English & Urdu Text : Khalid Iqbal

Presentation : Shoaib Sobani

We are standing in downtown Karachi on a thoroughfare popularly known as Mansfield Street. It was named after Samuel Mansfield who was the Commissioner of Karachi from 1862 to 1866. Inter alia the thick population on this street is legendary for many reasons. The members of the Dawoodi Bohra Community reside in this locality in large numbers. Tahiri Masjid and the Assembly Hall is located here. The Goanese Christians of Portuguese origin are commonly seen to roam here. Many celebrated educational institutions, the Catholic Cathedral and the cursed FIA Headquarters are situated nearby. Countless bakeries and eating houses add a dimension to this area. Our Batch Mate of ‘79 Dr. Jabir Kapasi conducts his Clinic here.

Jabir did his Intermediate from Sindh Madrasah Science College before joining Dow ‘79. Qasim Rawat, Moiz, Mustufa, Najam Mehmoodi and late Ghayyur Anwar were his friends and acquaintances. A temperate and clement character, very meticulous to follow all daily chores, graduated without any juddering. He was a very ardent worker in the Burhani Guards since early times. House job was completed in Orthopedics and Casualty Departments with Qasim.

Jabir joined the Armed Forces Medical Corps. He became involved in Zia’s Regimes Martial Law Duties in Shikarpur and Sukkur. Some part of the two years posting was spent in Azad Kashmir and Gujranwala. On quitting the army he showed some interest in Dermatology. He joined the mythical Professor Zafar at Civil Hospital and gained experience in the discipline through Dr. Hamid Zaki. On satiety he returned to General Practice. Before settling on the current station he worked for some time in Azam Basti. Saddar Area is now an enduring post where he conducts a regular morning and evening clinic since ages.

Many years ago the indefinite conditions of survival in Pakistan constrained Jabir to migrate to the US with the entire family. Out of the blue, the mother suffered heart ailments in Pakistan. Jabir was left with no option but to allow the family to settle themselves on sound footings and he returned. His mother’s health demanded uninterrupted care. As time passed his elder son became a qualified Microsoft Engineer working in Seattle. The second son is a Graphics Engineer. Elder daughter is a qualified Microbiologist while the second one is studying in tenth grade. Jabir lost his mother some time ago. With the fulfillment of his obligations he is now looking again at the prospects of US immigration to pave a way to join the family.

Jabir looks very calm, composed, and a man who has never shown any hurry

and emotion in making challenging decisions of life. His life style is pastoral

and disciplined. He finds time to meet close friends on weekends, otherwise

life is habitual and a ritual affair. “Always remember to slow down in life; live,

breathe, and learn; take a look around you whenever you have time and never

forget everything and every person that has made some place within your

heart.” – Unknown.

PERSONALITY UPLOADED ON 20TH SEP 2014

Dear Khalid and Shoaib, Thank you very much for Jabir.

Jabir:

Many congratulations on being the personality of the week. Yes it has been a long time since we met.

You still appear to be the same calm and serene person who doesn't get flustered by the happenings of the day to

day. Wish you all the best.

Hasan

Qasim and Jabir

Congrats for being picked up as Personality of the week. Both of you are simple and down to earth doctors who

does a lot of work quietly and a lot of community services without expecting anything in return.Thanks Khalid and

Shoib for introducing them.

Moiz Bin Siraj

Congratulations on being POW. You suffered the separation from your family to take care of your ailing mother.

That is indeed a big sacrifice. You are rewarded by a nice family that probably needs you. I can imagine your

dilemma about leaving a thriving professional life and becoming almost retired in US unless you are willing to go

through the rigmarole. I am positive you will make a cool, calculated decision. Wishing you the very best in

whatever you choose. Do let us know what State you would be moving to. Take care.

Bashir