Sir Mirza Khursheed Anwar Beg
Principal
Sir Mirza Khursheed Anwer Beg
The Architect of Excellence at Islamabad College for Boys
Late Principal Sir Mirza Khursheed Anwer Beg stands among the most revered educationists and institutional leaders in the history of Islamabad College for Boys. A man of rare academic brilliance and exceptional administrative vision, he played a defining role in shaping ICB during its formative and most influential years of the 1970s and 1980s. His leadership laid the groundwork for the discipline, merit, and excellence that came to define the institution nationally. Beyond ICB, his distinguished service at Cadet Colleges, international institutions in the United Kingdom, and key national education bodies reflects a lifelong commitment to learning and nation-building. Remembered with deep respect and affection by generations of students, he was not merely a Principal, but a mentor, reformer, and standard-bearer of values. This profile offers a glimpse into the life, legacy, and enduring impact of a man whose influence continues to inspire long after his time.
Tribute to Dr. Navid
Heartfelt thanks to Dr. Navid for his dedicated contribution in developing the profile of Sir Mirza Khurshid Anwar Baig. His efforts, understanding, and commitment ensured that the profile authentically represents Sir Mirza Khurshid Anwar Baig’s achievements and stature. This work stands as a meaningful and lasting representation of an esteemed personality.
A Name Etched in the Foundations of ICB
Among the towering figures who shaped the destiny of Islamabad College for Boys (ICB), G-6/3, few names command the reverence, gratitude, and enduring affection reserved for Late Principal Sir Mirza Khursheed Anwer Beg. He belongs to that rare class of educationists whose influence transcends time—whose leadership in the 1970s and 1980s laid the intellectual, academic, and administrative foundations upon which ICB rose to become one of the most respected institutions in the country.
For generations of ICBians from that golden era, his name is not merely remembered—it is felt. Even decades later, students recall his presence, his discipline, his fairness, and his unwavering commitment to excellence. He was not just a Principal; he was a standard.
Academic Brilliance Rooted in Character
Personal Profile
- Name: Mirza Khursheed Anwar Beg
- Father’s Name: Professor Mirza Anwar Beg
- Date of Birth: 23 May 1931
- Qualification:Sc. (Chemistry)
Born into an illustrious academic household, Sir Mirza Khursheed Anwer Beg inherited a legacy of scholarship and service. His father, Professor Mirza Anwar Beg, was among the founding figures of Islamia College Peshawar and the University of Peshawar, setting an early example of devotion to education and institution-building.
Sir Mirza Khursheed Anwer Beg refined his academic abilities through education in prestigious institutions in Lahore and later in the United Kingdom, where his exposure to global educational standards deeply shaped his administrative vision and pedagogical philosophy.
The Making of an Institution Builder
Sir Mirza Khursheed Anwer Beg’s career was defined not by positions alone, but by the institutions he strengthened, transformed, and elevated.
Service Profile
Early Academic Leadership
- Head of Chemistry Department
Cadet College Hasan Abdal
1959 – 1965
At Cadet College Hasan Abdal, he distinguished himself as a scholar-teacher and disciplinarian, shaping young minds with intellectual rigor and moral clarity. His association with Hasan Abdal earned him lifelong recognition as a true Abdalian, later honored with Abdalian Platinum Number.
International Exposure & Educational Perspective
- British Council Nominee
Stowe School, Buckinghamshire, U.K.
1967 – 1968 - Campion Grammar School
Hornchurch, Essex, U.K.
1973 – 1975
These assignments broadened his worldview and reinforced his belief that discipline, merit, and character formation must remain at the heart of education—principles he later embedded deeply within Pakistani institutions.
Cadet College Kohat – A Historic Chapter
- Vice Principal
Cadet College Kohat
1971 – 1972 - Principal
Cadet College Kohat
1983 – 1994
Sir Mirza Khursheed Anwer Beg played a foundational role in Cadet College Kohat’s evolution. His leadership there was so impactful that the institution honoured him by naming its library “Khurshid Library”—a rare tribute reserved for those who leave an indelible institutional legacy. His association earned him recognition as a CC Kohatian, cementing his place in the college’s historical narrative.
Islamabad College for Boys — The Golden Era
Principal, Islamabad College for Boys (ICB)
1975 – 1981
It was at Islamabad College for Boys, G-6/3, that Sir Mirza Khursheed Anwer Beg’s genius as an educationist and administrator shone most brightly.
Under his stewardship, ICB entered an era remembered for:
- Academic excellence
- Uncompromising discipline
- Merit-based culture
- Moral and civic education
He believed education was not confined to syllabi or examination halls. For him, true education was character-building—the cultivation of integrity, responsibility, confidence, and national consciousness. He personally mentored students, guided teachers, and upheld traditions that turned ICB into a benchmark institution during the 70s and 80s.
Despite his commanding presence and high standards, he was known for his humility, compassion, and approachability. His firmness was balanced with fairness; his authority with wisdom. Students feared disappointing him—but more importantly, they respected and loved him.
National Service & Educational Governance
- Secretary, Inter Board Committee
Ministry of Education, Government of Pakistan, Islamabad
1981 – 1983 - Chairman, Federal Board of Education
At the national level, Sir Mirza Khursheed Anwer Beg contributed to shaping educational policy and examination systems, bringing administrative clarity, fairness, and professionalism to federal educational governance.
Leadership Philosophy: Discipline with Dignity
Sir Mirza Khursheed Anwer Beg led not through authority alone, but through personal example. Teachers found in him a leader who valued professionalism and justice. Students found a mentor who demanded excellence yet nurtured potential. His office was a place of guidance, wisdom, and principled counsel.
His leadership style created institutions that did not merely function—they inspired.
A Living Legacy
Though he is no longer among us, Sir Mirza Khursheed Anwer Beg’s legacy continues to echo:
- In the corridors of Islamabad College for Boys
- In the traditions of Cadet College Kohat and Hasan Abdal
- In the lives of countless students who went on to serve Pakistan with distinction
- In historical records, general reports, and institutional narratives of CCH & CCK
He remains a symbol of academic excellence, administrative greatness, and moral leadership.
In Eternal Gratitude
May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may his life’s work continue to inspire generations of students, educators, and nation-builders.
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