MARDAN, Feb 21: Speakers paid glowing tribute to noted educationist and academician Abdul Ali Khan on his 15th death anniversary and termed him a man of great vision and many qualities.

According to a press release issued here on Tuesday, a ceremony was held at Fazlehaq College Mardan to observe 15th death anniversary of the founding principal of the college.

Abdul Ali Khan was born on August 20, 1922 to the founder of Khudai Khidmatgar Movement, Bacha Khan, in Utmanzai village of district Charsadda.

Contrary to his political family background, Ali Khan remained aloof from politics throughout his life and worked for promotion of education. He passed away on February 19, 1997.

He worked as an educationist in different capacities including principal of Aitcheson College Lahore, Islamia College Peshawar and Fazlehaq College Mardan.

He also served as vice-chancellor of University of Peshawar and Gomal University Dera Ismail Khan.

Addressing the ceremony, Fazlehaq College Mardan principal Lt-Col (retired) Sultan Zeb said that Abdul Ali Khan was a man of many qualities and great vision.

“Many good things set up by Ali Khan faded out with his sad demise. But I have tried my best to restore them up to a great extent. Efforts are underway to revive the rest of his good traditions in the interest of students and staff so that high academic targets can be achieved according to his vision,” he said.

He said that summer camp of the college in Matta, upper Swat that was destroyed by militants, was now in the possession of security forces. “It will be rebuilt and reopened soon for students’ camping and other activities during summer season,” he said. Lauding the leadership qualities of Ali Khan, the principal said that wherever he went and served, he garnered honour and respect for himself due to his dedication and commitment.

He was a successful teacher, an excellent academician and a strict disciplinarian, he said. “I am committed to maintain his principles and materialise his vision,” the principal added.

The function was opened with recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by presentation of school anthem ‘Aey Zama Watana Da Laloonu Khazanay Zama’ by a group of students with soldier music band. The anthem was written by Ghani Khan, the eldest brother of Ali Khan.

Sheraz Akram  Bacha, a local businessman and former student of the college, shared his memories of Ali Khan with the participants. There was a loving and sympathetic human being behind the strict Ali Khan, who was not only a great educationist but also a visionary reformer, he said.

Mr Bacha said that Ali Khan contributed immensely in the field of education. He would always be remembered for his punctuality and dutifulness, he said.