An era of merit and distinction

With the passing away of Muhammad Zakir Ali Khan on February 8, an era of merit and distinction has come to an end. He was a true disciple of Sir Syed and torch bearer of the Aligarh spirit till his last breath. Born on July 8, 1926 in the princely State of Rampur he completed his schooling from State High School Rampur and went to Aligarh Muslim University in 1940 for pursuing higher education.
After passing his Bachelors of Science in 1945 he took second bachelor's course in Civil Engineering which he completed in 1948, and after that migrated to Karachi. In Pakistan, he remained associated with the Karachi Municipal Corporation in senior positions and also served as its Chief Officer. His services were transferred to Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB) after its creation where he served as Chief Engineer and was later on elevated as Managing Director of KWSB which post he held till his retirement. In fact he actually never retired from work as he kept himself fully busy in actively managing the affairs of Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys Association and its associated institutions.
He was a keen sportsman since his student life. His main interest was Hockey and Tennis which he played at Aligarh University and on migration to Pakistan, his sporting passion was instrumental in creating facilities and promoting sporting activities in Karachi. The sports lovers of this city will always remember him for his untiring efforts in establishing KMC Football Stadium and KMC Sports Complex.
He remained associated with the Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys Association of Karachi (Pakistan) since its inception. For the last over 5 decades he was holding the position of Honorary Secretary. During this period he worked relentlessly for the promotion of technical education and setting up of institutions associated with the name of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan and Aligarh for the youth of Karachi. Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology, Aligarh Institute of Technology and Fahimunnisa Institute for Girls are a few examples which were established with his active involvement and these institutions are constantly progressing with the Aligarh spirit behind these learning institutions.
Another distinguishing feature of Zakir Sahib was that he was a writer of his own style. His sense of humour was representative of Aligarians and the language he used was typical of Rohail Khund due to his association with Rampur. He has left 10 books to his credit all very interesting to read. Titles of these books are (1) Mian ki Atariya Talay, (2) Hadees-e-Haram, (3) Rakht-e-Safar, (4) Marhaba Alhaaj, (5) Qalam Rau, (6) Deewan-e-Aam, (7) Riwayat-e-Aligarh, (8) Baraa-e-Naam, (9) Mai Baap, (10) Yaadon Ka Dastarkhawan.
He was also the Chief Editor of Monthly 'Tehzeeb' which is mouth piece of Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys Association. He not only initiated this magazine but very ably ensured its publication for the last almost 29 years maintaining a level of interest for the readers.
In 2008 Aligarh Muslim University in India instituted an international award for literature. Zakir Sahib has the distinction of bagging the first award which carried a cash prize of Rs 500,000/- presented to him by the Chancellor of the University. True to his personality and overwhelmed by the honour bestowed on him, he lost no time and instantly donated the entire prize money for the welfare and betterment of Aligarh Muslim University students.
In 2009 the Aligarh Alumni Association, New York conferred on him the coveted Sir Syed Day Lifetime Achievement Award for his meritorious services for spreading the Aligarh spirit and promotion of higher education in Pakistan.
The personality of Zakir Sahib can be summed up in the following couplets:
Zakir Ali Khan, besides his family, has also left behind a large number of Aligarh Alumni to mourn his death. May God rest his soul in eternal peace (Ameen).