On February 6, 2019, Pakistan lost a great humanitarian who had touched the lives of millions and made them brighter. Khawaja Zafar Hassan devoted 30 years of his life to LRBT, an organization committed to ensuring that the underprivileged segment of our society had access to free comprehensive eye care. As the founder trustee of LRBT and as its second chairman, the organization would not have been where it is today without him. His contribution to the organization changed the lives of millions who had been living in the dark. K.Z. Hassan was a rare soul, filled with compassion and the zeal to help people. His astounding work ethic and leadership ensured that LRBT expanded nationwide. It is through his effort and that of his team, that LRBT is operating in 76 locations and is ever growing. We as a nation are indebted to Khawaja Zafar Hassan for being an exceptional individual who always put others before himself. His services and the vital role he played in returning the vision of millions, will never be forgotten. He headed 19 hospitals and 57 eye centers to ensure that the people of Pakistan had access to the best eye care. Mr Hassan’s dedication and hardwork was a testament of his stupendous character. LRBT and the world is a poorer place without Mr Hassan’s shining light. K.Z. Hassan was a rare soul, filled with compassion and the zeal to help people. His astounding work ethic and leadership ensured that LRBT expanded nationwide. It is through his effort and that of his team, that LRBT is operating in 76 locations and is ever growing K.Z. Hassan was a pillar of strength for all around him, it will be hard to follow in his footsteps. The organization and the coming generations will learn the virtues of selfness and humanity from him. His love, empathy and genuine affection for all made him not just a good leader but also a great visionary. Despite K.Z. Hassan having reached the upper echelons at LRBT, he was still one of the most punctual and regular staff members. He could be seen in the offices rain or shine, such was his love for the cause that he pursued so passionately. The one’s working around him were awed by his focus and dedication to helping the underprivileged, because of his untiring efforts and that of his team 40 million lives have been made all the brighter by LRBT. Khawaja Zafar Hassan you will be dearly missed and the world is a darker place for having lost you. May people rise up to meet the impossibly high standard you have set. You will always be remembered with fondness, love and gratitude. The writer is an Assistant Editor at Daily Times and is a gender rights activist Published in Daily Times, February 17th 2019.