The US Consulate in Karachi held a memorial on Friday morning in honour of its information assistant Muhammad Hakeem Baloch, who died early Thursday morning after a brief illness. He is survived by his wife, parents and four siblings.
During the memorial, Consul General William Martin, on behalf of his government, offered condolences to Baloch’s family and read a condolence letter from US Ambassador Cameron Munter.
In the letter, Ambassador Munter and his wife, Dr Marilyn Wyatt, said, “Though Hakeem was not a member of the Karachi Consulate for very long, he quickly became an extremely effective and popular part of the Public Affairs team.
More important than what he did, Hakeem was valued for who he was—someone who was always ready to help others and friendly towards all. Our thoughts and prayers are with Hakeem’s family, especially his wife, as they come to terms with this devastating loss.”
At the memorial, Martin paid his condolences saying, “Today we are gathered to remember our consulate family, a friend and colleague who was taken from us so unexpectedly, so tragically that our hearts are broken. Hakeem touched so many lives, not only within the Consulate community, but also among the wider community bringing understanding, compassion and hope to so many.”
Also present at the memorial were American diplomats posted at the consulate, and Public Affairs Officer Kevin Murakami and Information Officer Amanda Cauldwell. Murakami said, “Hakeem was the best type of friend anyone could hope to have. No matter how stressful the situation, no matter how tiring the task, Hakeem was always friendly and personable, with a kind word and smile to share. He deeply cared about all of us. He was a generous soul, a joy to talk with, and his enthusiasm for life was infectious.”
