Professor Dr. Bakht Baidar Khan, a distinguished Professor Emeritus at the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (UAF) and a foundational figure in Pakistan's livestock education, passed away on Thursday, October 30, 2025. He was 91.
Dr. Khan died at the Al-Shifa International Hospital in Faisalabad. His passing is mourned by generations of students and colleagues who knew him as a prolific author, dedicated mentor, and key leader in the Faculty of Animal Husbandry. His funeral was held at the Bahar-e-Madina mosque near his home, and he was laid to rest in the Kamal Abad graveyard in Faisalabad.
Born on April 20, 1934, in Gujrat to Ch Saeed Khan of the Warraich family, Dr. Khan's academic journey was marked by excellence. After completing his Matric from Lahore, he earned his B.V.Sc. and B.Sc.(A.H) degrees from the College of Veterinary Sciences, Lahore.
He began his professional career in Kunja Tenga, Bahawalnagar, before joining the West Pakistan Agricultural University (WPAU), now UAF, as an instructor in 1961. He completed his M.Sc. (Hons.) in Livestock Management in 1964. Soon after, he was awarded a USAID scholarship and pursued his Ph.D. in Animal Sciences at Colorado State University, USA, completing it with distinction in 1969.
A Legacy of Academic and Research Excellence
Professor Dr. Bakht Baidar Khan's contributions to the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, and the broader field of animal husbandry are immense and enduring. Throughout his distinguished career, he rose through the academic ranks from Lecturer in 1965 to a full Professor in 1987.
He served with distinction in key leadership roles, including as Chairman of the Department of Livestock Management and as Dean of the Faculty of Animal Husbandry from 1990 to 1993. A dedicated researcher, he was the Principal Investigator for a landmark project on the "Effect of Heat Stress on milk production of dairy buffaloes".
His commitment to academic publishing was evident in his long-time editorial leadership for the Pakistan Journal of Agricultural Sciences (Pak JAS) and his role as a Technical Consultant for the Pakistan Veterinary Journal (PVJ). Even after his official retirement in 1994, his dedication was unwavering. Appointed Professor Emeritus in 1995, he was unique in his regular and active presence in the department, contributing his wisdom and inspiring generations of students and faculty.
A Prolific and Influential Author
As an eminent author, Dr. Khan's literary contributions have left a permanent mark on livestock education in Pakistan. He was a prolific writer who authored hundreds of scientific papers in both English and Urdu, but his most significant impact came from the many books and manuals he wrote specifically for students.
These texts became foundational to the curriculum. His works covered a vast range of topics, including the comprehensive and widely-used "Breeds of Livestock in Pakistan," which was updated in multiple editions. He also penned specialized guides such as "Production and Management of Camels," "Husbandry and Health of Horses," and "Sheep and Goat Production". Demonstrating his versatility, he wrote in Urdu as well, with titles like "Anmol Ghorey" (Precious Horses). These publications stand as a testament to his dedication to making knowledge accessible and practical for future generations of agriculturalists.
Mentorship and legacy
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Dr. Khan will be remembered most for his profound humanity and character. Described by a friend as a "Muslim by actions," his life was a testament to his faith, sincerity, and unwavering commitment to serving his community.
He was a true mentor who not only imparted knowledge but also actively nurtured the writing and research skills of his students and colleagues, often giving them authorship credit for even minor contributions. For many, he was more than a teacher; he was a "virtual father" who offered both technical guidance and financial support to those in need. His kindness was legendary. As one former student, Dr. Muhammad Aslam Dar, recalled, "Dr. B B Khan is a nice, sophisticated, man of words, and a great teacher of all times... He showed great kindness in mentoring me". This deep sense of devotion, loyalty, and generosity left an indelible mark on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
Dr. Khan is survived by his two sons, Dr. Saeed Akhtar and Dr. Asad Saeed, and his son-in-law, Mr. Sikandar Hayat. May Allah grant him peace and give his family the strength to bear this immense loss.
