Two years ago, I had to choose between a position at LUMS or HRCP. I asked a professor for advice who told me that the opportunity to learn from a man of IA Rehman's stature is a privilege not many have at the beginning of their career. I ended up taking the job. 1/n

I met Rehman sb on my first day. There was a quiet reassurance in the way he looked at me. A man of few words, he just said, "Welcome to HRCP. I hope you enjoy your work here." I told him I was a big fan. He asked me if I had read his latest column. I had. He smiled. 2/n

I spent 6 months in the office opposite to his. We would say hello to each other every day. He would always apologise for making me wait while he got off the stairs. Always had a joke to crack about his age. 3/n

I once told him that I wish to be as energetic and sharp witted when I'm his age. He told me the secret is to never stop reading and writing. If any of you knew him, you knew he was a very well read man, with exemplary analytical skills and attention to detail. 4/n

He loved coming to the office. HRCP was his safe haven. His banter with Ilyas sb, as he stood in his office and asked for updates, was my favourite. During the pandemic, he was eager to learn Zoom so he could join important discussions. Such was his passion and commitment. 5/n

He was present at our last team meeting in Islamabad and quietly listened and took notes. His input was, and will remain valuable. At the end of the meeting we all took turns taking pictures with our beloved Rehman sb. I'll always remember how happy he was that day. 6/n

He believed in sharing his wealth of knowledge with anyone interested. Over the course of my work, I got to know that he was the force behind numerous rights-based organizations. His contribution to the human rights movement is paramount. 7/n

Our last interaction was when I was leaving for a field visit for the RUDP fact finding mission. In just 5 minutes, he outlined the main problems with the project, and questions I should ask the villagers. His grasp on the woes of his country's people was unparalleled. 8/n

He touched our lives and made us want to work harder everyday. He inspired and encouraged us to side with the truth. Always thought he'd be around for much longer to guide us. His loss is irreparable and I can't imagine walking into an office devoid of his presence. 9/n

Our Rehman sb was always on the right side of history. His life is a lesson and inspiration for future generations of leaders. Rest in power, sir. We'll miss you terribly. 10/10