Zakir Ali Khan eulogized in book launch

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Glowing tributes were paid to the late Engr Zakir Ali Khan, a former Secretary General of the Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys Association (AMUOBA), during the launch of a book titled ‘Zakir-e-Sir Syed’ held at Karachi’s historic Frere Hall on March 30.

Published by the Muhammad Zakir Ali Khan Foundation, ‘Zakir-e-Sir Syed’ has been authored by a famous Indian scholar, Professor Abu Sufiyan Islahi, who had flown in all the way from Aligarh to grace the ceremony as the chief guest. 

The function, attended by a large number of intellectuals, mostly Aligarhians, was presided over by General Moinuddin Haider, a former Governor of Sindh and an ex-Federal Minister for Interior, while Rizwan Siddiqui, a prolific writer and orator, conducted the proceedings. 

Muhammad Akbar Ali Khan, a son of the late Engr Zakir Ali Khan, and his wife Erum Khan, who have established the foundation, organized the book launch ceremony in a befitting manner. 

Farrukh Nizami, a son of the late Engr Z A Nizami, who served the AMUOBA as its President with distinction for a number of years until his death in 2013, also attended the ceremony alongwith Engr Adil Usman, a former President of AMUOBA, and Jawaid Anwar, President, AMUOBA.

General Moinuddin Haider, in his speech, highlighted the contributions of the late Zakir Ali Khan during what he described as an illustrious career. 

“He played a long and dignified innings. An honest government officer to the core, he was born for social service. He was a selfless man who took pride in working with missionary zeal without caring for rewards. He was a perfect example of the Aligarhian spirit,” the General remarked. 

“It were the officers like Engr Zakir Ali Khan Khan and Engr Z A Nizami, educated and trained at the Aligarh Muslim University, who laid strong foundations for the country. It was their vision and hard work which created the infrastructure in the city of Karachi. After their retirement service they immortalized themselves by giving us the Sir Syed University of Engineering & Technology (SSUET). Today we miss people like them,” he complimented. 

“They spread the mission of the great Sir Syed Ahmad Khan in letter and spirit. Let us remember that Sir Syed and most of his colleagues had also worked proactively after having retired from service,” the former Governor of Sindh stated.

Professor Abu Sufiyan Islahi of the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), who was the chief guest of the evening, recalled the meritorious services of the late Engr Zakir Ali Khan in furthering the mission of the legendary Sir Syed Ahmad Khan. 

“The contributions of both Zakir Ali Khan as well as Z A Nizami in keeping the Aligarhian spirit alive deserves recognition beyond words. These two gentleman were chiefly responsible for having created the SSUET which is a priceless gift for the people of Pakistan,” he noted. 

“On personal front, it has been a privilege as well as an honour to have done the book ‘Zakir-e-Sir Syed’ which is spread over 120 pages. This is the story of a man who had dedicated his life for furthering the agenda of the AMU and its founder Sir Syed Ahmad Khan,” the visiting Professor added. 

The vote of thanks was presented precisely by Erum Khan in which she briefly touched about the passion and the obsession of his father-in-law (Engr Zakir Ali Khan) towards Aligarh. In the end the copies of the book ‘Zakir-e-Sir Syed’ were presented to the dignitaries at the stage. The launching ceremony was followed by a sumptuous dinner.