The Fragrance of Sargodha in My Heart
Written by: Sahibzada Mian Muhammad Ashraf Asmi, Advocate
On a hot and humid afternoon of August 13, 2024, I set off for Sargodha. The purpose of this visit was to pay my respects at the shrine of my great uncle and spiritual guide, Hazrat Hakeem Mian Muhammad Inayat Khan Qadri Naushahi (may his soul rest in peace), and to stroll through the streets and markets of Sargodha, so I could relive the memories of the past in the present moment. My old friend and classmate from Government Comprehensive School Sargodha, and later from Government College of Commerce Sargodha, Mr. Muhammad Javed Iqbal Mustafai, hosted me as always. We wandered through the streets and markets of Sargodha, refreshing old memories. Perhaps "refreshing" isn’t the right word, because we don’t need to refresh something we haven’t forgotten.
I spent the years from 1974 to 1993 in Sargodha. My dear uncle took care of me with great love. He brought me from my hometown Lahore, asking my mother to let me stay with him. So, from first grade to completing my master’s degree, I spent my time in Sargodha. Later, I returned to my hometown Lahore, but despite being in Lahore, I could never forget Sargodha, not even for a moment. How could I forget? Forgetting it would be like forgetting myself, which isn’t possible.
As soon as I arrived in Sargodha, I visited the blessed shrine of Hazrat Hakeem Mian Muhammad Inayat Khan Qadri Naushahi (may his soul rest in peace). I also paid my respects to his son and successor, Hakeem Mian Muhammad Yousuf Qadri Naushahi. A special prayer was held at the "Zawiya Sargodha" in memory of the martyrs of the Pakistan Movement, which I attended. I also had the honor of meeting Professor Dr. Khalid Naseer, a Physics professor at the University of Sargodha, and Mr. Javed Mustafai was there as well. In the evening, Mr. Javed Mustafai and I took a walk through the streets and markets of Sargodha. We passed by Kot Fareed and Ambala Muslim College, explored the city, and then enjoyed Falooda at Hafiz Soda Water in Muslim Bazaar. We also relished some cold, delicious mangoes from a stall near Liaquat Market. We gathered scattered memories from Kachehri Bazaar, Khayyam Cinema, Railway Road, and Shama Cinema Chowk. Javed Mustafai is an exceptional person. I have been friends with him since 1981, when we were at Jamia High School in Sargodha.
On the morning of August 14, I, along with Mr. Javed Mustafai, visited the office of Daily Tijarat on Khushab Road to meet Mr. Malik Muhammad Muazzam, the editor of Daily Tijarat, and the renowned poet Mr. Mumtaz Arif. Malik Muhammad Muazzam is a highly patriotic person and a devoted lover of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Similarly, Mr. Mumtaz Arif is also filled with the love of the Prophet (peace be upon him). He is a well-known poet and journalist. A few weeks ago, both Mr. Malik Muazzam and Mr. Mumtaz Arif had come to Lahore High Court to attend the launch ceremony of my new book "Man Ki Nagri." They were extremely kind to me. While we were still enjoying their hospitality, another prominent intellectual, lover of the Prophet (peace be upon him), and a famous lawyer, Mr. Mirza Muhammad Munir, along with his son Advocate Mirza Alamgir, arrived. Mr. Malik Muazzam is the real nephew of Mr. Mirza Muhammad Munir. At this moment, Mr. Mirza Muhammad Munir, Mr. Malik Muazzam, and Mr. Mumtaz Arif shared many stories about Hazrat Khwaja Qamaruddin Sialvi (may his soul rest in peace), Hazrat Khwaja Fakhruddin (may his soul rest in peace), Mian Abdul Rashid Sahib, and Justice Pir Muhammad Karam Shah (may his soul rest in peace), which strengthened our faith. The conversation also included memories of Mr. Mirza Muhammad Munir and Mr. Mirza Muhammad Muzaffar. Mr. Javed Mustafai actively participated in the discussion, and I listened intently. The spiritual peace I felt from such a beautiful gathering is beyond words. Mr. Malik Muhammad Muazzam’s love and kindness enriched both me and Mr. Javed Mustafai. I presented my new book "Man Ki Nagri" to Mr. Mirza Muhammad Munir and kissed his blessed hand.
After seeking permission to leave from the office of Daily Tijarat, Mr. Javed Mustafai and I went to the dental clinic of our classmate from Government Jamia High School Sargodha, Dr. Irfan Ali Zafar Qureshi, at Gol Chowk Sargodha. We had a great time chatting with Dr. Irfan. After that, we stopped by Abdul Latif’s chickpeas shop, had some chickpeas with bread, and then headed to Sargodha Railway Station. The Sargodha Railway Station holds great importance for me. My cousin had a medical store at Shama Cinema Chowk on this road, and I also ran a library there for a while. I spent my childhood and youth on this road. The railway station looked deserted; there were no trains present. I learned that only seven trains come here now, and goods trains have completely stopped. The platforms were empty and quiet. There used to be a bookstall run by Shah Sahib on the platform, but it was gone. A few tea stalls were still there, but they were also quiet. There was only one porter at the entire station, sitting idle. The governments have done such a great injustice to our railway system that only God can hold them accountable. There used to be a restaurant at the station run by our college classmate Muhammad Saleem and his father. I often met him there, but now it was run by another contractor, and there were no customers. I only saw one railway police officer on duty. The place felt haunted. Just as the country’s economy and society have been badly damaged, how could the railway department have survived? While sitting on the platform, I contacted two friends, Alam Baloch and Kausar Hayat, who were schoolmates. They came over, and together with Javed Mustafai, Kausar Hayat, and Alam Baloch, we reminisced for several hours, recalling our school days and teachers. We had tea and shared stories. I presented my new book "Man Ki Nagri" to both Kausar Hayat and Alam Baloch. During this time, a very dilapidated train, the Millat Express, also arrived two hours late from Karachi, heading to Lala Musa. I deeply absorbed the essence of Sargodha while sitting on the railway platform.
After saying goodbye to both Alam Baloch and Kausar Hayat, I returned to Lahore that evening, having spent a love-filled day. I had a wonderful time in the hospitality of Mr. Javed Mustafai. May Sargodha remain safe and sound till the end of time. #Sqargodha #Asmi














