PFFB chief is no more

Islamabad: Zaheer Khalid, Founder Chairman of the Pakistan Foundation Fighting Blindness (PFFB), breathed his last here Thursday. Zaheer had devoted his life to the welfare of the visually impaired community of Pakistan after he himself lost his sight due to Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP).

Zaheer founded PFFB, formerly known as the Pakistan Retinitis Pigmentosa Society, in 1988. His interest in the Foundation proved to be everlasting. PFFB has progressed remarkably under his leadership in a short period of 12 years since its establishment. His professional acumen, coupled with dedication and extraordinary leadership qualities, steered the organization from landmark to landmark, taking it to the high stature that it now occupies.

During the years of his chairmanship, PFFB made a large number of friends at home and abroad, some of them undertaking to serve the organization as Trustees. “We had a very cordial relationship with him, and he reposed full confidence in the PFFB team. We were always ready to go the extra mile when he called, especially in times of emergency. He was a mobile person and loved to get things done, even if it took him after-hours to do it. He knew he could have called on us anytime to address issues at work,” a staff member of PFFB recollected, adding, “His precious memories will remain in our hearts.”

After his retirement, Zaheer continued to remain active and willing to help out as usual. “But those days are gone; gone but not forgotten. It is hard to accept his departure and we will never get accustomed to it,” another PFFB official added.

Zaheer was a UK-qualified Chartered Accountant and a founder partner of Taseer Hadi and Co. Chartered Accounts, a full member firm of Klynveld Peat Marvick Goerdeler (KPMG). He had a charismatic, courteous and sensitive personality.

Zaheer’s funeral will be held today (Saturday) after ‘zohar’ prayer in his village Gorali, G T Road, Gujarat. ‘Dua’ will be offered on Sunday, February 11, at 3p.m. at House No 218, St. 21, Sector E-7, Islamabad. The PFFB staff has extended condolences to Zaheer Khalid’s family.