*Renowned Writer, Water Expert and Social Reformer Engineer Muhammad Obhayo Khushik passes away at 76*

Engineer Muhammad Obhayo Khushik, a renowned writer, social reformer, water expert, and former student leader, passed away on Friday night at a private hospital in Karachi after a brief illness. He was 76. _Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilayhi Raji’un_.

His demise has left a deep sense of sorrow across Sindh’s literary, intellectual, and social circles, where he was widely respected for his lifelong dedication to education, social reform, and advocacy on water-related issues.

Born on September 2, 1949, in Darvesh village of Taluka Ghorabari, District Thatta, Engineer Khushik was the son of Muhammad Urs Khushik. He received his early education in his native village and later completed his matriculation from Government High School Thatta. He pursued intermediate studies at Government Degree College Hyderabad, now Government College University Hyderabad, before moving into higher education.

He earned his Civil Engineering degree in 1971 from Sindh University Engineering College Jamshoro, now Mehran University of Engineering and Technology. This academic achievement marked the beginning of a distinguished professional career dedicated to public service and development.

Engineer Khushik joined the Irrigation Department in 1972 as a Sub-Engineer and served for nearly four decades. Through hard work and professional excellence, he rose steadily through the ranks and retired in 2009 as Project Director. His expertise in water management and deep understanding of Sindh’s water-related challenges earned him recognition as a respected intellectual, researcher, and policy commentator.

Apart from his engineering career, he remained actively engaged in political, social, literary, and intellectual activities throughout his life. During his student years, he emerged as an influential student leader and served first as Senior Vice Chairman and later as Chairman of the Sindh Student Cultural Organization, where he played a significant role in student politics and cultural movements.

Known for his prolific writing, Engineer Khushik extensively addressed issues related to Sindh’s water rights, environmental concerns, history, and social justice. His writings established him as a strong voice in public discourse. Among his notable works are _Chetare Chayaam Sindh Punjab Pani Mamro_, _Goondar Gus Paryan Ja_, and _Sindhu Jo Rasto Na Rokiyo Jeki Parhayam Bhasha Dam – Sindh Lai Taryaq ya Zahr_.

Hundreds of people from different walks of life gathered outside his residence in Thatta to attend his funeral and pay homage to him for his lifelong contributions to the cause of Sindh.

Prominent figures expressed deep grief over his demise. Noted columnist Zahid Ishaque Soomro, while talking to this correspondent, said that Sindh had lost an advocate of its riparian rights and a leading intellectual. Eminent journalist Iqbal Khowaja said that the late Obhayo Khan Khushik made resolute efforts to present Sindh’s water case at different forums effectively. Historian Zubair Aziz Jaffrani, Aslam Azad, Senator Sassui Palijo, Dr Muhammad Ali Manjhi, and others also condoled his passing.

Engineer Muhammad Obhayo Khushik will be remembered as a dedicated engineer, visionary thinker, prolific writer, and passionate advocate for Sindh’s rights and development. His contributions to literature, public service, and social awareness are expected to continue inspiring future generations.