KARACHI:
With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Professor Dr Firoz Ahmed, a visionary physicist and beloved educator, on October 20, 2024. Dr Firoz dedicated his life to advancing knowledge and nurturing a generation of environmentally conscious scientists, leaving behind a profound legacy in nuclear physics, renewable energy, and environmental physics.
Throughout his distinguished career in the Department of Physics at the University of Karachi, beginning in the late 1960s, Professor Firoz was a dedicated and influential figure. Even after retiring in 2008, he continued as an Adjunct Professor for many years, sharing his knowledge with students and colleagues. Though he eventually stepped back, he remained closely connected to the department, offering mentorship and guidance to faculty until his passing, leaving a lasting impact on the academic community.
Spanning over four decades, Professor Firoz’s career was defined by humility, dedication, and a commitment to advancing science. Over 30 years ago, he introduced courses on Renewable Energy and Environmental Physics, recognising the need for sustainability and innovation in addressing global challenges. These courses have since become integral to the curriculum, shaping the careers of countless students, many of whom are now leaders in renewable energy and environmental science. His forward-thinking approach helped establish the University of Karachi as a progressive institution, and his legacy continues to inspire future generations.
Professor Firoz, a highly trained nuclear physicist from Australia, was renowned for his intellectual rigour, kindness and humility. Fluent in both Urdu and English, he combined his vast knowledge with exceptional writing skills. Despite his expertise, he remained soft-spoken and non-controversial, earning deep respect from colleagues and students alike. His willingness to mentor others without seeking recognition made him beloved by all who knew him. His lasting impact extended beyond his scientific contributions to the personal connections he nurtured throughout his career.
Professor Firoz’s passing leaves a significant void in the academic community, but his legacy will live on through the countless students and colleagues he mentored and inspired. He will be deeply missed by family, friends, colleagues and students, yet his impact remains in the many lives he touched.
Dr Intikhab Ulfat
Karachi
