(11 January 1957-5 April 2026)
I have fond memories of Cho Burji, Lahore for I often visited a couple of my school days class fellows who lived near the place back in late 60s. I never knew then that a sweet smiling lad also lived around the place who along with many young boys from across the country would travel to Abbottabad on 12th May 1975 to become part of the fraternity of 55th PMA Long Course. As we started to know each other, this smiling face became friends of many for many years to come. Yes of course, I am talking of Tahir Khan, now no more.
Tall and willow-like, he carried himself with an unassuming grace. His smile, bright and sincere, spread across his face like sunlight breaking through clouds. In fact of his personality, all of us we admired his smile—bright, effortless, and full of quiet kindness.
Other than being a jolly good fellow, he was an intelligent and quick-minded colleague, always ready with a thoughtful insight and an encouraging word. Loyal and dependable, he was the kind of comrade everyone was glad to have by their side.. It was his hard work that earned him a cross belt in the final term and was appointed CJUO Tipu Company.
After PMA, it was a year later since our passing out that I met Tahir in Sialkot CMH accompanied by Khalid Javed where he was admitted after having his leg fractures. Despite his pain, he cracked jokes and we laughed till the nurses around us told us to harness our high sounding laughter. Due to physical disability, he left army early as a dashing captain to enter into the family business.
Their sitting extreme left during the first organized gathering in Zahir Khan's office on 4 February 2008
Above: "Course" GTG in Canada - 17 April 2011 Below: 6 September 2011
In later times, he went to Canada to explore new avenues for him and was a lively part of the Canada chapter. He even travelled to Sargodha to attend the marriage of Javed Iqbal's daughter in 2013 and graced the occasion with his smile.
Even in Canada, his heart remained in Lahore and would often visit Lahore and participate on local gathers and annual course GTGs. Although he still wore the same smile, he was not very well for many years and would remain admitted in Hospitals, but always visited by course mates and friend both in hospital and his home.
His departure from us was really very heart breaking. 4th April 2026 was the day when a beautiful smile ceased forever.
Asif Alvi let his heart out in remembering Tahir:
Feeling sad to see the farewell of our very dear friend, course mate, and brother Captain Tahir Khan he departs on his journey to his heavenly abode. Tahir fought his serious illness with remarkable courage. He never gave up, always showing determination and an unbreakable will to live. I must also mention the extraordinary care and sacrifices of Mrs. Tahir, a doctor by profession, who stood by him throughout his illness with unwavering support and countless sleepless nights. Despite her own health challenges, Tahir remained her top priority. Her dedication has been nothing short of exceptional.
Tahir was a wonderful, caring, and kind human being—a smart and hardworking man who built his business with excellence. He always believed in life and never stopped striving to find the best medical care. His visit to Pakistan was also in pursuit of better treatment, though his condition didn't allow major procedures. About a week ago, when we spoke at length, I was deeply saddened to hear him say for the first time, "Yaar Jamil, I am now tired." These words continue to echo in my heart. Tahir has been in my prayers for over a decade, five times a day and always.
May Almighty Allah forgive him, ease his final journey, and grant him the highest place in Jannat-ul-Firdous. Aameen. May Allah bless his family and children, grant them strength, and sabr-e-jameel. Aameen. Goodbye my friend, you will always be in our prayers and thoughts. "Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day—unseen, unheard, but always near; still"
May Allah bless Tahir and all our course mates who taken their heavenly flight. We pray to Allah to grant them the highest abodes in Jannahtul Firdous. Ameen.
Please refer to our Reference Page to read about all those of us who have left us midway for their Heavenly abode.
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