By: Anwarzada Gulyar
Bajaur today finds itself passing through one of the most difficult chapters in its history—a time overshadowed by grief, helplessness, and despair. Tense circumstances and sudden tragedies have not only extinguished the hearths of dozens of families but also forced many to abandon everything and migrate. Villages once filled with life and laughter now stand silent and desolate. Courtyards that once echoed with children’s innocent joy are now deserted; mothers’ eyes are heavy with tears, and fathers carry the unbearable burden of worry on their shoulders.
In such times, when most are consumed by their own troubles, there emerge a few remarkable individuals who step forward, taking the pain of others as their own. Among these shining figures is a name that stands tall—Zahid Jan.
Zahid Jan is not just a journalist by profession, known for his principled and courageous voice, but also a tireless social worker who has dedicated his life to serving the underprivileged. Through his charitable initiative, Baik Sar, he has been supporting needy and destitute families for many years. In homes where poverty had extinguished the fire of daily meals, Zahid Jan’s relentless efforts brought back warmth and sustenance.
One of his most remarkable projects is the Quran Mahal, a building he constructed to respectfully preserve old and worn-out pages of the Holy Quran. This project is not only a social service but also a profound expression of faith and devotion. With the same spirit, he has extended financial support to dozens of patients battling life-threatening illnesses such as cancer, covering treatment costs that were otherwise far beyond their reach.
But perhaps the greatest test of his resolve came during the recent unrest in Mamond Tehsil, when countless families were forced to flee their homes. The scenes resembled a calamity—families uprooted, eyes filled with despair, and hearts weighed down by helplessness. In those critical moments, Zahid Jan threw his full energy into relief work. Every single day, he arranged meals for two to three thousand displaced individuals. And whenever food distribution was disrupted in any area, he personally went there to ensure no family went to bed hungry.
What makes his work truly extraordinary is that Zahid Jan has no large organization or formal setup behind him. Standing by his side are only his brother and a handful of close friends who, like him, dedicate day and night to this mission. Despite limited resources and lack of institutional support, his sincerity and determination have won the trust of philanthropists, who know that any assistance given to him will reach those who need it most—without fanfare or personal publicity.
In a conflict-stricken and underdeveloped region like Bajaur, Zahid Jan’s struggle shines as a beacon of hope. He proves that one does not need immense wealth or vast resources to serve humanity—true service stems from purity of intention, honesty, and courage. Alone, he stands like an entire caravan, carrying on a mission of compassion.
His story is living proof that in times of adversity, real heroes are those who heal the wounds of others, feed the hungry, and become the strength of the helpless. For the displaced families of Bajaur today, Zahid Jan is nothing short of a savior.
