Remembering Rana Ijaz Mahmood: A Life of Service and a Lasting Legacy
On the 6th Death Anniversary of the Former Director of Public Relations, Bahawalpur Division
By Ehsan Ahmed Sehar: Editor-in-Chief, Daily Nawa-i-Ahmedpur Sharqia
Today marks the 6th death anniversary of the late Rana Ijaz Mahmood, former Director of Public Relations, Bahawalpur Division. He passed away on 8 July 2020 after battling COVID-19.
Rana Ijaz Mahmood was regarded as one of the most senior and respected officers of the Punjab Information and Public Relations Department. Had fate allowed him a longer life, he would undoubtedly have risen to the position of Director General of the department. During his tenure in Bahawalpur, he earned widespread admiration for his professionalism, intellectual depth, and refined personality. He possessed an extensive knowledge of literature, history, international relations, and music, and had an exceptional command of the English language.
As Editor-in-Chief of Daily Nawa-i-Ahmedpur Sharqia, I had the privilege of meeting Rana Ijaz Mahmood on numerous occasions during his posting in Bahawalpur. Our meetings in his office often extended for several hours, covering a wide range of subjects, particularly literature, history, music, and international affairs. I also visited his official residence on a few occasions.
One of his endearing personal traits was his fondness for pakoras. I vividly remember that whenever I visited his office, he would call his wife and ask her to send freshly prepared pakoras for us to enjoy during our discussions. It was a simple gesture that reflected his warmth, generosity, and hospitality.
After returning from an international media conference in Doha, Qatar, I presented him, at his request, with a collection of English-language publications issued by Al Jazeera and the Doha Centre for Media Freedom. He greatly appreciated the gift and valued the knowledge these publications contained.
At my invitation, Rana Ijaz Mahmood graciously attended the certificate distribution ceremony of the Safety of Journalists Training Workshop, jointly organized in 2018 at Noorpur Noranga by Rural Media Network Pakistan and the Doha Centre for Media Freedom. He served as the chief guest at the event, and the workshop remains a memorable milestone in journalist safety training.
In the final phase of his career, while serving as Director of the Punjab Arts Council in Bahawalpur, he discussed with me an initiative to organize a special interactive session for students of the Department of Media Studies at the Islamia University of Bahawalpur after the COVID-19 pandemic had ended. The proposed programme was to focus on international media, my participation in global media conferences, and an extensive question-and-answer session with the students. Sadly, destiny did not allow him to see this vision become a reality.
A native of Chowk Azam in District Layyah, Rana Ijaz Mahmood’s passing was mourned by journalists and media professionals across Pakistan, who regarded his death as an irreparable loss to the profession. I still remember that renowned television anchor Rauf Klasra wrote a column in a national newspaper titled “Guru Ki Maut” (The Death of a Mentor), in which he acknowledged the late Rana Ijaz Mahmood as his mentor. That tribute alone speaks volumes about Rana Ijaz Mahmood’s intellectual stature and the profound respect he commanded within Pakistan’s journalistic community.
On his 6th death anniversary, we remember him with profound respect and gratitude for his invaluable services, mentorship, and lasting contributions to public relations, journalism, and public communication.
May Almighty Allah grant him the highest place in Jannah, elevate his ranks, and envelop his final resting place in His infinite mercy.
“May Allah forgive him—he was truly a remarkable and noble soul.”
Late Director Public Relations Rana Ijaz Mehmood, RMNP President Ehsan Ahmed Sehar, Chairman of the Department of Media Studies at Islamia University Professor Dr. Sajjad Paracha, Professor Shehzad Ahmed Khan, Deputy Directors Public Relations Nasar Hameed and Nauman Masood Khan offer Fateha for the departed souls of martyred Pakistani journalists during the concluding ceremony of the RMNP–DCMF Safety of Journalists Training Workshop held in Noorpur Noranga on May 13, 2018.
