On March 5th, 2025, we bid farewell to M. R. Khan Sahib, a man whose unwavering dedication to education and justice left an indelible mark on the lives of many. A visionary, mentor, and beacon of integrity, he played a pivotal role in shaping the Kashmir Education Foundation (KEF), a partner organisation of Quest for Education Foundation (QEF). His passing is not just the loss of a leader but the departure of a guiding force whose influence will continue to shape future generations.

A Life of Purpose and Service

Born in Kharick, a small village near Rawalakot, AJK, in the early 1920s, M. R. Khan Sahib came from a family deeply committed to education and service. He pursued his Master’s in Economics from Forman Christian College, Lahore, before embarking on a distinguished career at the Reserve Bank of India. Following the independence of Pakistan in 1947, he transitioned to the State Bank of Pakistan, where he contributed significantly to the financial sector.

His passion for education took form in the 1990s when he helped establish KEF to provide quality education in Kashmir and Pakistan. His mantra, “Education, education, education,” was not mere rhetoric but a call to action. He worked tirelessly to set up institutions, particularly focusing on the education of girls and underprivileged communities. In 2021, he finalised KEF’s vision and mission in a shield form after years of refinement, ensuring that the organisation remained a beacon of excellence.

A Champion for Equality and Integrity

M. R. Khan Sahib was a man of unshakable principles. His leadership style combined discipline with deep compassion. He believed in nurturing potential and encouraging others to strive for excellence. Whether mentoring teachers at the Joan Atkinson College of Teacher Education (JACTE) or refining KEF’s mission to uphold the highest standards, his attention to detail and commitment to quality were unwavering.

A strong advocate for gender equality, he was particularly dedicated to empowering women through education. Throughout his career and philanthropic work, he promoted opportunities for women, ensuring they had access to knowledge and skills that could transform their futures. His influence in this regard extended well beyond his immediate community.

A Lasting Legacy

Even in his later years, M. R. Khan Sahib remained active, constantly planning for the future and ensuring that KEF stayed true to its mission. His leadership extended far beyond education. In the 1970s, he was appointed as the first Chairman of the Pakistan Banking Council, where he played a crucial role in strengthening the banking sector. He also held leadership positions at institutions such as the Asian Development Bank and United Bank Limited.

Despite his many accomplishments, he never sought personal recognition. His work was driven purely by a desire to serve. His passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy lives on. The countless lives he touched, the institutions he built, and the values he upheld will continue to inspire generations. As we remember him, let us carry forward his vision of education, integrity, and selfless service.

A Poetic Farewell

One of his favourite poems, attributed to Imam Ghazali, beautifully encapsulates his spirit:

“Say to my friends, when they look upon me, dead,
Weeping for me and mourning me in sorrow,
‘Do not believe that this deceased you see is myself,
In the name of God, I tell you, it is not I…’”

As we mourn his loss, we also celebrate his life, a life of wisdom, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. May Allah grant him the highest place in Jannat-ul-Firdous and may his legacy continue to illuminate our path. Ameen.