IMMORTAL MEMORIES OF QAU

The Generations of Nostalgia at Area Study Centre 

 

Mahtab Bashir

0333 53 63 248

mahtabbashir@gmail.com

Islamabad 

Documents, notes, tomes, presentations, writing book reviews, responses, surprise quizzes, viva voce, and the rigors of sessional and final exams, I once loathed every single one of them, but now I find myself longing for them.  

Last day of second semester (coursework)
Photo credit Syed Muhammad

My time at Area Study Centre (ASC), Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU) feels like a chest of priceless memories, a treasure trove I’ll forever cherish. The moments spent there continue to shimmer in my thoughts. From the buzzing academic energy to the warmth of friendships, the shared laughter with peers and mentors, from NIP to NIPS bustling cafeteria, to Guddu and Majeed huts at the main campus, a strong sense of belonging remains with me, a lifetime keepsake.

The blink of an eye has seen the two semesters of coursework at ASC swiftly pass by. As I pen these words, the wheels of my thesis are already turning, even as the university pauses for the festivities of Eidul-Adha and the warmth of summer break.

Amidst the university's closure last semester, the most sorrowful moment I’ve seen wasn't the building of a bypass or the relocation of the boys' and girls' hostels. Instead, it was the unforeseen demolition of the Quaidian Huts, once a beloved haven where we shared meals, laughter, and forged connections.

Tucked away in the picturesque foothills of the Margalla hills, Quaid-i-Azam University, formerly known as Islamabad University, was founded in 1967. What started as a teaching and research centre has blossomed into a prestigious institution offering a full spectrum of academic programs, from undergraduate degrees to PhDs. The university has forged valuable partnerships with esteemed institutions across Europe, South Asia, and the United States, enhancing its global academic presence.  

Area Study Centre for Africa, North and South America was established in 1975, following the enactment of the Area Study Centres Act by the Government of Pakistan. This centre operates as an independent entity, receiving its funding from the Ministry of Education via the Higher Education Commission (HEC). It is academically connected to Quaid-i-Azam University, aligning with the Faculty of Social Sciences.

ASC offers a uniquely tranquil atmosphere. Its serene environment, enriched by lush flora and fauna, provides a peaceful retreat away from the vibrant energy of the main campus.

ASC depicts a diverse aura of students coming across Pakistan. Here, we find some students are immersed in their cell phones and laptops, some are having animated discussions outside the building, while others focus on 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.

Where intellect meets tranquility 

For the generations 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 M.Phil 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 has long sailed without a permanent director, the centre’s head, amid reasons known only to the QAU administration. After the VC, then the Dean of Social Sciences, has shouldered the helm, the post remains in limbo.

 The building, though housing many rooms, reveals an odd distribution: M.Phil students squat in an internal library or a seminar room, while PhD scholars claim a smaller room of their own, though it’s decidedly cozier than their ambitions. Yet despite the hurdles, the classroom tech offered a glimmer: a projector, even as M.Phil and PhD classes ran in parallel. When it worked, our so-called “smart classroom” earned its title, featuring a dedicated wall space for a projected image, fragmented into a few ragged shards, yet proudly ours. 

Dr. Sadia Sulaiman: an inspiring educator, a role model

During our program, ASC joined hands with the US Embassy to host the 16th International American Studies Conference: Seventy-Five Years of US-Pakistan Relations. Being in the loop, a senior student told this scribe that collaboration is always valuable, yet this time not a single ASC M.Phil student received an invitation. “We only learned of the conference through social media,” he lamented. “It could have been a rich learning opportunity for us all if we’d been included,” he lamented.

 By the time I am inscribing this, Dr. Sadia Sulaiman would have rejoined 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 carries a natural courtesy that endears her to students and colleagues alike, and she stands firmly for meritocracy.

She has completed her PhD from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. Her area of interest is Strategic Studies. Students to whom I have talked to, believe that Dr. Sulaiman has been an inspiration, and her kind and positive attitude will always be remembered and we make sure to be in contact with her forever.

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 RM struck a perfect balance between theory and practice. Her on-point guidance and practical demonstrations made the subject truly awesome to learn,” she concludes.

An exceptional teacher stays hungry for knowledge, continually updating theories and methods, and welcoming feedback as fuel for students’ growth. Dr. Bahramand Shah embodies this ethos. He is insightful, approachable, adaptable, organized, and driven by passion and optimism.

He is a genuine humanist, openly honouring the vital roles women play in society. “I must commend ASC female colleagues, especially, for handling responsibilities here at the Centre and at home with exceptional competence. Men often take on domestic chores reluctantly, as if it were a grudging duty, whereas women tackle them with genuine care and gusto,” he asserts.

Dr. Shah’s classroom feels more like a dynamic forum than a traditional lecture. He usually opens with a soft murmur, “...oh my god… what do you think about this?” and a lively, endless debate quickly unfolds.

Dr. Shah is a masquerader in ASC as far as his ‘foreign look’ is concerned. With a PhD from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a Fulbright background, his scholarly heart lies in American Literature. He’s well-groomed, soft-spoken, and remarkably approachable, having taught us Multicultural Literature in the USA.

 

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).

He once praised our 2022 batch as the most committed seekers of knowledge, only to declare in 2023 that the current batch is merit-driven and ambitious and is the best he’d seen. I smiled back at him without saying a word, recognizing the truth in his evolving yet identical praise for all (batches).

When asked if he has ever faced an existential crisis or nihilism like Herzog (a professor within or without us), he nods and says yes, he wrestled with it, yet emerged without struggle. Dr. Shah says he isn’t in the habit of judging students by caste, creed, colour, or ethnicity; instead, he weighs them by their ideas and written work, though he admits he also relies on a sharpened peripheral sense to read between the lines.

Dr. Shah is a gem, approachable, warm, who urges each student toward critical thinking to broaden their understanding.

A female student (while not being gullible) observes that “Dr. Barhamand Shah's serious demeanor and focused approach greatly inspired me. His concise, direct style ensured clarity, and his professional poise sustains a high standard of conduct throughout the course.”

Sharing light moments with Dr. Munawar Hussain

No member of the ASC faculty has enjoyed the kind of public spotlight that Dr. Munawar Hussain commands, whether on television, YouTube or across social media. Scholarly, eloquent and impeccably turned-out, Dr. Hussain’s wheelhouse is international affairs, but his lectures are kaleidoscopes: In the classroom, he is mercurial, opening many of his talks with his trademark line, “… to bunyadi tor per baat ye hai ke…” and from there he weaves International Relations theory, philosophy, metaphysics and empirical evidence into a single session, all to interrogate and justify a student’s methodological choices in Research Methodology, a delicate blend of art and science he seems uniquely gifted to teach.

On one occasion, pointing across a circle of students, he singled me out with, “This fellow, Mahtab, is one of my favourites,” much to everyone’s surprise. I’ll return the compliment: Dr. Munawar is a standout, a mentor who knows how to give a nudge when it’s needed, and expects one in return.

Dr. Munawar is the epitome of unpredictability. One moment, he appears almost vulnerable (about recording his voice in the classroom), observing students glued to their phones, and the next, he transforms into a disciplinarian, rigid and old-school about maintaining order. Yet, many students secretly view him as a bit of a swagger, someone who commands attention effortlessly. As one student, who wishes to remain anonymous, puts it, "When grading papers, he seems to zero in on a particular student’s behavior in class, almost as if it influences his assessment."

Dr. Munawar Hussain: A life-long mentor

 At times, Dr. Munawar’s lectures meander into tangents that seem to have little connection to the topic at hand (but that, perhaps, is a story for another day). Even in his occasional rambling, he effortlessly blends names of “George Bertrand Russell” and “Stephen Hopkins”- whether by design, a slip of the tongue, or simple confusion. Regardless, there's no denying that Sir Munawar is the department's trump card, a true standout.

 Overall, the atmosphere in Dr. Munawar’s classroom was relaxed and often lively, filled with laughter, until a student's blunt remark left a lingering tension, one that seemed to particularly affect Sir Munawar. In an attempt to ease the situation, I suggested to that “shopaholic student” that she might want to reconsider her monthly spending habits, and humorously urged Sir. Munawar to explore alternative income streams to match her shopping budget (pun intended).

That student once remarked, "Sir, my monthly shopping bill surpasses your entire month's salary." That line haunted Sir Munawar, echoing in his thoughts, probably, until the next batch arrived. 

As I write this, Dr. Munawar's YouTube channel has likely crossed the 1 million subscriber milestone, a feat he often predicted, reminding students to subscribe, like, share, and hit the bell icon before diving into the lecture. A key theme in his lectures is the emphasis on instilling moral values in Gen Y or Z, making it a cornerstone of his teachings.

 Juggling multiple responsibilities with remarkable skill, one could say Dr. Munawar is a master of time management. Yet, his Achilles' heel remains his struggle with punctuality, a rare flaw in an otherwise meticulously managed life.

Students with Amb. Nadeem Riyaz- a keynote speaker in ASC's series of seminar 

Dr. Munawar is a product of Quid-i-Azam University (QAU), having completed his undergraduate, M.Phil., and Ph.D. at this prestigious institution, which stands as one of the continent's finest. A long-serving member of the ASC faculty, he proudly declares, "I am made in Pakistan, and I take great pride in it." He goes on to highlight the legacy of renowned researchers like Dr. Islam, Dr. Aslam Syed, Dr. Jaspal, Dr. Cheema, and others, who have emerged from QAU and later served as distinguished professors at top universities worldwide. Despite receiving an offer from Stanford University, USA, Dr. Munawar chose to remain dedicated to his homeland.

 A source of inspiration for countless students, Dr. Munawar’s unwavering commitment has been instrumental in the growth of the ASC. Along with the club's cabinet members, he has organized a series of lectures featuring numerous diplomats and dignitaries. Full of innovative ideas, he is confident that Pakistan will never face default, and that ‘cypher’ was a reality.

In this Centre of Excellence, if there's one character who could be described as garrulous but a "loquacious sage", it’s undoubtedly Dr. Tahir Jamil, aka Dr. TJ. Engaging in conversation with him is like opening a treasure trove of knowledge; he’s a walking lexicon. Dr. Jamil is an erudite, astute, and progressive individual who never hesitates to raise his voice against ‘the elite capture’ all the time.

Dr. TJ is a passionate bibliophile and a dedicated aficionado of classic Indian music. From what I've observed, his lectures wrap up with a call to action for students, urging them to read more, engage in thoughtful brainstorming, generate creative ideas, watch insightful films, and partake in lively debates. And, of course, each session finishes with his signature sign-off: "..... and that's the whole story like that."

“I’ve never had a fight with anyone, or at least I can’t recall it now,” he says with a smile. “But one thing’s certain, I respect everyone, and I expect the same in return. I don’t concern myself with students’ lives outside the Centre, nor do I need to. When it comes to the student-teacher relationship, humility, politeness, and an eagerness to learn and engage in debate are what matter most.” And that's the gist of it, according to Dr. TJ.

Dr. Tahir Jamil earned his Ph.D. from Claremont College, USA, and is a proud Fulbright alumnus. His academic interests lie in American Politics and Public Policy. A man with a keen sense of humor, Dr. Jamil can effortlessly tickle your funny bone, though some might describe his humor as "a bit warped." His quick-wittedness extends across a broad range of topics, from domestic issues to international affairs, socio-economics to religious politics.

Dr. Jamil’s infectious joy brings a unique energy to his U.S history lectures, transforming them into lively, engaging sessions. A student recalls, "His enthusiasm ensures that there’s never a dull moment in his class."

Dr. Jamil, known for his unconventional thinking, constantly inspires students to engage in critical analysis. "In general, it’s harder to assess girls, they tend to be more elusive and deceptive than boys, and they often put in more effort when memorizing," he explains. "This makes female students trickier to evaluate, but it's the teacher's responsibility to be perceptive and fair when judging each individual,” TJ said.

Dr. Jamil, a humble scholar at heart, enjoys spending time with students in informal settings, whether at a hut or in the campus cafeteria, regardless of the less-than-ideal conditions. His genuine nature and unpretentious demeanor, both in and out of the classroom, have earned him a reputation as a true scholar, one who doesn’t need to flaunt it.

In addition to his academic pursuits, Dr. Jamil also holds the charge of student affairs and oversees the American Studies Club (ASC). His versatility and wisdom continue to inspire students, leaving an indelible mark on their academic journeys.

I feel incredibly fortunate to be a student about to embark on my M.Phil thesis journey under Sir TJ's mentorship. As I search for the ideal topic, Sir TJ has kindly offered to assist in refining both the subject and synopsis in the days ahead.

Dr. Ayesha Siddiqa is presumably the youngest faculty member at ASC, having earned her Ph.D. in English Literature from the University of Durham, UK, on a prestigious Commonwealth Scholarship. Her academic passions span African American Studies, Postcolonial Studies, and Critical Theory, and her teaching style reflects her sharp intellect and dedication.

Renowned for her methodical approach in the classroom, Dr. Siddiqa cultivates an atmosphere that is both interactive and disciplined, ensuring that chaos and disruption have no place in her lessons.

I count myself fortunate not to be her student, as otherwise, I’d likely be caught up in revising one of her demanding courses instead of working on my thesis.

believes empathy is more powerful than sympathy

On a more serious note, numerous students, when speaking to me, had nothing but high praise for Dr. Siddiqa. They describe her as a woman of strong character, dominant, punctual, and often reserved. She’s perhaps the only faculty member who truly embodies the essence of her profession. Whether interacting with students, responding to messages, or engaging in classroom debates, she is always encouraging and supportive, said a female student.

Although a staunch feminist, Dr. Siddiqa does not let her beliefs influence her grading, treating all students equally regardless of gender. It’s no wonder she is one of the most popular instructors, admired for her adaptability, empathy, and patience.

In her classroom, the exchange of ideas is vibrant, and her focus on real-world learning makes every lesson valuable. However, one aspect that stands out is her unwavering stance on grades. "She won’t give an extra mark for anything, no matter the situation," one student remarked. "Maybe she's not the most generous when it comes to grading papers, but it’s good that she’s consistent and doesn’t play favourites."

We work together, & we achieve more?

Arfa Khan, a third-semester M.Phil student, fondly recalls her time in Dr. Siddiqa’s class: “Studying at ASC has been an incredible experience, especially in Dr. Ayesha Siddiqa’s class. Her professionalism and passion make the learning environment inspiring and engaging. Even though I’m not a literature student, her American literature class was one of the highlights of my academic journey.” Arfa goes on to commend Dr. Siddiqa’s ability to make the subject come alive, making it not only accessible but enjoyable, sparking interest in a way she never expected.

 “ASC is truly fortunate to have Dr. Ayesha Siddiqa,” Arfa continues. “Her dedication to American literature and her skill in making the material both compelling and relevant create a positive learning experience for students from diverse academic backgrounds.”

Beyond her academic prowess, Dr. Siddiqa is known for her deep compassion. Several of her female students have shared that Dr. Siddiqa secretly supported them financially during their coursework, ensuring they could continue their studies. Her quiet generosity has been a lifeline for many, cementing her role as both an educator and a mentor in the truest sense of the word.

With incumbent President ASC Khalil-ur-Rahman

Our batch was a vibrant mix of unique personalities, each adding their own spark. Tahreem, Fatima, and Tabinda brought educational brilliance, while Asad and Mujeeb embodied relentless determination. Mahnoor’s blunt honesty kept us grounded, and Said Mohammad’s playful quirks never failed to entertain. Roshni’s silence spoke volumes, Aftab Maken shared his experience in journalism, and Arfa, the ever-chatty one, filled the room with endless conversations. Mahtab Bashir, with his barrage of silly questions, kept everyone on their toes with humor and mischief.

The atmosphere in our class was always warm and friendly. During exam time, the so-called 'elites' (as we were often labeled by Sir. TJ and Sir Munawar) couldn't escape the nervous jitters. Before the strict direction of Sir. Munawar, I, on the other hand, was always the first to set my phone on the table, because I had the other one in my pocket.

Chicanery wasn’t a common sight, but there were always a few who lived by the mantra, "When the cat's away, the mouse shall play,” and used the autonomy through cell phones. During those critical moments, the ASC support staff definitely proved their worth, though their support seemed to favour certain students. All in all, our first two semesters on campus were nothing short of enjoyable. Saying goodbye is tough, but it’s time to move on.

QAU was no stranger to me, having spent many days playing on its cricket ground during my school and college years. Later, thanks to my schoolmate Raja Tahir Mahmood (now Dr. Tahir Mahmood from Karakuram International University & from QAU Economics Department), I found myself submitting my M.Sc. application at the very last moment. I completed my M.Sc. from QAU (2000-2002) before stepping into the media industry.

Fast forwarding, during my time at ASC, many individuals, faculty, staff, and fellow students were instrumental in shaping my experience. My heartfelt gratitude goes out to the faculty, office staff, library officials, and everyone who played a part in my journey.

While some students, as noticed, struggled with distractions like addiction, infatuations, or getting caught in the web of student politics at QAU, I offer a simple piece of advice: “Time might be a healer but it’s more like a cruel teacher”. 

As the American Studies Club President, I owe a deep thanks to my cabinet members. A special mention goes to Fatima and Alishba, whose “unexpected support” led to my election. I must also acknowledge Arfa, Mujeeb, and Asad, whose unwavering, or should I say 'weaving' support was as crucial as that election was.

ASC in inter-departmental cricket tournament does well. We are ousted in the semis.

My gratitude extends to Khalil-ur-Rehman, the current ASC President, for ensuring a smooth leadership transition during tumultuous times, in the time of domestic and international turmoil.

Aftab Maken, my classmate and colleague, deserves a special mention. Despite our struggles as working journalists, we bridged the gap between full-time students and ourselves, learning from each other every step of the way. I often told him, day after day, that we seemed like misfits in the classroom, but he always brushed off my words with his usual calm.

Words can scarcely convey the depth of my respect and gratitude for the ASC faculty, their tireless pursuit and sharing of knowledge have been truly remarkable. Though, I never had the chance to see all of them gathered under one roof, whether at an internal event or an outdoor excursion. And when I asked the reason, the answer was simple: “Everyone’s balancing countless responsibilities, and time isn’t exactly a luxury.” Perhaps not the full story, yet I chose to accept it, at least for the moment.

 Though many of us, I, in particular, alongside the current ASC President Khalil, longed to see changes in the institute’s infrastructure, its modest classrooms lacking modern equipment, the absence of a dedicated cafeteria, and a more dynamic approach to promoting ASC’s mission on both national and international fronts, the centre still holds a special place in our hearts. Despite its imperfections, ASC remains the place where we spent some of the finest years of our lives.

The laughter, the lessons, the day-night discussions, and the shared moments of triumph and struggle will stay with me for a lifetime. ASC wasn’t just a place of learning; it was where I discovered myself. And though the time has passed, the bond I share with this place and its people will remain, always.

Wishing all my mates the best of luck and Godspeed!

The writer is pursuing M.Phil at the Area Study Centre, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, focusing research on a thesis titled “U.S. Pro-Israel Policy: The Rise of Anti-American Rhetoric in Pakistan.”