Dr. Rasheed Hassan Khan

was a towering figure in student politics in Pakistan.  Through his association with National Student Federation (NSF) for over three decades, he influenced generations of Pakistani youth.  Accomplishments of NSF are etched in the very history of Pakistan. The history of NSF is the history of people’s struggle against oppressive forces.

Dr. Rasheed Hassan Khan joined NSF in 1960 & soon became a leading member of the Organisation> He fought for social justice & for the change of the oppressive system which favored the ruling class at the behest of the suffering of the ordinary people. He suffered immense hardship including repeated imprisonment & torcher but he never deters from his belief. Through to the end, he remained an ardent Marxist & never bowed to the pressure of the enticing forces of capitalism.

He passed MBBS from a prison cell. Once freed, he set up a free medical clinic in the slums of Karachi. In 2010 he quit medical practice and devoted his life to reading & political writing. He became an active blogger with the name of ‘Apna Kal’. His writings are now published as a book, titled ‘To change the world’

He passed away on 30^th April 2016. His personal life was unblemished. His dedication to the cause was unparalleled. He was not married and left very few worldly possessions behind. His exemplary life has become a beacon of light for all those who have dedicated their lives to progressive causes

The annual Dr. Rasheed Hassan Khan Seminar was started in 2018. Since then, it has become an annual event.

This seminar is organized to celebrate the life and work of Dr. Rasheed Hassan Khan.

The seminar gives an opportunity to discuss various important issues which engulfed the present world. These issues are discussed at the seminar in a more inclusive way. We at Neem Tree Forum believe that in a rapidly changing world, we can not afford to continue living in our own comfort zone. We need to talk, we need to listen, we need to understand and we need to have a fresh look at the problems… This can only be done by taking a 360-degree view of the issue & workout, what is working and what is not. At the seminars, we try to engage in discussion and dialogue rather than a debate & this gives us an opportunity to listen and understand diverse views.