Among all the sons Balochistan has lost, a farewell is now bid to a dutiful, well-mannered and people-friendly officer.
Turbat, "Turbat-Sanganisar", the capital of the Kech district of Balochistan, the birthplace of former Balochistan chief minister Dr Abdul Malik Baloch and the Balochi and Urdu poet Atta Shad, was also once home to late Deputy Commissioner Zakir Baloch.
Zakir was travelling from Quetta to Panjgur by road on the evening of August 12 when unidentified armed individuals attacked his vehicle. He was injured in the attack. He was accompanied by District Chairman Abdul Malik, who is the brother of National Party MPA Rehmat Saleh Baloch. By the time he was rushed to the Nawab Ghous Bakhsh Raisani Memorial Hospital, Zakir had succumbed to his injuries.
He leaves behind a widow and two daughters.
Zakir was known as a friendly, honest, and cheerful civil officer in Balochistan. In the areas where he was posted, he leaves behind good memories with those whom he impacted. Wherever he was stationed, he was always at the forefront of serving the people regardless of colour or caste, which was in line with his civil service ethos.
An educated officer
After passing his Matriculation from a local private school, Zakir passed his FSC from the Government Atta Shad Degree College and attained the top position. He obtained his BS in Petroleum and Gas from one of the largest engineering universities in the country, the University of Engineering Technology in Lahore. During college and university, he loved studying the literature of progressives and nationalist movements.
He also played a key role in student activities and issues during his time in Lahore and remained a member of the Baloch Council. He always emphasised promoting positive and constructive thinking in private gatherings.
After completing his formal studies, he prepared for the civil service examinations.
Joining the civil service
Zakir passed the Balochistan Public Services Commission (PCS) and was appointed as an assistant commissioner of Dureji in Lasbela. This was followed by a posting as the AC in Besima, an ADC in Gwadar, the Deputy Commissioner Qila Abdullah, and most recently, the deputy commissioner of Panjgur.
A colleague and a long-time companion of Zakir's, former Awaran Deputy Commissioner Dr Jameel Ahmed Baloch said, "We are heartbroken by the unimaginable and painful loss of Zakir Baloch, one of the finest officers and an exceptional human being. He had dedicated his life to serving others with unwavering vision, commitment, sincerity, and honesty, executing every responsibility with the highest level of professionalism."
"No matter where he was, or his position, Zakir Baloch remained approachable and kind to everyone, regardless of their status. His knowledge, vision, and dedication inspired countless youths, making him a beacon of hope," he said.
Dr Jameel said he could vividly recall his first meeting with Zakir in 2013, during a gathering of mutual friends in Karachi. At that time, Zakir was just beginning his career with Schlumberger in a highly coveted and competitive position.
"Despite this, I found him full of energy and passion for the civil service, expressing his desire to serve the people of Balochistan more effectively through this path," Dr Jameel said, adding that they frequently interacted in the successive years, eventually serving together in Lasbela, as assistant commissioners of Dureji and Bela respectively.
A tragic loss
The tragic loss of such an exemplary individual has cast a deep shadow of sorrow over Balochistan.
Senior journalist Hamid Mir wrote in a social media post that he knew of Zakir Baloch.
"Zakir Baloch came to Islamabad just a few days before his assassination. He met some anti-establishment people. Some powerful people in Balochistan were not happy with his posting as DC. He once said, "We are a herd that grazes on conflicts". Those who are beneficiaries of the conflict have no right to condemn his murder," he wrote in a post on 'X' (formerly known as Twitter).
Shah Mir Baloch, who writes for The Guardian, noted: "Zakir Jan is no more and cannot defend himself- let me put the record straight. Zakir was in Islamabad a month ago, and he was my guest. We did not meet anti-establishment people as alleged. We must respect the dead!"
Shahab Akram, who claimed to be Zakir's friend, wrote: "My dear friend, you left too soon. I am at a loss for words. How should I mourn your demise? At this moment when I am hearing the devastating news of your death, I am recalling the first days I had spent with you. Our first rendezvous at a hotel in Turbat where we talked about novels, poetry, and life. You listened to me with deep focus while I read my poetry. You shared your stories with me. I remember the story you shared where a child harboured big aspirations and listened to a radio station to realise his dreams.
I don't know how to explain my pain. My friend, you helped spark a light in me and turn it into a fire. I still can't believe it. But may you be blessed with the highest place in paradise. You will always be remembered."
Zarif Baloch, a journalist from Gwadar, praised Zakir for his work in the coastal town.
"No doubt, officers of the Public Service Commission are capable, but there are some people who, apart from money, are well versed in politics, society and history. Such dutiful people are rare."
He further recalled how he learnt of Zakir's passing, noting that he was watching the news when reports about the attack on Zakir Baloch were flashed. The news shocked him, and social media was flooded with messages about an honest, conscientious, well-educated officer.