English & Urdu Text : Khalid IqbalPresentation : Shoaib Sobani

A look at the students of the sixties of Dow carries lots of surprises. A glanceat the list of the countries from which students attended Dow MedicalCollege looks fascinating; Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Yemen, Syria, Iraq, Tanzania,Nepal, Malaysia, Turkey, Iran, Lebanon, Palestine, Kuwait and Indonesia toname a few.

One is further surprised to see a few Serb students from the then Yugoslaviaand even a few from India. Dow was a famous institution where foreignstudents came after the rapport. Indeed the systems, practice of meritocracy,top rate dedicated faculty, and above all the great traditions of theinstitution went a long way in popularizing the name. The class of ‘79 hadmany meritorious students from the countries mentioned. One thatdeserves special mention is Ibraheem Ismael from South Africa.

Ibraheem was born in a remote part of South Africa in a family where hismother was the solid support. His father died in a road accident when he hadjust seen his third birthday. His mother brought the children up despitedreadful difficulties.

It was not only the financial crises the family faced but also the prejudices dueto apartheid. The mother took great pains in the bringing up of thechildren. Somehow after early education Ibraheem was able to come toPakistan and got admission in Dow. He was quite friendly but not very social.He stayed in Hostel No.4 and had very fraternal relations with Asad Raja,Hameed Piracha and Jalil. One fact that is fondly remembered is the utmostcleanliness that was always witnessed in his room. It was exemplary.

Ibraheem graduated as he was dedicated to studies, did his house job inMedicine and Surgery at the Civil Hospital and went back home. He pursuedhigher education in Family Medicine. He passed the exams and settled inSouth Africa.

He has two sons and a daughter. The daughter is living in Dubai and his elderson is a busy chartered accountant in Johannesburg and the younger son is inschool.

Ibraheem met the old classmates of ‘79 during their recent get-together. Itwas full of nostalgia and warm sentiments.

PERSONALITY UPLOADED ON 20TH OCT 2012

Thank you, for the write up. It is good to know. There are so many people in the class we did not know about. Congratulations.Shadab

Thank you, Shoaib.Dear Ibrahim Ismael,I don't know if you remember me, but I do remember you. It would have been nice if you could join us for our get

together. I am happy for all your accomplishments, and may you have many more. Keep in touch on this forum. Best regards.Bashir

Dear Shoaib thanks again for the introduction of a great colleague who some were not familiar with, and that includes me.It was fortunate to have met Ibrahim and his lovely family in SA recently. Very hospitable ,helpful and loving people. I'm sure all of us who were hosted by this generous family will vouch for this.Ibrahim and Hassena , we cannot thank you enough for your kindness. It will be my pleasure to host you when you visit England. Once again thank you for your help and kindness towards your friends. I am proud to have colleagues and friends like you.Best WishesSalma Rahman

PERSONALITY UPLOADED ON 20TH OCTOBER 2012

Dear Shoab and allYour contribution is great in bringing all the 79 people together.please note the two love birds busy exchanging messages on their mobiles while every one is posing for picture.....May their love last for eveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeer

Dr.Tanwir Iqbal Khan,

Ibrahim and Haseena were great host, and acommendable job they are doing. Hope to meet them again.Naheed