Madam Ruhi Zaka Malik
Associate Professor - English
Madam Ruhi Zaka Malik
A Pillar of ICB’s Golden Era | Educator, Mentor, Author
A Tribute to a Remarkable Woman of Learning
In a country where education has always depended on the strength of a few extraordinary individuals, Madam Ruhi Zaka Malik stands tall as a shining example of what true dedication to teaching looks like. She represents a generation of Pakistani women who chose knowledge as their mission and classrooms as their lifelong calling.
Her journey was not defined by ease, but by energy, perseverance, and an unshakable belief in the power of education. Day after day, year after year, she entered classrooms filled with young, restless minds and transformed that energy into curiosity, discipline, and purpose. Teaching senior boys was never a simple task, yet she met every challenge with composure, intellect, and tireless effort—never lowering her standards, never losing her resolve.
What set Madam Zaka apart was her relentless commitment. She prepared, guided, corrected, encouraged, and inspired—often going far beyond what duty demanded. Her passion for the English language and for learning itself never faded; instead, it grew stronger with time, reflecting a rare inner strength and love for her profession.
For the students of Islamabad College for Boys, having a teacher like Madam Zaka was nothing short of a blessing. ICBians were fortunate to learn from a woman who not only taught lessons from books, but also demonstrated discipline, confidence, and intellectual honesty through her own example. Her influence did not end at graduation—it stayed with her students as they moved into life, careers, and leadership.
Madam Ruki Zaka Malik’s life is a powerful reminder that great teachers do not merely educate—they shape generations. Pakistan is richer because of women like her, and ICB is proud to count her among those who defined its greatness.
The Young Woman Who Took on a Daunting Challenge
Teaching is never easy—but teaching 40 big boys, day after day, from Class 6 to Class 12, is a challenge that only a few can truly master. In the classrooms of Islamabad College for Boys (ICB), where discipline, energy, noise, and youthful restlessness often tested even the most experienced educators, Madam Ruhi Zaka Malik stood firm with quiet authority, intellectual depth, and remarkable grace.
At a time when managing adolescent boys was considered one of the toughest assignments in education, she did far more than control a class—she commanded respect without fear, inspired learning without pressure, and shaped character alongside curriculum. Her classrooms were alive with thought, discussion, and discipline balanced by empathy. Boys who entered her class restless and indifferent left with sharpened minds, refined language skills, and a lifelong respect for the English language.
Authority Rooted in Knowledge, Respect Earned Through Character
Madam Zaka’s strength never came from harshness; it came from command over her subject and unwavering professionalism. English, under her guidance, was not merely a subject—it was a gateway to critical thinking, expression, and confidence.
She understood boys—their psychology, their energy, their resistance, and their potential. Where others saw difficulty, she saw raw talent waiting to be nurtured. Her ability to maintain discipline in large classes while keeping students engaged is remembered by generations as nothing short of extraordinary.
It is no surprise that she became one of the most favourite and respected teachers of ICB, remembered not only for what she taught, but how she taught—and who she helped her students become.
Architect of Academic Excellence at ICB
Head of the English Department (1982–2008)
Madam Ruhi Zaka Malik’s association with ICB spans over two and a half decades, a period many proudly refer to as the prime or golden era of Islamabad College for Boys. During this time, ICB produced students who went on to excel in civil services, armed forces, academia, medicine, engineering, business, and public life—and Madam Zaka played a defining role in shaping the linguistic and intellectual foundation of these future leaders.
Her progression from Lecturer (1982) to Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, and ultimately Head of the English Department reflects not only experience, but the trust the institution placed in her vision and competence.
Key Academic Contributions at ICB
Taught English at postgraduate level, raising academic standards across senior classes
Served for years as Paper Setter (English) for FBISE SSC & HSSC, influencing assessment standards nationwide
As Head of Department, supervised all internal examinations, including paper setting and evaluation
Organized and supervised Debates and Declamation Contests, nurturing confidence and oratory skills
Monitored faculty performance across morning and evening shifts (BA/BSc included)
Played a central role in compiling the College Magazine (English Section)
Served for years on the Editorial Board, mentoring student writers and editors
Her leadership ensured that the English Department at ICB was not just functional—but exemplary.
A Towering Intellectual Legacy — The Author
If Madam Zaka’s classroom teaching shaped generations, her authorship shaped the nation’s curriculum.
Her contribution as an author, reviewer, curriculum expert, and policy contributor places her among the most influential English textbook developers in Pakistan. What makes this contribution exceptional is not just the volume of work—but its national reach, academic approval, and lasting impact.
National-Level Textbook Development & Authorship
Grade 12 English Textbook (NBF)
Currently taught in Academic Session 2025–26
Granted NOC by KPK Textbook Board
In process for AJK Textbook Board approval
Grade 11 English Textbook (NBF)
Already part of the national syllabus
Another Class 11 textbook co-authored and now in printing after NOC
Grades 6, 7 & 8 Textbooks
One of only three selected authors for Kalat Stationers, Balochistan
Class VII & VIII English textbooks for National Book Foundation, currently taught
Grade 9 Textbooks
Developed for Kalat Stationers, Balochistan
Authored Class IX textbook for Kitabistan Paper Products (granted NOC)
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Textbook Board
Sole author of Class IX & X English textbooks
Class IX textbook adopted by Aga Khan Education Board, Karachi
Punjab Textbook Board
One of three authors of Class IX English textbook (2012 syllabus)
Single National Curriculum (SNC)
One of two authors of Class III English Textbook (introduced 2021)
Curriculum Leadership & National Recognition
Approved author under the National Curriculum of Pakistan
Reviewed textbooks for Punjab, KPK, and NBF as part of National Review Committees
Member of the Select Committee, National Curriculum Wing, Ministry of Education
Reviewed multiple private publishers’ books on request of NCC
This is not merely authorship—it is nation-building through education.
Explore the remarkable works of Madam Zaka! Her Grade 11 and 12 textbooks are not only shaping minds under FBISE but are also embraced by other boards including KPK and AJK. Discover the knowledge that’s inspiring students across institutions!
The Prime Time of ICB — And Her Place in It
Madam Ruki Zaka Malik belongs to the era when ICB was synonymous with excellence, discipline, and distinction. She was not just present during this time—she was one of the reasons for it.
Her students today are:
Senior civil servants
Military officers
Academicians and educators
Doctors, engineers, entrepreneurs, and professionals worldwide
Across generations, they remember Madam Zaka not only as an English teacher, but as a mentor who nurtured confidence, clarity of thought, and moral grounding.
A Legacy That Lives On
From crowded classrooms of energetic boys to the highest corridors of curriculum development, Madam Ruki Zaka Malik’s journey is a testament to intellect, resilience, and lifelong service to education.
For ICBians, she represents:
Discipline with dignity
Authority with compassion
Knowledge with purpose
Her name is etched not only in records and textbooks—but in the memories, successes, and values of thousands of ICB students.
This is her legacy.
This is the story of Madam Zaka
Tributes to Madam Zaka from ICBians
Madam Zaka's Class of 1983 - ICB
ICBian Muhammad Tahir
Some teachers are remembered for a subject; others are remembered for a lifetime. Madam Ruhi Zaka Malik belongs to the latter. As students, we attended her classes daily, but it is only with time that we truly understand the value of what she gave us.
Her teaching was structured, disciplined, and intellectually demanding. She expected the best from her students and never allowed mediocrity to settle in her classroom. Through English, she taught us clarity of thought, confidence in expression, and respect for knowledge.
Islamabad College for Boys was fortunate to have a teacher of such high academic standing and moral strength. Her influence continues to live on in the minds and achievements of her students.
ICBian Omer Khalid Butt
Madam Zaka was one of those teachers whose presence could change the atmosphere of a classroom. Her dedication was visible in every lesson, every correction, and every extra effort she made for her students. She never treated teaching as routine—it was clear that she cared deeply about her role as an educator.
Even when classes were difficult and students were restless, she remained patient and focused. She pushed us to improve, not for grades alone, but for our own growth. Many of us discovered confidence and discipline because of her guidance.
Looking back, I feel grateful to have learned from a teacher who gave so much of herself to her students. Teachers like Madam Zaka are rare, and her contribution will always be remembered.
ICBian Navid-ul-Haq
We were not easy students. Large classes, noise, excuses, and distractions were common—but Madam Zaka never let any of that affect her commitment. She came prepared every day, taught with seriousness, and made it clear that learning mattered, no matter how difficult the class became.
She had complete command over her subject, and that naturally earned respect. Slowly, even the most careless students began to pay attention. Her standards were high, and she never lowered them, which in the end worked in our favor.
At the time, we may not have appreciated it fully, but today it is clear that ICB benefited greatly from teachers like Madam Zaka, and so did we.
ICBian Marghoob Haider
Islamabad College for Boys has always been known for excellence, and teachers like Madam Ruhi Zaka Malik are the foundation of that reputation. She represented discipline, scholarship, and dedication in its truest sense.
Her energy in the classroom and her commitment to teaching never faded. She believed in preparing students not just for examinations, but for life beyond the classroom. Her lessons stayed with us long after we left ICB.
As former students, we feel proud to say that we were taught by Madam Zaka. ICBians were truly fortunate to have a teacher whose influence shaped generations and whose legacy continues through her students.
ICBian Zill-e-Hasnain
A great teacher is one who remains committed regardless of circumstances, and Madam Ruhi Zaka Malik was exactly that. Teaching large classes of senior boys required patience, strength, and consistency—qualities she displayed every single day.
Her lessons were well-planned and intellectually engaging, and she never compromised on discipline or academic standards. She believed that students were capable of excellence if guided properly, and she invested her energy to make that belief a reality.
ICB was privileged to have an educator who treated teaching as a responsibility to society, not just an occupation. Her efforts continue to reflect in the success of her students.
ICBian Shahryar Jahangir
Some memories from college remain vivid no matter how many years pass, and Madam Zaka’s class is one of them. There was seriousness in her teaching, but also a sense of purpose that made her lessons meaningful.
She worked tirelessly to ensure that every student understood the subject, even when classes were large and challenging. Her dedication and persistence taught us the importance of discipline and hard work.
Today, when I look back, I realize how fortunate we were to be taught by someone who truly believed in education and gave her best years to shaping young minds at ICB.
ICBian Safiullah Khan
Madam Ruhi Zaka Malik was a teacher who took her responsibility seriously. She expected commitment from her students because she gave nothing less herself. Her knowledge of English and her ability to manage difficult classes earned her natural authority.
She did not rely on fear or favoritism—only on consistency and competence. Over time, students learned that effort in her class was non-negotiable. This approach prepared us well for future academic and professional challenges.
ICB benefited immensely from her presence, and her contribution remains an important part of what the institution is known for.
ICBian Ahmed Bilal
Teachers like Madam Zaka define an institution’s legacy. During the years when ICB stood at its peak, she played a vital role in maintaining its academic strength and discipline. Her energy in the classroom and her commitment to teaching were remarkable.
She believed in preparing students not just to pass exams, but to think clearly and express themselves confidently. Her influence extended far beyond textbooks and classrooms.
As ICBians, we take pride in having learned from such a dedicated educator. Madam Zaka’s contribution will always remain a respected chapter in ICB’s history.
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