Born: Halwara, India, November 29, 1933
Died: Surrey, B.C. January 6, 2003

Regaled by his Father’s tales of the beauty and opportunity of Canada and especially that of Vancouver, Riasat Ali Khan made the decision to make his own journey into the wilderness by harnessing the pioneer spirit and made his way to North America. He arrived in Canada via San Francisco in 1959 tracing the route of his Grandfather Ahmed Khan and his own Father, Amanat Ali Khan who both journeyed and lived in Canada and the USA from 1904 and 1912 respectively to 1932.

Like most immigrants he worked as a laborer in Saw Milling and Mines, but his command of the English language and his strong personality gave him an advantage that saw him as the first man of Indo-Canadian origin to work in corrections and probation in Canada in the early 1960’s leading the way for many to follow in his footsteps in the field.

In 1960 He sent for his his younger brother Saraj Khan. His wife Tyaba and young son Fazal reunited with him shortly thereafter as did his cousin Riaz Tyab. After moving on from corrections and probation Riasat Ali Khan went on to his business career which was diverse with interests in the Lumber industry, Real Estate, Insurance and Investments.

Riasat Ali Khan founded the first mosque in British Columbia, and the second in all of Canada in 1963 and established the Pakistan Canada Association in that same year. He was a founding member of the BC Muslim Association and was actively involved in the planning and fundraising for all mosques in BC during his lifetime.

A proud Canadian, Riasat Ali Khan served with integrity and vision, championed multicultural and social justice issues, and in fact helped to draft the multicultural policy for BC.

It should be noted that Riasat Ali Khan touched the lives of many people from all communities and ethnic/religious backgrounds who owe their living in Canada due to his efforts as an advocate for immigrants and refugees.

He served as President of the Vancouver Multicultural Society and the Affiliation of Multicultural Societies And Service Agencies and a leader, member and volunteer for many other organizations including the Immigrant Services Society, the Committee for Racial Justice and was a long time Rotarian.

Riasat Ali Khan maintained strong links with the Provincial and Federal Liberal Parties and contested elections on several occasions.

News of Riasat Ali Khan’s death was heard worldwide. Thousands attended his funeral. Family, friends, politicians and representatives of every religious, ethnic and native group eulogized him.

In a letter to the family and in public comments, Prime Minister Jean Chrétien described Riasat Ali Khan as “a visionary” and “a true humanitarian”. Then Canadian Federal Heritage Minister Sheila Copps said “Riasat was an example of Jihad, the non-violent struggle within oneself for a life of virtue and he represented the true integrity that is at the heart of Islam.”
Riasat Ali Khan’s spirit was honored by special ceremonies conducted by both the Muslim and Sikh Communities of British Columbia. The Canadian Multi-cultural organization AMSSA has continued to award the ‘Riasat Ali Khan Diversity Award’ in recognition of his service to Canada.

Riasat Ali Khan’s murder remains unsolved. The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said one of the "biggest of (the great sins)" is "to murder a human being." (Sahih Al-Bukhari, 9:10) and that when someone takes another's life, "it would be as if he slew all mankind." (Quran,5:32) Death is very much part of life. Murder is an abomination. The Khan family seeks the mercy of God in bringing insaaf (justice) and Sabr (patience).

Riasat Ali Khan will always be remembered as a caring gentleman who loved his family and friends and kept his commitment to his community and religion. His legacy of honour and goodwill will serve as a beacon of inspiration for all who aspire to follow his example of dedication and service beyond self.

Riasat Ali Khan leaves behind his beloved wife, Tyaba, his brother Saraj, his sisters Kishwar, late Maroof, Anwar, Munawar, Nighat, his children Fazal, Farah, Sophia, Farooq, Haroon and Asif, many grandchildren and hundreds of family members in Canada and Pakistan.

The family has set up a website at www.riasatalikhan.com and is appealing to the public and those with knowledge of his assassination to come forward. A $100,000.00 reward has been posted for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for this unsolved murder. Call (604) 669-TIPS (604) 669-8477. A religious memorial will be held at Pakistan House at 12059 – 88th Avenue in Surrey on Sunday January 6TH from 12:30pm to 5pm and a public memorial honouring his years of public service will be held later this year. For further information contact Haroon Khan: 604-720-8054.