Dr. Abdul Malik Paracha: A Life of Kindness

Born on 19th August 1947 in the small town of Kalabagh, Punjab. Dr. Abdul Malik Paracha, my dear grandfather, had a challenging childhood. His father was very ill, which made things difficult for the whole family. Despite these tough circumstances, my grandfather worked incredibly hard and eventually became a doctor, earning his MBBS degree. It wasn’t an easy journey, but he never gave up. What I admire the most about him, from all the stories I’ve heard from my mother, is his deep love for helping others, especially the poor. Every weekend, he would travel all the way to Turbat in Balochistan to give free checkups to those who couldn’t afford medical care. His kindness didn’t stop there. He worked as both a doctor and a professor at Aga Khan University Hospital, where he not only treated many patients but also taught and mentored countless students who looked up to him. Dr. Paracha was a true hero, especially during the 1974 war. He served as a doctor, helping many soldiers who were injured. His bravery and commitment to helping others were qualities that made him stand out to everyone who knew him. In 1974, he got married and had a beautiful family—two sons and two daughters. His family was his world, and he always made time for them, no matter how busy his life was. His love for us was endless, and he was always there when we needed him. Sadly, I never got the chance to meet him, as he passed away in 2013 during a terrorist attack in Karachi, just two months after I was born. Even though I didn’t know him personally, I’ve heard so much about him from my mother that I feel like I know him. His death left a huge void in our lives, and we miss him every day. Dr. Paracha wasn’t just my grandfather; he was my hero. His life was full of kindness, dedication, and a deep sense of responsibility toward others. He inspired everyone who knew him with his selfless nature and his unwavering commitment to helping those in need. I will always look up to him and carry the lessons he taught me in my heart. He made the world a better place, and I hope to follow in his footsteps one day.