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 ofUniversity & Technology (SSUET), and ex-Managing Director Karachi Water& Sewerage Board (KWSB), for his commitment to the mission and vision ofgreat reformer Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, at a condolence reference for him organizedby Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys Association (AMUOBA) at the SSUET’scampus.
The speakers on the occasion recalled the multi-faceted life and achievementsof Zakir Ali Khan who served AMUOBA as its General Secretary for five decadesand died recently at the age of 86 after a protracted illness..
In his speech the Chancellor SSUET, Engr Z.A. Nizami, spoke about the contributionsmade by late Zakir Ali Khan, towards promoting the cause of education andliterature as outlined by the great Sir Syed Ahmed Khan..
He described Zakir Ali Khan as a man having unusual qualities and said he hadbeen one of the most revered and outstanding writer having produced at least 10most popular books in Urdu.
He said his sad demise has created a void in both the educational and literarycircles besides which would not be filled in near future. He announced toestablish a chair after his name at the university in acknowledgment to hisservices in augmenting the cause of education in general and promoting Urdu inparticular.
Engr Nizami said the dream of establishing Sir Syed University
“He was a noncontroversial person who was loved and respected by all and nobodyever talked against him”, he said adding that besides education, he alwaysemphasized on extracurricular activities and formed a sports department in theuniversity.
Earlier Syed Afzal Karim highlighted the qualities and efforts of Zakir AliKhan, observing that he was a great protagonist of the vision and mission ofgreat reformer and educationist Sir Syed Ahmed Khan.
Born in July 2026 in Rampur , Zakir Ali Khan didhis matric from Rampur , B.Sc from Aligarh
In his professional career, the late Khan had served as Managing Director ofKW&SB, Chief Engineer KMV, Honorary Vice-Chancellor SSUET, Founder Memberof Board of Governors SSUET, Founder Member Governing Body Aligarh Institute ofTechnology, President Pakistan Association of Scientists and ScientificProfessions, Karachi University Syndicate and Academic Council and SelectionBoard.
Zakir Ali Khan was the recipient of Alumni Award given to him by Aligarh AlumniAssociation New York in 2000 and was awarded the First Sir Syed Ahmed KhanInternational Award for Literature by Aligarh Muslim University , India
He was the author of 10 books and represented the best qualities of socialengineering through the promotion of professional education thereby impactingthe life of a large multiple.
He was also instrumental in creating a new sense of pride and confidence asbeing a part of modern Islamic heritage through his writings.
He played a significant role in establishment of Aligarh Muslim University OldBoys Association and since the last five decades had remained in HonorarySecretary.
He was actively engaged in the promotion of sports events and also went as teammanager to various countries. He worked hard to promote hockey and served asSecretary 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 thedeparted soul. Dua was performed by renowned Naat Khawan, Mahamoodul HassanAshrafi.
Syndicated from: KarachiObserver.com
