Former secretary information Khawaja Ijaz Sarwar passes away

Former secretary information and broadcasting Khawaja Ijaz Sarwar has passed away after prolonged illness.

Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar led the tributes, his voice heavy with emotion as he spoke about the late officer. “The news of Sarwar Sahib’s demise has left me deeply saddened,” Tarar said. “He wasn’t just a colleague but a mentor to many of us in the information sector – a man of unwavering integrity who shaped Pakistan’s national narrative with wisdom and balance.”

Sarwar’s career in the elite Pakistan Administrative Service (PAS) spanned decades, with his tenure as Information Secretary standing out as particularly impactful. Colleagues remember him as the calm yet firm hand that guided the ministry through turbulent times, ensuring the government’s message reached the public with clarity and credibility.

“He had this rare ability to navigate complex media landscapes without compromising on ethics,” recalled a former subordinate, requesting anonymity. “Whether it was a crisis or a routine briefing, Sarwar Sahib insisted on transparency while safeguarding national interests.”

Beyond policy, Sarwar was known for nurturing young officers, emphasizing the importance of impartiality in civil service. “He’d often remind us, ‘Our loyalty is to the constitution, not to any political party,'” shared a junior officer who trained under him.

His contributions extended beyond bureaucracy – Sarwar played a pivotal role in modernizing Pakistan’s information dissemination systems, advocating for digital outreach long before it became mainstream.