebees to honey. He never forgets anyone who has ever done him a favour or beensupportive of him. A true ‘doston ka doost’.

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Dear ShoaibMany thanks for Rasheed. He is a thorough gentleman and very engaging. It has been a wonderful experience to connect with Iffat and bonus has been brill.Ifti

Hi Folks,For the benefit of those that may not have read my mail last week I repeat that a number of individuals have joined in batch with great gusto and entheusiasm. They are the spouses of some class fellows and despite the fact that they did not sit with us in the lecture hall benches they have been actively participating in almost all our events with heart and soul and it would be only fair to have them join the Batch of '79 as 'Honorary Members'. We welcome them with open arms and acknowledge their presence by including them in this Series of 'Personality Of The Week'. From time to time we will feature such personalities in this Series. Bashir has very aptly named them PAWs (Physician Associate Of The Week).So here is 'The Personality Of The Week'. 99th. In This Series,Regards,Shoaib

Dear RasheedOne of the great benefits of our recent get togethers have been the chance to make new friends and rediscover very fascinating insights into people who we had known for many yearsOne of the greatest pleasure has been to make your acquaintance. Although I did not know you in college day and have known for for only a year - I feel as if we have been friends for decadesRasheed - that is your charm, your appeal, the unique ability to blend in and make everyone feel comfortable in your company. The ability to connect to all.As I have discovered your story and your efforts for your family my admiration for you has increased manifold. You are lucky to have a fantastic partner in Iffat and Iffat very lucky to have you - you make a perfect couple, and ofcourse your children make a perfect familyMay God give you more blessings and happinessWe are privileged to have you as our honorary classfellowRahman

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Hi Shoaib,Thank you for selcecting Rasheed as PAW. I arrived Karachi last evening ( 24 houts delay). I had an opportunity to congrates Rasheed at his residence. Iffatcame to recieve me at airport.What a beautiful mansion they have in Defence!! Met their two lovely children Mariyam and Talal . One of these days Iffat promised to prepare best "Khow Sey" from Burma , becaue I love that dish.Rasheed it is time for us to listen to your side of story. Welcome to DOW 79, Physician Associate of the WEEK. !!swaraj

N SHOAIB FOR RASHEED BARKATA. Great. ChoiceThe best thing about Rasheed is that he has no swellings on his head. A kind and a gentleman who listen to you with all his attention. It's great to have him in our group now and I regret that I did not meet him during house job days and afterwords in Karachi in last many many years. I was really impressed when myself shoaib and najam were visiting him and met his children .it was a pleasure to see them and talk to them.credit goes to enlighten parents. Y o u B o t h a r e R e a l l y R e a l l y G r e a tEnjoy and have many many happy weekends,months and yearsShershah

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Shoaib,Great PAW catch of the week! Barkat easily tops the list of cool guys that I have ever met. In the context of Burmese background of Barkat, I am posting this song which Iffat might like:http://youtu.be/h1Np12n_TDs

Arshad and Kausar

Dear Rasheed,Congratulations for being chosen a well deserved person of the week.Although officially you have now become associate member of Dow79, but very few willknow that your association with our group long preceded our this Dow79 forum.I remember your regular visits to surgical unit-5, where Iffat was doing her hours job with us.You even followed us in the operating theatre ! I still remember visiting your house when yourfirst daughter was born, when you ,together with Iffat set up your first home.It was a pleasure to meet you and Iffat after over thirty years in Turkey, it is indeed remarkableto see your attachment to our group over so many years.Wish you, Iffat and children many more success in future, and health and happiness.Ahmed Sayeed

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Thank you Shoaib for picking this PAW...a tiger's paw, if you ask me.Rasheed, my dear, congratulations! You have indeed taken a well deserved share of love and admiration from this batch of 79. Thanks for adopting us and welcome to the group.It is always such a pleasure talking to you. You bring such a fresh perspective of looking at things, it makes me feel happy and gives me hope. I enjoy our conversations on phone and thank you for remembering to call me. I know, I should do the same. With you galavanting all over the world, I am not sure where to call...I know, its an excuse...a lame one at that. I will try and do better.A big credit goes to our own Iffat who has changed this shy and quiet kid in thick glasses to a power house personality that he is. How corny and mawkishly sentimental it is to be in love and marry your grade school sweetheart...good on ya buddy! It brings great joy to me to see you to love birds together. May you always be happy. Ameen.It was wonderful to hear about your lovely kids. When Talal comes to Boston, please come and stay with me.Bashir

Dear Rasheed Barkat,People say that good friends are hard to find but that's because the best are already mine. And you are among them.Congratulations for being POW.Mullick

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Hi Shoaib for the well thought through selection of PAW. I don't know what more to say as you have described Rashid to the' T'.A thorough gentleman who married our very likeable Iffat . They make a perfect couple mashallah. May Allah bless them with all the happiness,health and success in life. Rashid you spoilt us with the heavenly Turkish Delight in Antalia. I couldn't find anything like it in whole of Istambul, so that is the only thing that goes against you !!!Best WishesSalma

Shoaib:Thank you very much for posting Rasheed Barkat.Rasheed Barkat:A very warm welcome to the group (you know that already). Met you briefly for the first time in London and saw a bit more of you in Turkey. You have the 'spirit' of the Class of '79 and it feels as if you always belonged. Look forward to hearing from you.Enjoy your week as PAW.Hasan