LOWER DIR: At an age when most people look forward to take a rest, a retired schoolteacher from Talash, Lower Dir, has chosen work over the comfort of his home.

Umar Baz Khan, a 63-year-old retired senior certified teacher (SCT), has become a symbol of devotion and selflessness in education. After retiring from Government Higher Secondary School, Ziarat Talash, as SCT in grade-16, on April 11, 2022, he returned to the same school the very next day – not as a guest or honorary figure, but a full-time voluntary teacher.

According to the school principal, Faizul Nasir, Mr Umar Baz arrives before the morning assembly and remains engaged in teaching until the last bell.

“He has not missed a single day over the past three years, as I remember. He’s always the first to arrive and often the last to leave,” the principal told Dawn here on Wednesday. “His dedication, punctuality, and affection for students is astonishing. It’s rare to find such educators in today’s world,” the principal added.

Umar Baz continues work at the school he retired from

He doesn’t even hesitate to steps in for absent teachers and actively participate in extracurricular activities.

“His behaviour with students, fellow teachers, and education officials is exemplary,” said one of his colleagues, Qazi Roohullah. “He is admired and respected by everyone who knows him.”

Some coworkers jokingly suggest he has nothing else to do, and that’s why he keeps himself busy teaching. But Mr Khan is unfazed by such remarks.

Speaking to Dawn, he said: “I am in love with teaching. I’m the son of a schoolteacher, and most of my family members -- including my wife, sisters-in-law, and four brothers -- are also in this noble profession. I am proud to be a teacher, and will continue this service until my last breath.”

Over his 41-year-long teaching career, Mr Khan served in several schools across Lower Dir, including Lajbok, Dherai Talash, Bajauro, Timergara, Hayaserai, Shatai Dara, and Ziarat Talash.

When asked why he chose to continue teaching specifically at the school he retired from, he replied: “I passed my matriculation from this very institution. It is the oldest and most central school in the entire Talash Valley, and has produced many prominent personalities. The respectful, warm attitude of the students and staff here compelled me to stay and serve.”

One of his fellow teachers expressed disappointment that despite his extraordinary contributions, Umar Baz Khan has not received any official recognition from the government or education department.

When asked about this lack of recognition, Mr Khan humbly responded, “I don’t want any award or attention ... I simply want to give back quietly and wholeheartedly.”

Published in Dawn, May 15th, 2025