Sir Zafar Mehmood Sheikh (Late)
🌟 Professor Zafar Mehmood Sheikh (Late) — The Eternal Light of ICB Urdu Literature
Sir Zafar Mehmood Sheikh was a man whose character radiated quiet grace. He carried himself with a softness that made people feel instantly at ease. His humility wasn’t just a trait — it was his identity. He spoke with a tone that soothed, walked with a calm that comforted, and treated every student with a warmth that made them feel seen and valued.
His kindness had no boundaries. He never raised his voice, never allowed bitterness to touch his words, and never let anyone leave his presence without feeling lighter. His conduct reflected a heart purified by compassion — gentle in emotion, generous in thought, and dignified in action.
One of the most charming memories students treasure is his distinctive habit of teaching with a key-ring gracefully swirling between his fingers. It was not just a gesture — it became his signature. While explaining a verse, quoting a poet, or unraveling the beauty of Urdu, the key-ring would revolve smoothly in his hand, adding a rhythm to his lecture. It gave him an effortless elegance, a unique presence that students watched with admiration.
Even today, many recall that simple movement and feel an entire era come alive.
He was the kind of teacher whose personality left a fragrance long after he had walked away — a fragrance of gentleness, sincerity, and unshakable integrity. A man who lived without pride, who loved without limits, and who inspired without trying. His life was a reminder that true greatness lies in kindness, and true respect is earned through humility.
Sir Zafar Sheikh will always be remembered as a soul who touched hearts not through power, but through purity. His legacy lives in the memories of those who were blessed to study under his quiet, shining light.
I. A Journey Rooted in Resilience — From Sidhora to the Heart of ICB
Born on May 5, 1945, in Sidhora, India, Sir Zafar Mehmood Sheikh witnessed the trials of migration during partition. His family moved to Lahore with little more than hope and resolve. Growing up in modest surroundings, he pursued education with a passion that would later define his legacy.
From early studies in local government schools to achieving a Master’s in Urdu Literature from the prestigious Punjab University, his life story is a testament to perseverance, humility, and a relentless love for learning.
II. The Scholar Who Chose the Classroom Over Authority
Sir Zafar began his professional journey at Shama Magazine, skillfully managing the Muamma section. But destiny had carved a different path for him—one that led him to the world of teaching.
In 1974, he joined Islamabad College for Boys (ICB), G-6/3, a place that would become synonymous with his name for generations.
Teaching wasn’t just his career; it was his devotion. When offered administrative and leadership roles multiple times, he always chose his students instead. As he often said:
“Teaching keeps me close to what I love most — my students.”
Even during his brief tenure as Vice Principal at IMCB F-10, his heart longed for the classroom, and he soon returned to continue shaping young minds.
III. Architect of Creativity — The Torchbearer of Literature, Drama & Sports
Sir Zafar’s influence transcended textbooks. At ICB, he became the soul of its Dramatic Society, the energy behind the Sports Society, and the creative force enriching the college magazine “Sumbal.”
He won countless accolades and left behind a legacy of creativity, discipline, and a deep appreciation for Urdu literature and the performing arts.
Even after retiring as Associate Professor in 2005, his passion for teaching did not fade. He continued enlightening students in Rawalpindi and at Shaheen Academy Islamabad until 2019.
IV. A Scholar, Thinker & Poet — A Man Whose Heart Beat for “Adab”
To Sir Zafar, literature was not a subject — it was life itself.
He read everything he could find:
Fiction
History
Philosophy
Religion
He shared his reflections generously, lifting young minds to new horizons. His gentle voice, thoughtful pauses, and poetic insight made every conversation feel like a lesson in humanity.
He often said,
“Adab (Literature) is life, and my subject is life.”
He dressed with elegance, lived with dignity, thought with depth, and carried wisdom with grace. Despite having refined taste, he remained profoundly humble — a rare blend of sophistication and sincerity.
V. The Gentle Soul — His Humble and Loving Personality
Perhaps the greatest legacy of Sir Zafar was not his knowledge but his heart.
He was known as:
Soft-spoken
Kind-hearted
Gentle in tone and manner
Always positive
Never complaining
Humble to the core
Students recall him not just as an Urdu teacher but as a fatherly mentor, a friend, a guide, and a comforting presence.
Generations of ICBians speak of him with the same warmth—even 40 years later.
No student ever left his class without feeling valued. No conversation with him ended without leaving an imprint of kindness.
He made every young person believe they mattered.
The ICBian community was deeply shaken by his passing on August 1, 2025—a void that can never truly be filled.
VI. A Voice That Echoes Forever
One of the verses he loved—and often recited—now resonates with a new, deeper meaning:
“Is naghma-e-gham ko bhi aye dil ghaneemat janye,
Be-sada ho jaega ye saaz-e-hasti aik din…”
Today, that saaz-e-hasti did fall silent, but the melody of his wisdom continues to live in our hearts.
🌿 A Tribute That Lives in Every ICBian Heart
Sir Zafar Mehmood Sheikh was not merely a teacher;
He was a beacon of morality,
A guardian of culture,
A voice of reason,
And a symbol of refined humanity.
His legacy lives on — in classrooms, in memories, in stories passed from senior students to junior ones, and in the countless lives he shaped with his gentleness.
🤲 Dua for Maghfirah (Prayer for His Forgiveness)
May Allah Almighty grant complete forgiveness to Sir Zafar Mehmood Sheikh.
May He elevate his rank among the righteous,
enlighten his resting place,
and bless him with the highest gardens of Jannah.
May Allah shower His mercy upon him,
reward him for every word he taught,
every heart he nurtured,
and every soul he inspired.
And may He grant patience, comfort, and peace to all who loved him.
Ameen, Ya Rabb al-‘Alameen.
Cherish the golden days of ICB with us!
Cherish the golden days of ICB with us, where every page tells a story of friendship, growth, and unforgettable moments. Celebrate the spirit of ICB with us, as we reconnect with the past and honor the roots that made us who we are today. Walk through the halls of nostalgia with ICBians.com, where every profile is a tribute to the timeless magic of ICB.