Culinary Icon Chef Zakir passes away at 58

Chef Zakir Qureshi, a celebrated figure in Pakistan’s culinary world, died in Karachi at 58 after a long illness, his family confirmed Monday night.

Chef Zakir had been receiving treatment in the United States but returned to Pakistan a month ago after doctors declared his condition untreatable. Funeral prayers will be held today after Asr at Jamia Rashidiya in Saudabad, Malir.

Born on February 16, 1967, in Karachi, Zakir rose to prominence in the culinary world, shaped by his family's rich cooking heritage.
His father, Abdul Aziz Qureshi, was a distinguished chef with a national airline who inspired many family members, including his son, to pursue careers in the culinary arts.

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After completing his education, Chef Zakir began his professional journey in 1980 at the Sheraton Hotel in Karachi. He worked in kitchens across Dubai, Singapore, South Africa, and Botswana before spending a decade in the UK, refining his craft alongside top chefs.

Upon returning to Pakistan in the early 1990s, Zakir became a prominent television figure. He hosted several cooking shows on various channels and shared his vast knowledge of Pakistani, Asian, and international cuisines.

Chef Zakir earned admiration for his innovative recipes and charismatic on-screen presence, winning fans both in Pakistan and abroad. His legacy lives on in the homes he inspired and the generations of cooks he taught to believe in the power of good food.