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Tribute to Prof. Dr. R. A. Khan Tahirkheli S.I.

Dr. Rashid Ahmad Khan Tahirkheli, a renowned geologist, was laid to rest in his ancestral graveyard in Ghazi near Turbela, Khyber Pakthunkhawa on August 14, 2014. Dr. Tahirkheli was born in his native town Ghazi, Hazara, Pakistan in April, 1928. After early education at Haripur, he graduated from Aligarh Muslim University, India, and joined the Geological Survey of Pakistan (GSP) in 1951 as Assistant Geologist. Later on, he went to the University of St. Andrews, Scotland, for Ph. D. and returned to Pakistan after completing his studies in 1964. After his return, he joined the University of Peshawar as Reader (Associate Professor) and Chairman of the Department of Geology. In 1969, he was appointed as full Professor.

Dr. Tahirkheli’s contribution to the growth and development of Earth Sciences in Pakistan are manifolds. He succeeded in establishing the National Center of Excellence in Geology (NCEG) in 1975 of which he remained the founding Director till his retirement in 1988. He became the Vice Chancellor of the University of Peshawar in 1982 and successfully completed his tenure of five years whereby he brought reforms in the academics of the university and also established new departments. These departments turned out to be amongst the most productive departments of the University of Peshawar. After his retirement from the University of Peshawar, he became the Vice Chancellor of the Gandhara University, Peshawar and remained on this post till his last breath. He also remained Professor of Emeritus in the NCEG.

Dr. Tahirkheli played a vital role in getting financial support for his young colleagues to pursue higher studies abroad. His enthusiasm, encouragement, support and personal involvement led to a considerable understanding of the geology of the northern Pakistan- the abode of the mighty Himalayas, Karakorum and Hindukush ranges and one of the most rugged and inaccessible terrains. Dr. Tahirkheli’s hard work and remarkable grasp of geology of Pakistan attracted the attention of numerous international geologists for collaborative research work. One of the best known Himalayas geologists, Dr. K. S. Valdiya, described Prof. Tahirkheli as “an active and vigorous person, always in the forefront of daring ventures regardless of time, place and age.” No wonder he was (1) appointed an Adjunct Professor at Dartmouth College, USA., (2) made a member of the National Commission on Science and Technology, (3) elected as Fellow of the Pakistan Academy of Sciences, (4) an honorary fellow of the Geological Society of America, and (5) conferred upon Sitara-e-Imtiaz and Medals for Academic Excellence by the Government of Pakistan. His publications of international repute are landmarks for the national and international geologists working in the northern Pakistan.     

Dr. Tahirkheli was a very cheerful, generous, gracious, and tolerant person, a true fried and a good host. It is a matter of pride for all those who have been associated with him. His death is a big loss to our nation. We have been bereaved of our teacher, mentor, and the most dependable and caring colleague. May Almighty Allah bless his soul in eternal peace.

(Amin)