A Farewell to Zakir Baloch
It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that I write to share the news of the tragic loss of Zakir Baloch, a friend, mentor, and dedicated civil servant. On the evening of August 12, while traveling from Quetta to Panjgur, Zakir’s journey was tragically cut short. Armed individuals attacked his vehicle, inflicting injuries from which he could not recover. Despite efforts to save him, he succumbed to his wounds. He leaves behind a legacy of dedication, kindness, and a profound sense of duty. I, Gumnam Baloch, had the privilege of being one of Zakir’s closest friends. Though my career now keeps me busy in a private sector in Karachi, our bond was forged years ago when we were both students. As I sit down to write this letter, I am compelled to share glimpses of Zakir’s life—a life that continues to inspire me and a lesson to many.
Zakir Baloch, born in Singanisar, Turbat, hailed from a middle-class family known for its educational achievements. His father, Kanal Baloch, worked hard to educate his children, while his mother, Guljan, devotedly raised them. Zakir, one of four brothers, had an impressive academic life, excelling from an early age. After completing his matriculation in Turbat and intermediate studies in Quetta, he topped his FSC exams in Turbat and earned a scholarship to study Petroleum and Gas at UET Lahore. Despite two unsuccessful attempts at the CSS exam, Zakir’s determination never wavered. He eventually qualified for the Balochistan Public Service Commission in 2017 and was appointed as an Assistant Commissioner. Married in the save year, Zakir was blessed with two daughters, Mahikan and Murwarid, who now face life without their father’s protective presence.
After completing his engineering degree, Zakir Baloch briefly worked with Schlumberger Pakistan before joining Pakistan Customs as an appraiser in 2016. A year later, he became an Assistant Commissioner through BPSC, with his first posting in Dureji, Lasbela district. He then served in Basima, Washuk District, and later as Additional Deputy Commissioner in Gwadar, where he contributed to CPEC projects. Following his promotion, Zakir was posted as Deputy Commissioner in Killa Abdullah, and his final posting was as Deputy Commissioner in Panjgur.
Zakir’s memory lives on in our hearts, embodying the words of Mary Elizabeth Frye’s poem: “Do not stand at my grave and cry; I am not there. I did not die.” Yet, it is heartbreaking to witness his death being exploited by those who seek chaos by fuelling sub-nationalist sentiments and spreading misinformation. Their actions show a lack of empathy for the immense grief felt by Zakir’s parents, the sorrow of being an orphan, and the hardships of a widow. When the BLA refused to claim responsibility for Zakir’s death, Mahrang Baloch and others from BYC turned to social media, twisting the narrative to serve the interests of terrorist organizations, falsely blaming state’s institutions for his death, and labelling it as part of a so-called “Baloch genocide.” Despite the countless innocent Baloch lives lost at the hands of groups like the BLA over the past two decades—targeting teachers, doctors, civil servants, and more—the so-called sub-nationalists remain silent on these atrocities. Instead, they manipulate the situation, tarnishing the memory of honourable figures like Zakir Baloch, who genuinely sought to serve the people of Balochistan. Politics should be a tool for progress, but using Zakir’s tragic death to further a malicious agenda is unforgivable.
Let us honour his legacy by rejecting those who seek to exploit his death for divisive purposes and by committing ourselves to the ideals he cherished. May his soul find eternal peace, Ameen.
Gumnaam Baloch,
Karachi.