Mahtab Bashir
0333 53 63 248
Islamabad
Papers, notes, books, handouts, presentations, writing book reviews, responses, sessional and terminal exams- I used to hate them all but now, I’ll miss them. My memories and experience in Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU) are worth their weight in gold. The time I’ve spend there, will never lose its luster. Excellent academic environment, cozy friendship, chit chat at Guddu and Majeed huts and warm feelings are all I’ll never forget.
 | |
| Last day of second semester (coursework) Photo credit Syed Muhammad |
The Area Study Centre for Africa, North and South America was established under the 1975 Area Study Centres Act of the Government of Pakistan. The centre is an autonomous body, funded by the Ministry of Education through the Higher Education Commission (HEC). It is academically part of Quaid-i-Azam University, affiliated with its Faculty of Social Sciences.
With as many as 34 departments/ schools and 6 centres/ institutes, Area Study Centre (ASC) is perhaps, the more serene and tranquil owing to surroundings in flora and fauna or because of its distant proximity from the hustle and bustle of the main campus.
ASC depicts a diverse aura of students – coming across Pakistan. Students keep busy with their cell phones and laptops, some are having chit chat at outside the building, studying in the silence of the library or having clicks between the flora and fauna of the Centre. It is a dreamland where hopes are born, dreams are nurtured, paths are woven and memories of a lifetime are knitted.
For the current generation of QAU students, the experience of the university is marked by many little things. Whether it be tea stalls run by our beloved "Majeed" at main huts, the overly liked ‘Crisis” in the menu, the music and the festivals, the long walks from main campus to ASC and countless other experiences that add to the memories of our campus life every day.
Starting my first semester at the ASC in February 2022, I found its small faculty very cooperative, dedicated and student-friendly. The faculty comprises Dr. Sadia Sulaiman, who was incharge of the centre, and went on leave as soon as our 2nd semester commenced, handing over the responsibility to Dr. Bahramand Shah. Other faculty members include Dr. Tahir Jamil, Dr. Munawar Hussain, and Dr. Ayesha Siddiqa- all assistant professors.
ASC is deprived of permanent director (the head of the centre) for a long time for reasons best known to QAU administration, and first the Vice Chancellor (VC) now Dean Social Sciences continues holding this charge. The building encompasses a number of rooms but surprisingly, M.Phil students are attending their classes either in an internal library or in a seminar room while PhD scholars have a dedicated room, much smaller to their expectations. Despite all odds, the projector’s availability in the classroom was another phenomenon because of parallel scheduled classes of M.Phil and Ph.D (at the same time). And once, we had it, our classroom was well and truly called a ‘smart classroom’- because we had that dedicated piece of wall for the image, that was further divided into few (torn) pieces.
By the time I am inscribing this, Dr. Sadia Sulaiman would have rejoin the centre as its in-charge. She taught us Research Methodology (RM) for a brief period of time before going on a semester break. Dr. Sulaiman, without an iota of doubt, is an incredibly genius. She is polite and humble to all students and faculty alike. She believes in meritocracy.
 |
| Dr. Sadia Sulaiman: an inspiring educator, a role model |
One of a brilliant student of our batch opines, “Dr. Sadia's brief but impactful presence left a lasting impression on me. Her teaching style and expertise in research methodology won my heart, making the subject come alive with practical applications.”
She goes on saying, “in just two weeks, Dr. Sadia's teaching approach for research methodology struck a perfect balance between theory and practice. Her on-point guidance and practical demonstrations made the subject truly awesome to learn,” she concludes.
A good teacher must be committed to continuing their own learning, keeping themselves up to date with new theories and practices, and being open to feedback and improvement. Dr. Bahramand Shah is one of this kind. He is knowledgeable, approachable, adaptable, organised, passionate, positive, empathetic, and a life-long learner.
He is a genuine humanist who is never shy of acknowledging role of females they are playing in the society. “I must give credit to my female faculty members, in particular- for they are fulfilling responsibilities in much better way here in the Centre & later at home. Males usually do the domestic chores, reluctantly, which supposedly to be done by them with keen interest,” he maintains.
 |
| A cursory glance gives an impression this man on podium is a Spokesperson for the US State Department, but actually its our very own Dr. Bahramand Shah (a beguiler). |
Dr. Shah’s classroom is perhaps the more interactive than any of faculty members. He often starts in murmuring voice “...oh my god… what you guys think about it”, and the never ending debate starts.
Dr. Shah is quite a masquerader in ASC as far as his ‘foreigner look’ is concerned. He is a cool and composed faculty member. He obtained his PhD from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, USA. He is also a Fulbright Alumnus. Dr. Shah’s teaching and research interest is in American Literature. He is a well-groomed, soft-spoken and a docile character. He taught us Multi-Cultural literature in USA.
Dr. Shah believed that our Batch of 2022 was the best in terms of commitment of seeking knowledge. However, when I talked to him later in 2023, he was of the opinion, “This current Batch (of 2023) is the best. Each student is enrolled on merit.” I was a little surprised to hear that, I wanted to say something in response, but I smiled back at him without saying a word, knowing well his words are magical but identical for all (Batches). When asked have you ever gone through that experience of ‘existential crisis’ or ‘nihilism’ as of Herzog (a professor)? He affirms saying yes, I did, and came out of it without struggling. He said he does not believe in discriminating students by their caste, creed, colour or ethnicity, but he judges his students in classroom through their thoughts and what they write on papers in exams but I use my own peripheral vision, above all. Dr. Shah is a gem of a person, very friendly, and encourages each student for a critical thinking to broaden understanding.
A female student (while not being gullible) observes that “Dr. Barhamand Shah's serious demeanor and focused approach greatly impressed me. His concise and direct communication style ensured efficient delivery of information, while his unwavering professionalism maintained a high level of decorum throughout the course.”
No faculty member of ASC has reached to that fame or exposure as of Dr. Munawar Hussain as far as appearance on television screens or youtube or social media platform is concerned. Dr. Hussain, without doubt, is a well-informed, rhetoric and a tastefully well-dressed person. His area of interest is international affairs. In an ambience of a classroom, his behavior varies too often. Starting his lecture with (his pet words) “….. to bunyadi tor per bat ye hay ke….” he inculcates theories of International Relations, Philosophy, metaphysics, empirical evidence, and much more in one lecture to evaluate and justify the methodological choices a student made in Research Methodology (RM)- an art of science only Dr. Munawar could handle. For his teaching methodology, ‘all level of analysis” fall into pieces. Once in a cluster of students, pointing towards me said, “This fellow, Mahtab is my favourite students” that surprised many. Now, I would say (reciprocally), Dr. Munawar is the best- as they say, “you scratch my a** (read back) and I’ll scratch yours”.
 |
| Sharing light moments with Dr. Munawar Hussain |
He is ‘expect the unexpected’ kind of a person. At times, he is found vulnerable as he watches students with cell phones in their hands. Other moment, he reacts like a stickler, an orthodox about discipline but many of students believe that Dr. Munawar is a swagger. His other characteristics, a student on condition of not to be named describes as, “during paper marking, he focuses on a particular student’s behavior in the classroom.”
His lecture sometimes reaches to an irrelevant point (that’s a story of some other time, perhaps). Despite the fact in verbosity, he intermingled George Bertrand Russell or Stephen Hopkins, (four genius into two) intentionally or a slip of tongue or in confusion, Sir Munawar is a trumpcard of this department.
 |
| Dr. Munawar Hussain: A life-long mentor |
The moment I am writing this, subscriber of his channel would have been surpassed over 1 million. Inculcation of morality/ moral values in a contemporary youth is a staple diet of his lectures. Sailing in so many boats at a time, one must say that Dr. Munawar is a good time-manager. Not being punctual, however, is his Achilles heel.
Teaching and learning go hand in hand. A good teacher never stops learning. With the education sector changing every day, teachers need to learn and upskill themselves. Dr. Munawar is such a class act who learns everyday and shares his insight thoughts not in a classroom but thorough his youtube channel.
Dr. Munawar is a self-made person, who is intact with his indigenous cultural roots. The classroom environment is important for fostering cultural awareness, he tries to ensure diversity in his lesson plan. He broadens national and international affairs to encompass the world beyond a state’s history and culture. Regardless of the subject, he always focuses to present and connect lessons to real-world issues.
Dr. Munawar is a built-in Quidian. He has graduated from QAU, did his M.Phil and Ph.D from this top ranked university of the continent and a part of faculty of ASC for long time now. “I am a made in Pakistan, and I am proud of it. Dr. Jaspal, Dr. Cheema and you name it, there are so many great names in research who were product of QAU- who are serving as distinguished professors in world’s top-notched varsities,” he said adding long ago he was offered from Stanford University, USA but he continued serving for/in his own land.
 |
| Students with Amb. Nadeem Riyaz- a keynote speaker in ASC's series of seminar |
He is an inspiration of so many students. American Study Club (ASC) would never have been flourished without his unconditional commitment. He alongside Club’s cabinet members invited a number of diplomats, dignitaries for a series of lecture. Dr. Munawar is full of ideas who believes that Pakistan will never default but ‘cypher’ was a reality.
In this Centre of Excellence, if some one could find a garrulous character, that would be none other than Dr. Tahir Jamil aka TJ. When one starts talking to him, he/she will only find Dr. TJ a ‘walking lexicon’. He is an erudite, sagacious and a progressive person who raises voice against ‘the elite capture’ all the time.
 |
| Dr. TJ- a gentleman at par, a music buff who loves Indian oldies |
“I have never had a fight with anyone, or may be I don’t remember now. But one thing is for sure- I respect everyone and expect likewise from others. I am least bothered about students’ life outside the centre, because I don’t want to. All I could say about student-teacher relationship is- one must be humble and polite with an urge to learn, debate and produce,” and this is the whole story like that.
Dr. Tahir Jamil achieved his Ph.D degree from Claremont College, USA. He is a Fulbright alumnus. His focus of interest is American Politics and Public Policy. Dr. Jamil has got a strong and finest sense of humour, which could tickle your ribs but only few labeled it a ‘warped sense of humour’. He is spontaneous on various issues ranging from domestic to international affairs, socio-economic to religio- politics.
Having out of the box thoughts, Dr. Jamil always encourages students for critical thinking. "Comparatively, girls are more difficult to judge, they are more deceptive than to boys and they cram more than boys. That's why female students are hard to judge but a teacher ought to be smart enough to judge each student," Dr. Jamil says.
Students who grumble Sir TJ not following the course outline, soon realized how things are interlinked with one another. Dr. Tahir Jamil is a down-to-earth, who loves to spend his time with students on huts or cafeteria no matter how unhygienic food or atmosphere is around him.
His meaningful sarcasm and low-profile attitude in and out of the classroom has earned him a reputation of a genuine scholar- of which he avoids to flaunt off. Dr. Tahir Jamil also holds the charge of students’ affairs ASC.
Dr. TJ's contagious jollity adds a delightful twist to history lectures, making them engaging and enjoyable. His energy and enthusiasm ensures that no student experiences a moment of dullness in his class, a student says.
Dr. Ayesha Siddiqa is presumably the youngest faculty member of this centre of excellence. She earned her Ph.D. in English Literature from University of Durham UK on a Commonwealth Scholarship.
Her teaching and research interests include African American Studies, Postcolonial Studies, and Critical Theory. Known for her disciplinary approach in the classroom, Dr. Siddiqa maintains a cheerful and interactive classroom rather than a disorderly one which might encourage disruptive behavior.
I was unfortunate enough not to able to opt any of course taught by her, but students while talking to this scribe always spoke high about Dr. Siddiqa. She is a lady with great character, very dominating, punctual and quite reserved at times. Probably, she is the only faculty member who gives full justice to her profession- be it an interaction with any of student, reply of text messages or emails or debate in the classroom, she is always encouraging.
 |
| believes empathy is more powerful than sympathy |
Though a hardcore feminist, Dr. Ayesha Siddiqa, however, never has carried the belief to belittle male students as far as grading is concerned. She is one of the most popular teachers because of adaptability, empathy and patience. An engaging classroom presence, value in real-world learning, exchange of best practices, love of learning and creating ideas are what she expects from her students. All is picture perfect as far as Dr. Ayesha Siddiqa’s classroom is concerned, she is very rigid in awarding marks. “She will not give away a grace mark or two, no matter what. Perhaps, she is not having that much big heart when she is numbering our papers,” a complainant student said adding but it’s good that she doesn’t oblige anyone even if he/she is her favourite student.
Sharing her experience of ASC about Dr. Ayesha Siddiqa, Arfa Khan, a student of M.Phil III recollecting her memories says, “I have had a great experience studying in ASC, particularly in Dr. Ayesha Siddiqa's class. Her professionalism and passion for her job are evident, making the learning environment engaging and inspiring, she says adding despite not being a literature student, American literature class with Dr. Ayesha has been a standout for me. “Her teaching style and enthusiasm have made the subject enjoyable and accessible, capturing my interest in ways I didn't expect.
She says, ASC's department is fortunate to have Dr. Ayesha Siddiqa, whose dedication and expertise in teaching American literature shine through. “I appreciate her ability to make the subject matter compelling and relevant, fostering a positive learning experience for students from various academic backgrounds,” she keeps on talking.
Our batch consist a mixed bunch of students. We have had the ingenious talent of Tahreem and Tabinda on one side, Asad and Mujeeb on the another- all are gifted in many ways.
 |
| We work together, & we achieve more? |
As far as the atmosphere of the class was concerned, it was very cordial. During exams days, few of ‘elites’ (as we all known or are told to be) were found nervous. I was always the first to put away my cell phone (on the table, despite the fact I only use only one). Chicanery in classroom was not seen quite often, but few exceptions were there believing in “when the cat is away, the mouse shall play”. The backup or supportive staff of ASC, at that critical moment proven themselves ‘a supportive staff’ but only for those students. In a nutshell, I thoroughly enjoyed first two semesters at Campus. I don’t wanna say goodbye but – I’ve to.
QAU was not a new place for me as I used to play on its Cricket arena during my school and college days. Later, one of my college classmate Raja Tahir (now Dr. Tahir Mahmood, HoD Department of Economics Karakuram International University (KIU) forced me to submit admission form for M.Sc- which I still remember we did at the last moment. I obtained my M.Sc degree from here (2000-2002) before joining the media industry.
Fast forwarding, many people including faculty members have been found instrumental during my stay at ASC. I owe special thanks to all faculty members, office staff, library officials and others.
No faculty member, parents, or a colleague could rectify those few of devious students who are involved in wasting their times either in drug addiction, infatuation or student politics hovering around for long time at QAU - for them a tiny advice ‘Time might be a healer but it’s more like a cruel teacher” is to say the least.
Being a President of ASC, I owe a great debt of gratitude to my cabinet members. Prior to this, my special thank goes to those mates who in ‘a surprising or unprecedented move’ elected me as President of American Studies Club- for this I am more obliged to Fatima and Alishba. It would be sheer injustice if I forget to mention the names of Arfa, Mujeeb and Asad for their unflinching support for they were more instrumental than that president to be.
 |
| With incumbent President ASC |
I am thankful to Khalil-ur-Rehman (now President ASC) for his cooperation. During political turmoil and fragile economic conditions, this was perhaps the only ‘smooth transition of power’ that was handed over from a former president to incumbent President ASC.
I am more indebted to my classmate and office colleague Aftab Maken, who through all odds bears me through thick and thin. Despite the fact being working journalists, we both struggled initially but that academic chasm between full time students and us was not so big.
Words are totally inadequate to express my respect and appreciation for my teachers and classmates for their continuous sharing and creation of knowledge, and assistance- virtually unparalleled! Though I’ve not seen all faculty members under one roof during the course of time, they found unanimous saying “positive classroom environments don’t happen, teachers create them”.
Despite many things that we wish to change about this institution, it is still the place for us where we got to live the best years of our lives.
We, as a family of ASC, share a common love for the university and its campus from our shared but individual experiences of this university- seeped into the sweet memories of the different phases of all our lives.
"I had a good time on the campus. In a way, I feel very lucky to be part of a department that always promoted free-thinking. I encountered teachers that I absolutely loved as well,” said a student.
 |
| ASC in inter-departmental cricket tournament does well. We are ousted in the semis. |
It is here that I met my most influential and life-changing role models who not only chiselled and shaped my life, but continue to inspire me even to this day. It was my good fortune that I found such worthy role models among my Professors. Each one of them inspired and motivated not only me but also all the students under them.
University life is perhaps the only phase in life when you will be able to be yourself, trying out entirely new things, finding your passion, and exploring life without any tension at all. My days at the University were a challenge and enlightening experience for me. It facilitated my personal growth and development and provided me with life-long attributes. I feel that I am a kind of a detached soul with a practical outlook towards life. But still I miss people from my past – Places. Time, memories, smiles and laughters, I can relate to everything I left behind.
Rounding off this piece of writing, I would quote a comment from one of a senior and revered journalists Kamran Rehmat, on a farewell letter written by Dr. Ilhan Niaz (Department of History, QAU) to all the students, he says and I quote “as farewell notes go, this one from the erudite Dr. Ilhan Niaz could aptly be described as the story of Pakistan and its Titanic drift, and therefore, serves as a stark warning to the short-changed youth to get their act together. You can read it and weep. Or stand up to be counted.”
Goodluck all mates!
The writer is a student of M.Phil at ASC, QAU, Islamabad, who believes in ethical journalism.
