Zakir Ali Khan, a protagonist of the vision and mission of great reformer and educationist Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, passed away here on Wednesday after a protracted illness. He was 86, says an announcement by the Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET).
Born in July 1926 in Rampur, Zakir Ali Khan did his Matric from Rampur, B.Sc. from Aligarh in 1945 and B.Sc. and Engineering from the same university in 1948. In his professional career, Late Zakir Ali Khan served as Managing Director of Karachi Water and Sewerage Board, Chief Engineer KMV, Honorary Vice-Chancellor Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology, founder Member of Board of Governors SSUET. He was the Founder Member of the Governing Body Aligarh Institute of Technology, President Pakistan Association of Scientists, Scientific Professions, Karachi University Syndicate, Academic Council and Selection Board. He was elected as General Secretary of Aligarh Muslim University
Old Boys' Association in 1960 and occupied this position till his death. 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 in 2008.
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 played a significant role in establishment of Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys' Association and for the last five decades remained 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.-PR