They say that a nation that forgets its heroes will itself soon be forgotten. The tragic death of a senior boxer and coach Ustad Nazar Mohammad, who died last year after battling cancer, exposed the cruelty of our society and authorities, as he was given no help by the government even after the orders of Governor and Chief Minister Sindh secretariat.

Nazar Mohammad received the best boxer trophy from the founder of the country, Quaid-e-Azam Mohamad Ali Jinnah, in 1948 for his marvelous fights.

Nazar represented Pakistan from 1948 to 1957 and fought in India, Sri Lanka, Iran and other countries and won a number of gold medals. After his retirement, he served as a coach and produced dozens of boxers for Pakistan. Nazar served in the Sindh Sports Board (SSB) for 20 years. When he was terminated he was receiving just Rs4000 a month on contract basis. But the SSB authorities did not give him any attention.

Nazar and his family fought his ailment but lost. May his soul rest in peace.

The dilly-dallying attitude of Sindh government’s bureaucracy deprived him of good medical treatment. He belonged to Lyari, which is considered PPP’s stronghold but not a single PPP leader paid attention to the poor condition of Nazar who died leaving behind six daughters and three sons. Of his daughters three are widows.

His widow and daughters and sons are passing through a tough period, especially the three widowed daughters. When Nazar’s son approached secretariat of Governor Sindh in March 2015, Ishratul Ibad Khan, through Public Grievances Redressal Cell, directed Sports and Youth Affairs department to take necessary action within a week. That one week goes on and despite several attempts his son has received no response.

Sindh Chief Minister secretariat also received his complaint. Before the 18th Amendment such cases of old aged sportsperson used to be referred to Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) for financial assistance. But subsequent to the 18th amendment the subject has been devolved to the provinces.

Since no provision existed in any budgetary head of account of Sports Department, the Department moved a summary for establishment of "Revolving Funds" for meeting needs of deserving sports persons and their families. However, the summary has not been approved yet.

Taking into consideration the meritorious achievements of Ustad Nazar, his family should be given adequate financial help by the government.

Sindh Government recommended that Rs200,000 may be sanctioned from outside the budget assistance for the ailing Ustad Nazar, but all efforts of his family members went in vain and not a single penny was released for his treatment.

Now there is need to help his family members as his widow is very old and his three widowed daughters and their siblings would be consoled if Sindh Government released the funds.

Ustad Nazar’s widow and son Nadeem have appealed to the PPP chairperson Bilawal Bhutto and Sindh Governor Dr Isratul Ibad and CM Qaim Ali Shah to issue orders to extend financial support to the family members of Ustad Nazar.