Celebrated Chef Zakir Hussain Passes Away at 58

Chef Zakir Hussain, a well-known culinary personality, has died at the age of 58. He had been undergoing dialysis while battling a kidney ailment, according to his nephew, Shayan Qureshi, on Monday night.

Shayan stated that Chef Zakir had been receiving medical care in the United States. However, doctors suggested that further treatment was unlikely to be beneficial, leading the acclaimed chef to return to Karachi a month prior to his passing.

The funeral for the beloved chef is scheduled to take place today, following the Asr prayer, at Jamia Rashidiya in Malir, Saudabad.

Early Life and Influences

Born in Karachi on February 16, 1967, Zakir distinguished himself in the culinary arts. His passion was fueled by his family’s deep-rooted culinary traditions. His father, Abdul Aziz Qureshi, a respected chef with a national airline, inspired many relatives to pursue culinary careers.

Zakir received his initial education at Kulsoom Bai Valika school and subsequently attended Allama Iqbal College. He embarked on his professional journey in 1980 at the Sheraton Hotel in Karachi.

International Experience and Return to Pakistan

Chef Zakir broadened his culinary expertise internationally through experiences in Dubai, Singapore, South Africa, and Botswana. He spent a decade in the United Kingdom, refining his skills under the guidance of leading chefs.

Upon his return to Pakistan in the early 1990s, Zakir became a popular television personality, hosting numerous cooking programs on various networks. He shared his extensive knowledge of Pakistani, Asian, and global cuisines with a wide audience.