LAHORE: The Government College University (GCU) Lahore paid tribute to Prof Dr Nazir Ahmed, the former principal of GC, on his death anniversary.

“On his 41st death anniversary, we pay a glowing tribute to Prof Dr Nazir Ahmad, one of Pakistan’s most legendary educationists, visionary administrators, and former Principal of Government College, Lahore,” says a statement issued by GCU.

The statement said that Dr Nazir was known for his uncompromising academic stature and profound impact on Pakistan’s intellectual landscape and he revolutionised the institution between 1959 and 1965 by actively fostering rigorous research alongside vibrant debate, drama, and musical activities. As a man of immense intellectual courage, he famously championed freedom of expression and student creativity, remaining a steadfast beacon of progressive education, read the statement placed on a social media platform on Tuesday.

The statement said that Dr Nazir’s enduring policies, humility, and dedication continue to serve as a guiding light for generations of scholars, ensuring that his services to the nation’s educational history will never be forgotten.

Born on December 5, 1904 at the residence of his maternal grandfather, Pir Alladad Shah, in Haveli Baroodkhana, Lahore, Dr Nazir Ahmed faced hardships from an early age. His father, who belonged to a respected family of saints and hereditary custodians in Bazidpur, a small town in the former princely state of Patiala, died while Dr Nazir was still young. Dr Nazir’s mother, a graduate of a convent school, played a central role in his upbringing and early education. She encouraged him to pursue learning and inspired him to continue his studies despite the challenges faced by the family.

After completing his early education, Dr Nazir pursued higher studies at the University of Calcutta. His exceptional academic performance earned him the highest position among students from the pre-partition Punjab region and opened the way for advanced studies in Britain. He subsequently undertook doctoral and postdoctoral studies at Imperial College London and the University of Cambridge. His scientific research focused primarily on pests that damaged agricultural crops and on methods of preventing and controlling infestations. After completing his studies, Dr Nazir returned to serve the education sector.

He was appointed principal of Government College Jhang, where he contributed to the institution’s academic development and administration. He later joined the Government College Lahore as head of its Department of Zoology. In 1959, he was appointed principal of the college. Dr Nazir passed away in Lahore on 4 August 1985.

Published in Dawn, August 6th, 2026