Remembering My Father: Syed Iftikhar Gilani on His 24th Death Anniversary

This is the story of a man whose memory has never faded from my heart — my beloved father, Syed Iftikhar Gilani. Born in 1950 in Khanquahi Moulla, Srinagar, he graduated in Electronics from S.P. College in 1972 and joined the government's Sales Tax Department through the Services Selection Board. Fate, however, had a different plan. My father left this world while still in service, in the prime of his life, leaving behind a family shattered but proud of the life he lived and the love he gave.

- BY SYED MAJID GILANI

Even now, years later, the memories of my childhood with him feel fresh. I consider myself fortunate to have grown up under his care and affection. When I look back today, those memories stir a mixture of joy and sorrow. Joy, because they remind me of the warmth and love he gave us. Sorrow, because he left too soon, at just 50 years of age. His life, from birth to death, was one of simplicity, wisdom, and silent strength. He was a man of discipline, humility, kindness, and endless love for his family, and his teachings still shape my life and the lives of my siblings.

I can never forget June 11, 2001. It was an ordinary day that turned into a nightmare. My father returned from his office, visibly exhausted, complaining of breathlessness. He mentioned drinking seven glasses of water at work due to excessive sweating. Despite feeling unwell, he offered his Maghrib prayers and kept reciting praises of Almighty Allah. That same day, I too had come home from Banihal, where I had been transferred just two days earlier. I wasn't feeling well there — my heartbeats were irregular, I couldn't eat, and I spent sleepless nights. Feeling restless and homesick, I left Banihal and arrived home around 8:30 p.m.

As soon as I entered, I saw my father offering prayers. I embraced him tightly, tears filling my eyes. Just days earlier, he had been healthy and active. His warm embrace brought me comfort I cannot describe. After Isha prayers, we gathered for dinner as a family. But soon after eating, his breathlessness worsened. In a panic, I called my maternal uncles from the Chishti family. They arrived without delay and took him to SKIMS Hospital, Soura.