Hakim Said, Pakistani scholar and politician, 20th Governor of Sindh (d. 1998)

Hakeem Muhammad Saeed: A Legacy of Medicine, Scholarship, and Philanthropy

Hakeem Muhammad Saeed (Urdu: حکیم محمد سعید; born 9 January 1920, passed away 17 October 1998) was an exceptionally distinguished Pakistani polymath, celebrated for his profound contributions as a medical researcher, prolific scholar, and ardent philanthropist. The honorific 'Hakeem' in his name signifies a traditional Unani physician, a master of a holistic system of traditional medicine widely practiced in South Asia, drawing its roots from ancient Greek, Roman, and Arab medical traditions. His remarkable life was dedicated to the advancement of health, education, and social welfare in Pakistan and across the globe.

The Hamdard Foundation: A Pillar of Traditional Medicine

A cornerstone of Hakeem Saeed's enduring legacy is the establishment of the Hamdard Foundation in Pakistan. This pivotal institution was founded by him in 1948, shortly after the partition of India and Pakistan. He successfully re-established and expanded the family's renowned Hamdard legacy, which was originally founded by his father, Hakeem Abdul Majeed, in Delhi, British India. Under Hakeem Saeed’s visionary leadership, the Hamdard Foundation Pakistan flourished rapidly, becoming a beacon of Unani medicine and innovation in herbal product development. Within just a few years, Hamdard's carefully formulated herbal medical products transcended their initial scope to become widely recognized household names across Pakistan, deeply embedded in the nation's cultural fabric. Iconic products such as Rooh Afza, a concentrated herbal syrup celebrated for its refreshing qualities and distinctive taste, exemplify Hamdard's widespread recognition and commercial success.

A Multifaceted Career: From Governance to Global Outreach

Hakeem Muhammad Saeed's career was remarkably diverse, extending far beyond the realms of medicine and philanthropy into public service and international intellectual exchange. He briefly served as the Governor of Sindh Province from 1993 until 1994, a testament to his high regard in national politics and his unwavering commitment to public administration. However, his primary influence remained rooted in the extensive research and promotion of Eastern medicines, particularly Unani, where he was universally recognized as one of Pakistan's foremost authorities. His intellectual pursuits were vast and profound; he meticulously authored and compiled an astonishing collection of approximately 200 books. These profound works spanned an impressive array of subjects including classical medicine, philosophy, modern science, public health, religion, natural healing, literary analyses, insightful social commentaries, and engaging travelogues, all reflecting his wide-ranging expertise and insatiable intellectual curiosity.

His commitment to global knowledge and cultural understanding was further underscored by his significant role as a founding member of the prestigious World Cultural Council (WCC) in 1981. This distinguished non-profit international organization, headquartered in Mexico, is dedicated to promoting goodwill, freedom, and prosperity through the advancement of knowledge, culture, and science. Hakeem Saeed’s active involvement with the WCC unequivocally showcased his international stature and profound dedication to fostering intellectual cooperation and cross-cultural understanding worldwide.

Tragic Assassination and Its Profound Aftermath

The illustrious life of Hakeem Muhammad Saeed came to a tragic and abrupt end on 17 October 1998. He was brutally assassinated by a group of unknown assailants in Karachi, while he was on his way to attend a medical experiment at the Hamdard Laboratories, a place synonymous with his life's work and scientific endeavors. His untimely and shocking demise sent immediate ripples of grief, outrage, and instability across Pakistan. The profound impact of his killing prompted an immediate and decisive response from the then Prime Minister of Pakistan, Nawaz Sharif, who, amidst widespread public outcry and security concerns, controversially imposed direct federal rule over the Sindh province. This drastic measure underscored the severity of the security situation and highlighted the national significance of Hakeem Saeed's loss, reflecting the immense public demand for justice following the assassination of such a revered and influential national figure.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hakeem Muhammad Saeed

Who was Hakeem Muhammad Saeed?
Hakeem Muhammad Saeed was a pre-eminent Pakistani medical researcher, a prolific scholar, a dedicated philanthropist, and a former Governor of Sindh Province. He was a leading authority in the field of Eastern (Unani) medicine and the visionary founder of the Hamdard Foundation Pakistan.
What is the Hamdard Foundation?
The Hamdard Foundation Pakistan is a highly respected philanthropic organization established by Hakeem Muhammad Saeed in 1948. It is renowned for its significant contributions to Unani medicine, including the production of popular herbal medical products widely used across Pakistan, and for its extensive charitable work in health, education, and various social welfare initiatives.
What was Hakeem Muhammad Saeed's contribution to literature?
Hakeem Muhammad Saeed was an extraordinarily prolific writer and compiler, with an impressive bibliography of approximately 200 books. His extensive works covered a vast spectrum of subjects, including traditional medicine, philosophy, modern science, public health, religion, natural medicine, literary analyses, social studies, and compelling travelogues, showcasing his remarkably diverse intellectual interests and deep knowledge.
How did Hakeem Muhammad Saeed die?
Hakeem Muhammad Saeed was tragically assassinated on 17 October 1998 by a group of unknown assailants in Karachi. At the time of the attack, he was en route to a medical experiment at Hamdard Laboratories, the very heart of his professional life. His assassination led to significant political repercussions across Pakistan, including the controversial imposition of direct federal rule in the Sindh province by the then Prime Minister.