Pakistan’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations, New York held a condolence meeting to pay homage to late Dr. Nafis Sadik, who left us on 14 August 2022 at the age of 92. Dr Sadik was a former Pakistani Civil servant, who later became Special Adviser to the UN Secretary General with additional responsibilities as Special Envoy for HIV/AIDS in Asia, and former executive director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) from 1987 to 2000, says a press release received here today from New York. Ambassador Munir Akram, Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations made his remarks and paid condolences to the family and friends. “Her knowledge, experience, vision, and wisdom had been a great source of strength and inspiration for many. She was well known for her warmth, accessibility, and principled approach to advancing the UN values and principles” he said. “She has left a legacy of people-centered approaches to sexual and reproductive health, grounded in human rights, equality, and dignity for all,” said the Ambassador. He recalled her outstanding achievements and called her an inspiration for the global community, especially for women. He said that Dr. Nafis Sadik has set an example for women today in the way she struggled to claim their rights. Dr. Natalia Kanem, Executive Director of UNFPA expressed condolences on behalf of the United Nations Populations Fund and paid high tributes to the services of Dr. Sadik, a former Executive Director of UNFPA. She admired her power of persuasion and eloquence. She paid tributes for her outstanding accomplishments at UNFPA fighting for Women’s rights. She thanked Ambassador Munir Akram for arranging this august gathering. Dr. Sadik’s family, including her daughter Dr. Ambreen Sadik, her son, and his wife: Omar and Ayiesha Sadik among others, attended the events. Her former colleagues and friends also attended the gathering and shared their memories. Representatives from the Department of Global Communications, UNESCO, High Commission of Human Rights, and other UN agencies also attended the gathering. Mr. Samir Sanbar, former USG Public Information at the United Nations, Mr. Rafeeudin Ahmed, Ms. Edith Lederer, Associated Press UN Correspondent, Mr. Iftikhar Ali, Associated press of Pakistan, UN Correspondent, Mr. Shaukat Fareed shared their memories of working with Dr. Sadik and her dignified attributes as well as contributions she made for a better world . Among others, Ms. Shazia Rafi, a former colleague, said “We miss her today as we face an unraveling of that progressive world we had imagined, fought for and won”! A special documentary prepared by the Information section of the Permanent Mission was also played to pay tribute to Dr. Nafis Sadik. A brief biography was read by Second Secretary, Ms. Rabia Ijaz, and the event was moderated by Mr. Jawad Ajmal, First Secretary at the Mission.
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