Pioneering Journalism Educator Professor Zakaria Sajid Passes Away at 96
Professor Zakaria Sajid, a pioneering figure in journalism education and a founding member of the Mass Communication Department at Karachi University, passed away on July 18 at the age of 96. In 2014, he was awarded the Tamgha-i-Imtiaz, a state-organized honor of Pakistan, for his services to journalism and education.
Sajid’s association with the university spanned several decades, beginning in 1963 when he joined the teaching faculty of the Department of Journalism. He played a pivotal role in shaping the department’s trajectory, leading to its upgrade to the Department of Mass Communication in 1986. He served as chairman of the department from 1984 to 1988, leaving an indelible mark on the institution and its students.
Even after his retirement from teaching in 1988, Sajid remained connected to the university as a visiting faculty member, continuing to share his expertise and insights with future generations of journalists. His dedication to journalism education extended beyond the university, as he also served as the director of the Press Institute of Pakistan for 12 years.
KU Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Khalid Iraqi expressed deep sorrow at the demise of Prof Sajid, prayed for his departed soul, and acknowledged his services in the field of journalism.
Nisar Zuberi, another former chairperson of the KU Mass Communication Department, fondly remembered Sajid. He highlighted Sajid’s instrumental role in the department’s development and his unwavering commitment to nurturing young journalists. Zuberi remarked on Sajid’s approachable nature and his ability to inspire students and colleagues alike, noting that his legacy would continue to influence journalism education in Pakistan for years to come.
The funeral prayers for Sajid were held after the Zuhr prayer at Masjid Ibrahim, Jamia Karachi, on July 18 and his burial took place at the Jamia Karachi cemetery.
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