Syed Hasan Nasir

Syed Hasan Nasir spent his childhood in Balochistan and then came back there in 1972 with a Masters in soil engineering, with a determination to unleash the potential of this vast arid province which is 40% of Pakistan by land yet has only 4% of its population. He first conducted a ground water reconnaissance survey of Balochistan. His main project was to conserve rain water by building check dams. The project was to be carried out in collaboration with the WFP. He wanted the Balochistan Engineering University to be the biggest Arid Zone Research Centre in the world, as the varied nature of the area would make experimentation of all sorts – it has a big coast-line and hinterland, plains and mountains, extremes of heat and cold. At the same time along the coast he had identified areas where salt water could be used directly for afforestation. Pilot projects for harnessing solar energy for heating and cooling, and wind-power for use of tube-wells were underway. Copper exploration was also being carried out. Technically he could have done this, but in bringing about this transformation he trampled upon the self interest of many, and this too he realized, but he was determined, and was willing to take the risk. He lived every moment to its fullest. While his life was short, it was the intensity with which he packed many years into a few. He cared deeply for all those around him. Such men do not die with an assassin’s bullet, for their lives serve as an inspiration for posterity. A close friend aptly said “and often he stands as a challenge for me to live a life which will benefit many and not fear the ‘road-blocks’ which are found along the way!”