On January 10th, 2012 – I buried my friend, my best friend, my brother. I ended a 10 hour travel journey only to kneel beside his coffin in disbelief as I saw the face of the man who I had depended on more times than I can remember and who I had shared my entire childhood with. As I whimpered in my plea for him to get up, I realized that somehow throughout my entire journey I had not come to terms with the news that had been delivered to me that fateful morning. How could I? Azeem was singlehandedly the strongest person I had ever met in my life. There was nothing that could happen to him, indestructible… nothing could even wipe the smile off his face, let alone this. It was far too much for me to believe. And as I stood on the footholds of his grave holding fiercely onto the ropes that descended his body, just as he did, the reality sunk… that he was no longer in the same world as me.
Everyone who ive spoken to has said, that they have no words. I, dont have Enough words to say about Azeem. I cannot say enough about the way he conducted his life. I cannot say enough about his general outlook towards life. From my early teen years to now, trials and tribulations, big or small… he taught me to deal with them lightly. He taught me how to not take life seriously and not let anything affect me. No matter what would happen, he always knew it would be a passing phenomenon, even when I thought the world was coming to an end. I cannot express the joys my childhood has had because of Azeem. We were closer than brothers and thicker than thieves. We were in trouble together and we shone together. I dont have a lot of memories, that dont include Azeem. He was the best friend I could ever have asked for. He would indulge the most mundane tasks to the most ridiculous. He fought for me. He took care of me. He seemed to be oblivious to the world, yet he was the most dependable, caring human being. He cared for and took care of his family like no young boy I have ever seen. When we were desparately running away from our homes, defying for our own independance and seeking our identities, he was taking care of his family and also ours. When I left for the US, he made sure my parents didnt feel alone.
He was a man of remarkable stature, even at his age. He had made great political strides and was very well known and well respected. Yet, he was the most humble person you have met. Whether he would be walking in the streets of his village, or the avenues of islamabad, you would never be able to tell.. that he was a Daultana or an MNA. He greeted everyone the same, from the workers in the field to his colleagues in the assembly. He was warm with whoever he met. As I paused to give a beggar my leftover change this morning, I remembered where I got that habit from. He would go to great… sometimes annoying lengths to give some change, or food to anyone who came knocking on his car widow or on the street. I have never seen him turn anyone asking for money down.
I dont think I have ever heard him speak ill of anyone. There were people who would speak ill of him and I would often scold him for being so complacent, but he always used to say, they have their opinion, as long as it keeps them happy… He was always looking for the positive in every person, in every situation. He was loyal to the core. Often times, recently, and foolishly, I had questioned his party and the politics involved, and he would explain in great detail the rights and wrongs. He believed in himself and he beleived that inherently, people were good, which is a lot to say given the cynicism of Pakistani politics. He was ambitious and extremely driven. He never sat still. When his friends were sleeping and being lazy, he was on the phone, or meeting relatives or planning an adevnture. He loved our great north, having planned several trips to the northern areas. He was an admirer of nature and had been to many hang gliding trips, taking flights of 2-3 hours.
As I told my friend the day after his death – “You could commit the greatest of sins, and he would be the only one to help you, to stand by your side, no matter the consequences”. We have all done something in our lives or arrived at junctures where we invite advice or solicit lectures from the ones closest to us. Azeem has never lectured me. Always told me to do what I needed to do and that deep down, you always know what that is. He had somehow achieved the perfect mix of mischief and respect, which was awe inspiring. There is a certain comfort that comes from knowing and being close to a person that will under no circumstances judge you. It is liberating. The day he died, the child in me…. the innocence in me… my license to be carefree, has also died. When everyone told me I must mend my ways, that I need to grow up… to be respectful, I knew of atleast ONE person who would not disapprove.
As I drove away, on that dusty road in Luddan, where your final resting place is – I couldnt help but realize that I will always remember my life in two ways – Before January 10th, 2012 and After January 10th, 2012. You have left a void that no one can fill. You have taken with you, my fondest of memories – and on that dusty road in Luddan, somewhere, a large part of me is buried with you. You will always be on my mind, you will always be in my heart and I will take you with me wherever I go, because you may not be in this world anymore, but you are a part of me of who I am and always will be. Thank you for everything and I will see you again in our next life.
Please leave your thoughts and comments for Azeems in the Comment section.
Azeem Daultana - A Memorial 
I wish I could spend one more day, just one more day with you. Will always miss you.
Though I didn’t know him as closely… He was by far one of the nicest guy I have cone across …. My condoloces to his family
Rest in peace my friend…..will surely remember u
Dearest Azeem, I wish i had hugged you every time we met. You were a brother to Taimoor and a son to me. I have not felt this kind of heartache since my parents passed away. You will always be in my heart.
Azeem bhai….a person who i met first time in my life hardly 6 months before …but then we had dozens of meeting afterwards …i always felt Allah has given him a speical quality gift….thats y he was so humble to everybody he met no matter who was infront of him…no one can beleive he was an MNA or secretary to defence…n too friendly that when he called me last time couple of days back from the incident …he talked to me for almost 25 minutes like a buddy talking to another 1 ..he just wanted to ask 1 thing from me n that would took hardly 1 min but i know he was so nice that he dont want me to feel that . he was my big brother’s friend….but beleive me he treated n make me feel like a buddy…though he was senior to me in every aspect ….i would rather say he was really AZEEM person in all ways n always … for me he was like a few pages from my book of life…but that pages worth a lot to me n r extra special bcoz i beleive he was one of those speicial ppl, Allah loves a lot than comparing from all of us …thats y HE took him away from us…too early
what a touching tribute taimoor. I couldnt stop tears from spilling over. I also cant begin to imagine the tremendous grief his family and friends are going through.
may god bless him and give some kind of saber to his family. you are in my thoughts Tim and Azeem in my prayers.
I am very sorry for your loss Taimoor.
Very sad to see the journey of someone with such bright prospects to get cut short in such a tragic way. I wish all those whose lives were enriched by Azeem and now irreparably affected have the courage and patience to carry on.
You were always too good to be true Azeem! I wish Taimoor had one more day to spend with you; i wish he had a chance to say Goodbye 😦
May you be peaceful wherever you are…
beautifully written piece taimoor…losing azeem so early on in life is indeed a tragedy to all those who were privileged to know him and those who hadnt had the chance to know him as yet….but am sure he is smiling from above, knowing that he has such an awesome friend in this life keeping his spirit alive through such moving words….may allah rest his soul in peace and may allah give u the strength to carry on thru life and bear such a loss
All my interactions with him were truly entertaining. People like him are really hard to come by. May Allah (SWT) have mercy on his soul and provide him space in paradise among HIS most beloved. Ameen.
Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry.
I am not there I did not die.
—- mary elizabeth frye. —
Azeem Daultana, he will be so missed, his lovely smile was so disarmig and he was so soft spoken, full of caring and gentleness and one of God’s finer Creations of humanity.
Rest In Peace, Azeem Bayta
To My Son Taimoor,
Bayta I feel your pain, and I ache because I am unable to relieve it!
You are an example of how good true friends are to one another; So I reach out to you to be there for you, in your grief, and pray to the Almighty, “for His benevolence and mercy to ease your suffering so you may live life with the memory of all the beauty He had gifted Azeem Bayta with, Aameen
“Gone Too Soon”
Like A Comet
Blazing ‘Cross The Evening Sky
Gone Too Soon
Like A Rainbow
Fading In The Twinkling Of An Eye
Gone Too Soon
Shiny And Sparkly
And Splendidly Bright
Here One Day
Gone One Night
Like The Loss Of Sunlight
On A Cloudy Afternoon
Gone Too Soon
Like A Castle
Built Upon A Sandy Beach
Gone Too Soon
Like A Perfect Flower
That Is Just Beyond Your Reach
Gone Too Soon
Born To Amuse, To Inspire, To Delight
Here One Day
Gone One Night
Like A Sunset
Dying With The Rising Of The Moon
Gone Too Soon
Gone Too Soon…….
What a beautiful tribute….Taimoor I’m so very sad and sorry for your loss…..may your wonderful friend rest in peace. Please tc.
Fatima
Life…so fragile, loss…so sudden! In the wake of such a loss, we are haunted by things we don’t, and may never understand. So we seek solace in the belief of love’s everlasting connection. Taimoor, may that love for your brother, Azeem lift you and hold you close, and give you peace. Although its difficult to see beyond the sorrow, may looking back in memory comfort you. You’re in my thoughts and prayers. May God grant Azeem his choicest place in Heaven!
Hungry Ghosts – I Don’t Think About You Anymore But, I Don’t Think About You Anyless
http://www.youtube.com
Taimoor I’m very sorry for your loss… Reading this has brought tears to eyes. May Allah give him a place in jannat. Ameen.
Azeem, we need more people like you in Pakistan. This is a loss for the nation and we all mourn your passing.
May Allah have mercy on your soul.
Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die
– Borrowed from Mary Elizabeth Frye
You were the glue that kept us all together
You were the hand that brought us to where we stand
You fought for our country with everything you had
Your despise so early makes me really sad
My brother, my hero, my friend
You will be in our hearts till the end
It was not your time to go, not this soon
We will finish what you started, witness be the moon
You were humble, kind and down to earth
This world was blessed with your birth
You taught us to be carefree and kind
Oh lord, what a beautiful mind.
You were there for me through whatever I did
Forgive me for anything I might have said wrong or did
I sit here alone, gasping in despair, wondering how life can be so unfair.
All I can do now is sit and pray, helpless and in dismay
But Inside my heart, I know that God will be kind to someone so gentle and sublime
We envy God to have loved you more than us, to take you away at the happiest of times
It was not your time to go, it should have been mine
Your wicked smile, your patriotic heart
Pakistan weeps for you with all that it has got
One of the youngest parliamentarians, one of the youngest cabinet members
Everything was going so well up till December
You were a brother, you were a friend
And I knew I could count on you till the end
You were everyone’s favorite, even mine
I just wish I had gotten to meet you properly one last time
*Your demise so early makes me really sad
The inseparable three Taimoor, Azeem and Hashim, I have such fond memories of you all growing up. Cant imagine not seeing you together. Will never forget the good times we have shared.
May you find strength old friend to get through this difficult time. I am deeply saddened by your loss! …..love.
Taimoor, just saw this and I am truly speechless and cant even think to imagine the grief you are in. I don’t know of Azeem but from what you have written, I feel like I know him as a part of yourself. My heart goes out to you. Just read somewhere Life is made up of years that mean nothing at all and moments that mean it all. Hold on to those moments my friend…they keep us going and just to let you know, right here to share your grief
I was one of the unfortunate few who only got to meet Azeem Bhai a few times. Yet each time I did, he met me as if I was his own younger brother as opposed to his younger brother’s friend. The way he smiled while greeting you made you feel comfortable with him instantly, making you feel as if you were an equal to him, allowing you to speak and listen to each other freely without the generally imposed societal taboos due to age or something. That isn’t just an admirable, yet rare talent as well. Many try, but hardly any actually succeed in doing so. Add that to the countless stories Amile has told me about Azeem Bhai with a distinct glint of admiration in his eyes, I felt as though I knew him much better than I actually did, making me personally feel this loss more than I would’ve expected. I’m not generally the sentimental type, yet when I heard the news, when I read Amile’s poem, when I read this testimonial, let’s just say I was more than just teary eyed. I would say that I wish I’d gotten to know him better, however, I’m gonna chalk that one up as a regret, it wouldn’t be fair to Azeem Bhai or his family if I make such a selfish wish, instead I’m gonna hope and pray that God provide the patience and strength required to be able to cope with such a tragic, sudden and.. unfair loss to Aunty, Uncle, Natasha, Amile, Sarwan and Geena. I pray that God somehow fill the void left behind by Azeem Bhai in the hearts of countless people. And I pray that God has already placed Azeem Bhai in the house next to His in heaven. Ameen.
he was a good person from doltana family. he was 1st person who think about people of luddan…… He is my favirout person…………. may Allah Rest in soul……………
Dear Azeem…. I am still unable to believe that you have left us and have gone to heavens……
Azeem, a friend since we have been 5….. was just 3 months older to me. Whenever, he used to come to Luddan, there was fun…. we used to spend much time of the day playing together, typical village games (both indoor and outdoor)….. sharing chocolates…. Going every day to picnic point at Sutluj, getting back and then waiting for next day to rise to play again…..
It went like this from 1984 to 1993….
My second round of interactions with Azeem became in 1997 when I was studying at Government College Lahore, and one day he came there…. It was nice surprise to meet him after five years….. we had talked for hours and hours sharing the childhood memories….
Third phase of our interaction came, when Azeem decided to take part in politics… I met him so many time during his election campaigns….. and Finally the day came, when he was elected MNA from Luddan….. I can not forget the celeberations we had at his home…
We used to travel together on occasions and had so many sharings. We used to have discuss on the topics from politics to marriage… and even got bet that who will marry first….
I still remember the day when, I went Luddan after joing UNFPA, and our local friends invited us for a feast….. On that occasion, Azeem made an impressive speech to the youth on their self-relient and asked them to work hard. “Believe in yourself and you can achieve everything”, these words are still in my ears….
Our last meeting was on 10th of Muharram during procession…. when I saw him standing in respect of Shuhadai e Karbala…
On night between 9th and 10th, I was at Multan for an official visit at a local hotel…. There was something, which was resulting in sinking of my heart…. I could not slept during night…. at 3:15am, I was watching TV when suddenly i read on local tv that “Muhammad Azeem Daultana traffic hadsay mein Jan Bahaq”….. For at least 5 minutes, I got out of my mind and could not understand what is written there….. Alas….. how did happen…. no this can not happen…. Is this about Azeem, with whom I had 28 years of friendship…. no…. no…. I started to change channels praying that this might be an incorrect news…. I could only believe when I called my brother in law, Manzoor Bhai who told that he is at hospital and Azeem is no more there….
Azeem, we used a word in our legal practice “Irrepearable loss” and now, your death has resulted me truely understand this notion….
May your sould rest in peace! Ameen, Aameen….
Mian Zahid sb, Farah Bibi, Nitasha Bibi and all other family members! It is a big loss not by you, the family, but for each and every person of the area… Khuda aap ko himmat aur sabar ata farmaiye….
With heavy heart…
Ali Imran
Taimoor, Couldn’t stop the tears after reading your testimonial…
Wrote something for him too… Thought i’d share it with you…
Azeem Khan Daultana, Daultana Saab, Azeem Bhai, Azeem, AD, we love you, and always will. It is painful to know you are not with us anymore. It gives our hearts a very tiny bit of consolation to know you are in a place much better than the world we live in. We miss you, and always will.
I remember clearly the day I first met you. It was 1995. Aitchison College, prep school, next to the tennis courts. You were always so charming, and friendly, polite, ever so handsome, and witty, so pleasant, and caring and mischievous. A friends friend. No questions asked. Loyal. Ready to take one for the team. Ready to take one for your team. Your influence on the lives of people spanned from Luddan to Murree. The loss is irreplaceable.
I always considered myself to be family. That’s the way I was always treated, and welcomed. Whether it was Luddan, Model Town, Main Boulevard, Cantt, Bedian, Raiwand, Parliament Lodges, Fur Hill.. Your love and hospitality was beautiful.
The times we spent together will be in our memory for ever. I remember making the “Azeem Daultana Appreciation Society”, back in 2008. I wrote:
“For all those die hard AD fans, who know the potential that this individual possesses. AD’s getting the ticket for MNA, might be one small step for man, but its a giant leap for mankind.
And a few months later…
AD has become MNA! Member National Assembly. a political hero, representing the great village of Luddan, Zilla Vehari.”
The memories of the amazing times we spent with you will always be in our hearts and minds.
Memories
The hunting expeditions in Vehari and Chakwal,
The economics tutoring on the main boulevard,
The road tripping in the mountains so far,
The times we went Peshawar Paar,
The goon kouts in the double sarr rang
The firey arguments that never stung
The breakfast and dinners at the havaili-e-Luddan
With our brother Waseem, the Don of Luddan
The good times where we had no worries
And you decided to leave us in a hurry
You were always Salman Bhai’s jaan
And you’re now right next to him eating a paan
Ahsan Ali
Praying for the Darling of my heart, Azeem Bhai.
Azeem Daultana you will be missed. Pakistan needs more people like you.
May Allah bless you in paradise.
Azeem was my senior in Aitchison College. I did not know him, as a friend..maybe never even spoken to him. But I do remember him as a senior fellow with a pleasant disposition and immaculate mannerism..a thorough gentleman. May his soul RIP and may God give his family the strength to bear the loss. Amen!
My dear Azeem, you know that you were my best friend, my father,my brother and my world. I lived my life through you and only you. You never disappointed me, never made me upset, never disobeyed me and never left my side.
Now i have no reason to live, i was living through you my Beta, whatever i was doing, it was for you. Wherever i look, i only see u. I feel your presence in each corner of this world, you are everywhere my Jan. Ma loves u and is very proud of you. Love Ma
No words for this kind of great person. God bless his soul. Its a great lose for Daultana family but I have to accept it don’t forget we all part of history have to left one day so its good luck of these kind of persons that history has his names in good books. God bless his family
We hope that Nitasha Daultana will keep running the cause of Azeems Daultana. National Identity is must to get rid of fakes. So our best wishes to a new representation of Daultani family Nitasha Daultana. Wish you best of luck. Try to change the culture of politics where you seems to be the Representative of the origin you belong and the peoples you represent. You can change by representing the people you are there for. Again wish you best of luck
The more i think of a reason behind your leaving this world, the more i get confused. You were the best amongst all, why you had to leave us? I wish i can find the answer and be with you at the earliest.
Life will never be the same without you my Jan. We miss u all the time Beta ji. Love u a lot.
Its a beauty of our eastern mother who grooms him to become a good citizen of his nation. No one can takes her place but don’t forget the role Bibi Fatima and Bibi Zainab s.a who gave there son as mothers
In tribute of Azeem daultana im sure a great son http://noborderstwitterfamily.blogspot.com/2012/03/greed-and-dishonesty-makes-criminal-are.html
Jan gi. i hear so many stories every day about your kindness, love for people, integrity and honesty, which ends in feeling reinforced that i was right about u. u r the best and will always be the best. love Ma
Ma ki ankh bohat khausorat hoti ha it was all because of that intituation a basic one starts from home was good so credit goes to mothers
dear azeem
i will miss u whole life.
Beautifully writen
Dear Deim, remember i called you deim, i don’t know why, may be i was looking for a short name for you or it sounded pleasant to me. I miss you every day. My day starts with your presence that is full of life and loveable voice, calling me Ma.
I look upon every corner of the home, roads, parks, restaurants and offices; where your memories are ingrained forever. You are everywhere. Love you Jan. Ma
One of Azeem’s favourite songs
I don’t know him personally but when you people remember his memories it feels good. We just for his soul
he was one of the nicest-the best and the phenomenal persons i’ve ever known in my life…a man truely worthy to be called the best
i’ve met him just once in my life but he will stay in my heart forever
ab me is insan k baray me alfaz kahan se laun k jis k barey me logon(people) se sirf taareefen hi suni.
ONCE AGAIN THE DAYS HAVE COME AND WE ARE WAITING FOR COMING ELECTION BUT ALAS OUR AZEEM LEADER MIAN AZEEM IS NOT WITH US. ALAS ALAS ALAS.
Ms Natash can be contest the electioin but no one can be like our Azeem Khan we miss him a lot
Great people leave there memories with us god bless his soul we can just pray nothing can take him back from God so do good things on his name in election make them clean this time in vehari to alive his honesty and dedication .
Kind Regardsn
Muhammad Abbas Khan
Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone using my Telenor Persona connection
From which party
Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone using my Telenor Persona connection
His sister I think
Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone using my Telenor Persona connection
His Family has a very impotant role in Politics his sister must the empowerment of women in his area to remember him for ever by educating a village school student also a registered student of Bio Tech and home economics, Women are Home Economist its better to empower then in rural and urban areas for the betterment of rural economy he represents vehari people of Vehari why not set good trends to remember good people what will happen at least…………………..
Love and kindness were two major attributes of Azeem, and that is called Unconditional Love. You can only give Unconditional Love to others, when you are peaceful at heart.
Azeem’s Birthday is coming soon on 4th April, we plan to make short documentary of his memories. pls send us his pictures or videos if u have any at:-
farrah.azeem@gmail.com
Beautifully I’m want to die on the beauty of these words
Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone using my Telenor Persona connection
Agreed beautiful words
Reblogged this on Watch Your Thoughts.
Join us on Tuesday, the 4th of April 2013 to honor the memory of my beloved brother, Azeem Daultana on his birthday.
The Dua will take place at 4 pm in Luddun. If you cannot make it, please observe a moment of silence for him or recite Surah Fatiha and light a candle in your home to remember his luminous presence. One of many of Azeem bhai’s greatest attributes was his benevolence. If possible, give any amount for charity on this day.
May he rest in peace. Ameen.
Geena
God bless his soul
Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone using my Telenor Persona connection
Today is Azeem’s 34th birthday. We are going to celebrate his birthday at his eternal resting place in Luddan, his most favourite town.
Pls pray for him with us at 4. p.m Pakistan time and don’t forget to light a candle and give some charity in his memory.
May you rest in eternal peace my beloved son. Love Ma
Happy Birthday to Azeem Dultana great thoughts may God bless his soul our prays are all the time for his ma. Candles are on
Kind Regards,
Muhammad Abbas Khan Jatoi
Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone using my Telenor Persona connection
a nice leader………….may his soul rest in peace…………….
Ameen we hope that Natasha Dultana will continou his leadership qualities
Azeem kahn se layoo tumhian
No he is alive if his cause becomes somebodies goal of life make his cause your goal of live you will feel him always been along with even if you want all the time by developing your peoples life People of Vehari
Hi Azeem, today i have officially taken your name. I could never imagine in my wildest dream that one day i would be Farrah Azeem Khan but that’s how it is today.
Rumi says:
On the day I die, don’t say he’s gone. Death has nothing to do with going away.
The sun sets, and the moon sets but they’re not gone.
Death is a coming together.
The human seed goes down into the ground like a bucket,
and comes up with some unimagined beauty.
Your mouth closes here, and immediately opens
with a shout of joy there.
true
What lovely words for your friend. Would he be from the same family of Daultanas that my grandfather served many years ago I wonder? Riaz Dhad Khan Daultana and family?
Who were the parents of your friend?