Few words about Riaz ul Hassan By Khalid Pervez

My interaction with late Riaz ul Hassan spans almost 35 years. There are reasons for this long relationship. You don’t interact with someone that long without having a desire which in this case stems from many personal attributes of Riaz sahib. – the most important ones being his sincerity, love for professionalism, positive outlook, intense love for Pakistan, love for Allama Iqbal, love for Urdu, etc.
In his own capacity, Riaz sahib was a highly professional and independent journalist. He would write what he wanted to write or was certain of its truth and usefulness for engineering fraternity at large as well as the policymakers and official administrators. He wouldn’t hesitate in bringing to light subjects and issues that may be disliked by powers that be and could create repercussions for himself or his newspaper. This is easier said than done, particularly in our society, and requires strong personal courage.
Over 35 years I have had innumerable meetings with Riaz sahib and we discussed many subjects of mutual interest such as engineering education, consultancy, project management, the role of Pakistan Engineering Council, local engineering industry, etc. I was always surprised at the sharpness of his memory that though he never took any notes (and of course no audio recording) he reproduced our discussions in the shape of articles/reports in Engineering Review without any loss or distortion of the subject matter. His captivating questions provided more room for discussions. As its Chief Editor for 40 years, Riaz sahib had deep insight on all the subjects that were and are being covered in Engineering Review.
To own or manage a publishing house is not an easy task. The two brothers–Najum ul Hassan and Riaz ul Hassan–must have had a difficult time to start and nurture Engineering Review to its present status. It was their love, affection, and respect for each other that must have played a pivotal role in lessening the burdens of the painstaking struggle.
May Allah SWT bless both of them and grant them high place in Jannah – Aameen.n