Zahir went on to attend and graduate from Daru’ l-Malimeen (“Teachers’ College”) in Kabul. He then continued his higher education for two more years in India to obtain a degree as an English instructor. After his return from India, Zahir got a job as a journalist for The Kabul Times, but soon began to work closely with Afghan composers Nainawaz and Taranasazon. His first recorded song, “Gar Kuni Yak Nizara”, was his own composition, blending Indian raga with western pop rhythms.