Islamabad (Abdullah Asjad):
Shahid Zaman Khan is Ready to Serve Pakistan The Time to Act is Now
Shahid Zaman Khan, one of the most accomplished and respected figures in modern Pakistani squash, has delivered a clear and powerful message: he is ready to serve Pakistan and the time to act is now.
Born in Quetta Cantt into a family where squash is not just a sport but a legacy of national service, Shahid Zaman Khan represents a lineage deeply woven into Pakistan’s sporting history. He is the son of Gul Bahadur Khan, the legendary coach of Balochistan, whose tireless efforts shaped generations of players. From his mother, Shamim Gul sister of the great Qamar Zaman, famously known as “The Master of Strokes” he inherited brilliance and flair. From his father, discipline, resilience, and a lifelong commitment to developing others.
Across an extraordinary 32-year journey in professional squash, Shahid Zaman Khan has not only competed he has carried Pakistan’s honor on his shoulders. Spending 16 years on the PSA Tour, he secured international titles, rose to a career-high world ranking of No. 14, and remained Pakistan’s No. 1 for several years. At every stage, he represented the country with pride, professionalism, and unwavering determination.
In recognition of his outstanding services to the sport and his dedication to Pakistan, Shahid Zaman Khan was awarded the Pride of Pakistan on 14th August 2025, conferred by the President of Pakistan with acknowledgment from ISPR. This national honor is not merely an award it is a symbol of a lifetime devoted to excellence, integrity, and national pride.
After his playing career, Shahid did not step away he stepped forward. For 16 years in the United States, he worked at elite institutions including The Tennis and Racket Club, Equinox, Boston University, Wellesley College, and Harvard Business School. He made history as the first Pakistani squash professional to coach at Harvard breaking barriers and carrying Pakistan’s legacy into the world’s most prestigious environments.
In 2012, he founded SZK Squash LLC, building a modern, high-performance training system rooted in discipline, structure, and mental strength. His work has produced not just players, but complete athletes capable of competing and winning at the highest levels.
Yet, despite global success, his connection to Pakistan has never weakened. He played a crucial role in preparing his nephew Hamza Khan for his historic World Junior Championship victory in 2023, ending a 37-year drought for Pakistan. In 2025, Noor Zaman’s rise to world champion further signaled that Pakistan’s sleeping giant is ready to awaken.
But Shahid Zaman Khan is not waiting for change he is creating it.
Returning to Quetta, he has already begun rebuilding from the ground up. Without seeking recognition, he donated equipment, organized six junior tournaments unprecedented in the city’s history and personally trained young players. His mission is clear: revive Pakistan squash through grassroots development, structure, and vision.
Now, his message to the nation and its institutions is direct and uncompromising:
“This is the time to give back to Pakistan. I have dedicated 32 years to professional squash as a player and as a coach and I am ready to give everything I have to Pakistan’s junior players. If given the opportunity, I am prepared to serve and help take Pakistan squash back to the top of the world.”
This is not a request. This is a call to action.
At a time when Pakistan squash struggles with inconsistency, lack of direction, and missed opportunities, Shahid Zaman Khan offers something rare: proven international experience, a modern vision, and unquestionable sincerity. He is not asking for titles, positions, or recognition he is offering service backed by results.
Pakistan has never lacked talent. What it has lacked is structure, leadership, and the courage to place responsibility in the right hands.
