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.
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| Dr. Munawar Hussain: A life-long mentor |
Once, moving his gaze around the circle of students, he paused on me and announced with a hint of flair, “This fellow, Mahtab, is one of my favourites. Well-dressed, cultured, the sort who minds his own business.” It stunned us all. I’ll flip the script: Dr. Munawar stands out as a true mentor, knows just when to give a gentle push, 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 behaviour in class, almost as if it influences his assessment."
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).
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| Sharing light moments with Sir Munawar |
That student once remarked, "Sir, my monthly shopping bill surpasses your entire month's salary." That line haunted Sir Munawar, ringing 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 Sir. 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.
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.
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| Students with Amb. Nadeem Riyaz- a keynote speaker in ASC's series of seminar |
Dr. Munawar’s unwavering commitment has been instrumental in the growth of the ASC. Along with the club's cabinet members, he has organised 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.
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| Dr. TJ: A bookworm and a music buff |
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, folklore, and beyond.
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. TJ, 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 memorising," 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, 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 demeanour, 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.
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| believes empathy is more powerful than sympathy |
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.
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."
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.
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| United we work, united we achieve. |
Our batch was a vibrant mix of unique personalities, each adding their own spark. Tahreem, Fatima, and Tabinda brought academic 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 humour and mischief.
The atmosphere in our class was always warm and friendly. During exam time, the so-called 'elites' (as we were often told by Sir. TJ and Sir Munawar in early days of enrolment) 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 cell phone on the table, because I had the other one in my pocket.
Chicanery wasn’t a common sight in the class, but there were always a few who lived by the mantra, ... "When the cat's away, the mouse shall play,” and used the autonomy when teachers and invigilating staff vanished. 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 blissful. Saying goodbye is tough, but it’s time to move on.
QAU was like an old friend, especially since I’d spent what felt like an eternity playing cricket on its field during school and college days. Then, in a classic "last-minute decision" move, my schoolmate of F.G School No. 6 (now, Model School), Raja Tahir (now Dr. Tahir Mahmood from Karakuram International University and QAU's Economics Department) somehow carried me to submit my M.Sc. application minutes before the deadline. I completed my M.Sc. at QAU from 2000 to 2002, before diving headfirst into the media world.
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| ASC in the inter-departmental cricket tournament does well. We are ousted in the semis. |
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.
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.
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With incumbent President, ASC |
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.
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, a state of the art auditorium 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.”
