By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
Glowing tributes were paid to the late Zakir Ali Khan, an eminent writer,
Aligarhian, former Honorary Vice-Chancellor of Sir Syed University of
University & Technology (SSUET), and ex-Managing Director Karachi Water
& Sewerage Board (KWSB), for his commitment to the mission and vision of
great reformer Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, at a condolence reference for him organized
by Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys Association (AMUOBA) at the SSUET’s
campus.
The speakers on the occasion recalled the multi-faceted life and achievements
of Zakir Ali Khan who served AMUOBA as its General Secretary for five decades
and died recently at the age of 86 after a protracted illness..
In his speech the Chancellor SSUET, Engr Z.A. Nizami, spoke about the contributions
made by late Zakir Ali Khan, towards promoting the cause of education and
literature as outlined by the great Sir Syed Ahmed Khan..
He described Zakir Ali Khan as a man having unusual qualities and said he had
been one of the most revered and outstanding writer having produced at least 10
most popular books in Urdu.
He said his sad demise has created a void in both the educational and literary
circles besides which would not be filled in near future. He announced to
establish a chair after his name at the university in acknowledgment to his
services in augmenting the cause of education in general and promoting Urdu in
particular.
Engr Nizami said the dream of establishing Sir Syed University
“He was a noncontroversial person who was loved and respected by all and nobody
ever talked against him”, he said adding that besides education, he always
emphasized on extracurricular activities and formed a sports department in the
university.
Earlier Syed Afzal Karim highlighted the qualities and efforts of Zakir Ali
Khan, observing that he was a great protagonist of the vision and mission of
great reformer and educationist Sir Syed Ahmed Khan.
Born in July 2026 in Rampur , Zakir Ali Khan did
his matric from Rampur , B.Sc from Aligarh
In his professional career, the late Khan had served as Managing Director of
KW&SB, Chief Engineer KMV, Honorary Vice-Chancellor SSUET, Founder Member
of Board of Governors SSUET, Founder Member Governing Body Aligarh Institute of
Technology, President Pakistan Association of Scientists and Scientific
Professions, Karachi University Syndicate and Academic Council and Selection
Board.
Zakir Ali Khan was the recipient of Alumni Award given to him by Aligarh Alumni
Association New York in 2000 and was awarded the First Sir Syed Ahmed Khan
International Award for Literature by Aligarh
Muslim University , India
He was the author of 10 books and represented the best qualities of social
engineering through the promotion of professional education thereby impacting
the life of a large multiple.
He was also instrumental in creating a new sense of pride and confidence as
being a part of modern Islamic heritage through his writings.
He played a significant role in establishment of Aligarh Muslim University Old
Boys Association and since the last five decades had remained in Honorary
Secretary.
He was actively engaged in the promotion of sports events and also went as team
manager to various countries. He worked hard to promote hockey and served as
Secretary of Karachi Division Lawn Tennis Association.
The meeting, largely attended by SSUET’s faculty members, staff, students,
friends of Zakir Ali Khan and his lovers, concluded with Fateha offered for the
departed soul. Dua was performed by renowned Naat Khawan, Mahamoodul Hassan
Ashrafi.
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