In Memory of Zahid Rasool Khan

(19 January 1957 - 3 October 2006)

Zahid Rasul Khan was yet another fine officer of the course. We regret that he too left us too early - leaving us sad and mourned. May Allah bless his soul. Ameen.

Unfortunately, though being from Khalid Company, I had  little interaction with Zahid while in PMA except passing by pleasantries which were always returned with his typical smile and warmth of handshakes. I asked Jamil, being from Ordnance, if he know Zahid from close quarters. And I was amazed to get a rather detailed account of his association with Zahid since the days of ISSB. Jamil recalls:

"I met Zahid Rasool at ISSB Kohat and we were in the same group of 8 and both got Selected. We both belonged to Lahore, hence enjoyed each others Company. Zahid during his introduction told me that he is a professional Boxer and loves Boxing and suddenly punches me in my tummy, i got annoyed but we just laughed. Later while at PMA we were in different Platoons but used to meet frequently.

Abdul Rasheed recalls that Zahid Rasool was a good boxer and and that he still remembered boxing practice sessions. He was too agile and fast in rope jumping during boxing practice. 

Being his platoon mate, Tariq Fazal recalls Zahid Rasool as someone with hidden talents, particularly his singing and boxing amazed everyone. As a boxer his excellent footwork always kept him out of his opponent's reach while he could always pull some powerful punches at the adversary with dazzling speed. Where boxing skill was concerned he had no equal. Predictably Zahid was declared best boxer of the course. His physical fitness was well matched with good academic performance as well. 

Zahid was a very witty but yet straight forward n honest person, though would lose his temper some times but smile and apologise quickly.  Zahid being a pure and genuine person would always be very simple and honest in his opinions, suggestions or discussions.

   Zahid Rasool Khan and Jamil during Battle Inoculation - Final Term  (Photo courtesy Jamil)

Munir Ahmed also speaks high of Zahid Rasool:

Zahid Rasool, a typical Lahori lad, was very straight forward when we got together in Tariq 1. Always forthcoming in routine activities, cracking Punjabi jokes every now and then and absolutely carefree in his dealings with his colleagues. There always was an aura of seemingly dominance ,strength and robustness in his actions and activities. Later he proved his courage and prowess in the boxing ring as he was an excellent professional boxer. Also took part in number exhibition bouts and showed his mettle. Being tough and willing , carriage of LMGs and other heavy stuff particularly in Yarmuk remained his responsibility . He was doing very well in his career but his personal circumstances halted his professional pursuits and very soon he departed for his heavenly abode. May Allah bless him, Ameen!

Zahid Rasool sits second from left. In the back row also seen sitting late Saleem AkhtarKhalid Seniors: CQMS Zahid Rasool Khan sits second from left. The photo also includes late Javed Sultan and Ijaz Ahmed

He sought early retirement and later started his business of shoes near the famous Milli Shoes in Sadar Rawalpindi.

a memorable photo of Zahid and Jamil on their way to Skardu from Gilgit (Shared by Jamil)

Jamil continues with his memories of Zahid:

After the passing out we both landed in Ordnance Corps and did attend certain professional courses together, Zahid was an Ace student, very hard working and always striving for top position. We again got posted together in Northern Areas but despite being in same Ordnance Unit we we were in two different directions, I was in Gambba, Skerdu and Zahid at Gori Kot, we both visited each other during our stay in Northern Areas. When I visited Zahid at Gori Kote, he offered ne fresh Trout fish from ice cold River water n the local food.

He taught me Chess during this visit and Surprisingly I won the first game. But never won from him after that first n only game. I was really surprised when i heard about his resignation and Running his own Shoes Business in Rawalpindi. But Allah Almighty has its own plans, he didn't live very long after Retirement abed we heard about sad n Sudden demise.

Jamil says that brother Farrukh Haye later helped his family in Pension and other matters. I have asked Furrukh for more on Zahid if he can recall. I will add as and when I receive any input from him.

May Allah bless Zahid Rasool Khan and all our course mates who have left us earlier than us and rest their souls in peace up in the heavens. Ameen. 

Please refer to our Reference Page to read about all those of us who have left us midway for their Heavenly abode.