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By Afzal Usmani
It is common understanding that alumni of Aligarh Muslim University (previously Mohammadan Anglo Oriental College of Aligarh) take pride in their association with their Alma mater and its rich traditions, but there are few whose love for their Alma Mater known no bounds. The most prominent among such persons in our time and a true representative of his beloved Alma Mater is the first recipient of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan International award of Aligarh Muslim University in 2008, Honorary General Secretary Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys Association Karachi, one of the Founder and former Vice-Chancellor of Sir Syed University of Engineering & Technology, Karachi Pakistan and noted prolific writer whose works include the hugely popular “Rawayaat-e-Aligarh”, Er. Mohammad Zakir Ali Khan, popularly known as Aligarh Khan. He represents the best qualities of social engineering through the promotion of professional education for the betterment of socirty at large. He is also instrumental in creating a new sense of pride and confidence in being a part of a secular modern Islamic heritage through his writings.
Mohammad Zakir Ali Khan was born on 8th July, 1926 in the family of Mohammad Baquir Ali Khan in erstwhile princely state of Rampur. He completed his primary education from State High School in Rampur. His sense of humor was very strong even from the school days. One day a teacher walked in the classroom and asked the class if they knew common abuses. Nobody raised his hand. But one bold boy rose to his feet, and rattled off a stream of unadulterated invectives commonly used in Rampur. The teacher then asked him to tell him the characteristics of oxygen. The boy was in luck, for he knew the answer to the question. Otherwise, he would have been hauled over the coals by the teacher. The young boy was none other than young Mohammad Zakir Ali Khan. After completing his Intermediate from Rampur he joined Aligarh Muslim University in B.Sc. on 17th July 1940. After completing B.Sc. in 1945, took admission in B.Sc. Engineering (Civil) completed his engineering in 1948 and chose to adopt Pakistan as his new home. Mr. Khan joined Karachi Water and Sewage Board and has served Chief Engineer and later as Managing Director of KWSB (Karachi Water & Sewerage Board). He also served as Managing Director of Karachi Metropolitan Corporation. Mr. Zakir Ali Khan was a sportsperson from his student life in Aligarh Muslim University and had represented his Alma Mater as a member of the Hockey Team. His passion for sports did not died in his professional life and he was actively engaged in the promotion of sports and games and represented Pakistan in half a dozen international sports events and also went as team manager to numerous countries. He worked hard to promote hockey and served as Secretary of Karachi Division Lawn Tennis Association. He was involved in the strategic planning and construction of K. M. C. Football Stadium and Sports Complex in Karachi.
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Even after moving far away, his love and passion for his Alma Mater never faded away and in fact increased even more as he worked relentlessly in promoting the Aligarh Movement. He played a significant role in the establishment of AMU Old Boys’ Association of Pakistan and since the last five decades has been working as its Honorary Secretary. Mr. Zakir Ali Khan has made a pioneering contribution as the co-founder of Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology, Karachi. Mr. Khan has served Karachi University as member of Syndicate and Academic Council. He has the honor of holding the position of Honorary Vice Chancellorship of the Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology and had the privilege to be the President of Pakistan Association of Scientists and Scientific Professions
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 Rawayte Aligarh |
 Mian Ki Ataria Talay |
 Baraye Naam |
 Diwanay Aam Front |
 Marhaba Alhaj |
 Mai Baap |
 Rakhtay Safar |
 Yadon Ka Dartaskhan |
 List of Books |
 Tahzeeb |
Zakir Ali Khan is an extremely ardent and passionate writer who has written remarkable books like Miya(n) ki Atariya Taley, Hadith-e-Haram, Rakhte-Safar, Marhaba Alhaaj, Qalam Rau, Deewan-e-Aam, Rawayat-e-Aligarh, Baraa-e-Naam, Mai-Baap and Yaado(n) Ka Dastarkhawan. His travelogues Marhaba Al-Haj and Mian Ki Atana Taley provide a new sense of excitement of the places he has so vividly described. He has proved his creative dexterity as a poet in his collection of poems, Rakht-e-Safar. His book Riwayat-e-Aligarh is a shining example of the natural ease with which his narrative style blends with passion in describing the life and heritage of Aligarh Muslim University. The very fact that nine editions of Riwayat-e-Aligarh have so far been published bears testimony to the rousing welcome he has received for his imaginative literary adventures. His creative works brilliantly manifest the magnificent images of the glorious traditions for which the University is famous and stands elegantly apart from the rest of the universities of the world. Mr. Zakir Ali Khan’s narrative scales literary heights and stands on a high pedestal when it comes to the language, style and distinctive sense of humour. His books are deeply personal essays that weave together the history, traditions, biographies and the cultural and literary life of Aligarh into a fascinating kaleidoscope. In his creative expressions the alma mater appears not in bricks and mortar but in the form of an enchanting beloved. His relentless engagements in setting up academic institutions for spreading the light of education among the deprived social class are exemplary and are consistent with the vision and mission of the great founder of Aligarh Muslim University, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan. Aligarh Muslim University is proud of him for his exemplary love and passion for promoting the gospel of its founder, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan.
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In September, 2008, the Aligarh Muslim University instituted a prestigious international award named after its founder "Sir Syed Ahmad Khan International Award". The award carries a cash prize of rupees five hundred thousand and for the year 2008, the award was in the area of literature. In October, 2008, the Vice Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University, Professor P K Abdul Azis announced that the Sir Syed Ahmad Khan International Award 2008 for literature would be conferred upon Mr. Mohammad. Zakir Ali Khan, an eminent literary figure and educationist of Pakistan. This prestigious award was given to him for his outstanding literary works and for promoting the vision and mission of Sir Syed through his engagements in the field of education. The eight member jury comprising eminent personalities after thorough evaluation and careful deliberations held in New Delhi unanimously recommended the name of Mr. Mohammad Zakir Ali Khan for the illustrious international award instituted for the first time by any University in the country. He is the Editor of Urdu monthly 'Tehzeeb', the mouthpiece of Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys Association Karachi Pakistan. His sense of the distinct humour of Aligarh is widely acknowledged. The members of jury comprise of Mr. Syed Hamid, Chancellor of Jamia Hamdard University, eminent literary personality Professor Namvar Singh, Senior Diplomat Ishrat Aziz, Additional Secretary and Financial Advisor Mr. Naved Masood, Member Commission on Center State Relations, Government of India. Professor N R Madhvan Menon, President Ibne Seena Academy Professor Zillur Rahman, Registrar, Aligarh Muslim University, Professor V K Abdul Jaleel. The meeting of the jury was chaired by Professor P K Abdul Azis, Vice Chancellor, Aligarh Muslim University. In the commemorative celebration of Sir Syed Day on 17th October 2008, the Chancellor of AMU, Justice A. M. Ahmadi presented the award to Mohammad Zakir Ali Khan carrying a cash prize of Rs. 5,00,000 and a Citation. Zakir Ali Khan, who was overwhelmed and struggled for words, expressed his gratitude for the award and donated the whole prize money to the welfare of AMU students. He asked the students to imbibe the spirit of Aligarh which stipulates to rise to the occasion despite all odds when the need arises.
In August 2009, The executive committee of the Aligarh Alumni association, New York Tri-state announced that it had selected Engineer Mohammad Zakir Ali Khan, of Karachi, Pakistan to be recipient of the Sir Syed Day Lifetime Achievement Award-2009 for his outstanding services to the continuation of the spirit of the Aligarh Movement and to the cause of higher education in Pakistan. This award will be presented to him at the annual Sir Syed Day Dinner & Mushaira to be held on October 17, 2009 at Akbar Restaurant in Long Island, at which he will also deliver the keynote address. This award carries a citation plaque and a cash purse of Rupees One Lakh. On October 9, 2009, Zakir Ali Khan delivered the keynote address on the eve 25th year celebration of the foundation of Aligarh Association of Atlanta (GA)
Zakir Ali Khan has 3 sons and one daughter. He lives in Karachi with his wife and 2 sons. One of his son lives in Middle East and his only daughter lives in Canada.
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