KARACHI: Muhammad Zahid Khokhar, a BS-22 officer of the Pakistan Customs Service (PCS) and Director General of Transit Trade, passed away on Monday morning due to complications related to the coronavirus (COVID-19). He was one of the most senior and respected officers in the PCS and had only recently been promoted to the rank of BS-22.
Muhammad Zahid was serving as the Director General at the Directorate General of Transit Trade at the time of his death. Known for his integrity, professionalism, and deep knowledge of Pakistan’s customs and transit systems, he had played a key role in shaping the country’s policies regarding regional connectivity and cross-border trade. His leadership in the Directorate had strengthened Pakistan’s strategic trade links, particularly in managing the complexities of Afghan and Central Asian transit trade.
Sources close to the matter confirmed that Muhammad Zahid had been undergoing treatment for several days after contracting the coronavirus. Despite efforts by medical professionals, he succumbed to the virus early Monday morning.
During his tenure, Muhammad Zahid worked tirelessly to streamline and facilitate transit trade operations, especially focusing on minimizing bottlenecks and improving transparency. His initiatives helped enhance Pakistan’s role as a vital corridor for regional trade, and he was often praised for balancing national security concerns with commercial facilitation.
The PCS and customs community have expressed deep sorrow over his untimely demise. Colleagues remember him as a dedicated civil servant who modernized various procedures related to transit trade, improving efficiency and reducing corruption.
His death is a significant loss not only to the customs service but also to the broader regional trade framework that Pakistan is working to develop. As regional cooperation gains momentum, the foundation he laid in transit trade will continue to guide future initiatives.
Funeral prayers will be held later today, with strict observance of COVID-19 protocols.