UNBRIDLED SOCIAL MEDIA USERS & ELECTIONS 2024 IN PAKISTAN

Mahtab Bashir
mahtabbashir@gmail.com
ISLAMABAD

033 53 53 248

Amidst uncertainties and repeated claims of “level playing open field by the country’s establishment”, neither political parties nor the voters seem enthusiastic about the upcoming general elections scheduled to be held on February 8, 2024 in Pakistan. There, nevertheless, is a place, called X (formerly twitter) though which is still buzzing with fury, fumes and fires where one can see not only jailed Imran Khan, convict-free Nawaz Sharif, his video-famed daughter Maryam Nawaz and somewhere in between Zardari’s untested horse, Bilawal Bhutto spewing venom against each other. Don’t forget that kingmakers are equally busy on the X platform by reassuring to none other than Pakistanis that they will continue to stay “neutral”.

The witty, the wily and the wicked social media teams of PTI, PML(N) and PPP are posing quite a show on this cyber platform, which by all means seems to be dominated by team-Imran. Team-Maryam is not very far behind while our beloved inter services public relations (ISPR) remains more active than Bilawal’s brigade.

Interestingly, digital and social media in Pakistan has seen an unprecedented spike in recent years. According to a data portal, Pakistan had 98.2 million internet users, 53 million social media users, and 183.5 million mobile connections as of January 2023. The most popular social media platforms in Pakistan are YouTube, Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, and TikTok. The digital media market in Pakistan is also projected to grow from $469.7 million in 2020 to $1,009.8 million by 2025, with video-on-demand being the largest segment.

According to a study done by Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency (PILDAT), Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) was the most active and popular political party on Facebook and Twitter during the 2018 general elections, followed by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP). However, since 2018, the reach and excess of PTI have almost doubled. Furthermore, after the change in government in April 2022, the popularity of PTI has reached a new zenith in the digital industry in Pakistan.

As per our latest random checks Imran Khan has a following of 20 million on X (formerly twitter), followed by Maryam Nawaz with 8 million and ISPR with 6.2 million while Bilawal carries 5.1 million. On the Facebook ISPR seems to be elading with 20 million followers while Imran is second choice of with 14 million while both Bilawal (0.26 million) and Maryam Nawaz (0.19 million) friends.

Imran Khan the nemesis of kingmakers remains an issue is in jail and Even Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz), the supposed “pick” of the kingmakers for this round of election-saga is finding it appropriate to collect the “electable” than hold public rallies, while Peoples Party is quite content with holding on to its two-decade old drip on province of Sindh.

Amid the boiling political temperatures on these social media platforms, the heated or should I say hate-words have become a routine in particular between PTI and PMLN. PPP is visibly staying focused on attacking PMLN for having a deal with the kingmakers while handful of PTI followers are busy throwing their venomous words against PML-N as well as the establishment.

In recent times, social media has become a battleground for political parties in Pakistan, with supporters using pet names like 'Patwari (Nawaz Leaguers)' and 'Youthia (Imran followers)' to label and attack each other. These pet names are considered offensive by the followers of each camp hence is generating lots of hate spewing from both sides of the aisle.

Recently, this social media battle between PTI (Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf) and PML-N (Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz) touched another pinnacle soon after the airing of a prime time TV anchor (Shahzeb Khanzada’s) interview with Mian Khawar Manika- former husband of Imran Khan’s current wife Bushra Bibi. Ever since, PTI supporters not only labelling Khawar Manika a person of dual standards but also uploading semi-nude pictures of Geo anchor Shahzeb Khanzada.

One of the consumers, after that interview in his post on social media retorts, “This person (Manika) does not belong to Manika Family but seems like belonging with Sharif Family (Patwaris). After a span of five years, he got to remember that Imran Khan used to visit my house to meet my own wife.” In response, a PML-N supporter says, “..and interestingly, five years ago, a person who used to visit Manika house to meet his wife, has now become a “spiritual father” of an educated class (youthians)”. Another PTI supporter jibed back, “A person who reckon Imran Khan an angel five years ago, instantly become “a father of Patwaris” after airing an interview.

Over the last few years and especially since the debacle of PTI-regime and May 9th incident (supposed burning of a Jinnah House by PTI supporters), the social media has become a significant platform for political parties in Pakistan to engage with their supporters and promote their ideologies either in positive or negative ways. Both PTI and PML-N have a strong presence on various social media platforms, and their supporters are often quite vocal in expressing their views.

PML-N leaders are using the social media to claim they have entered into a deal with the kingmakers and Mian Nawaz Sharif is set to be the next prime minister once again. This prompots a PTI supporter, who spontaneously, snaps back on Face book, “The one who has been asking people (of Pakistan): Mujhay kion nikala, wo bhi Pakistan ko mushkil se nkalane ki batain kar raha hay.” (A person who has been asking: Why have I been thrown out? is pledging people of Pakistan to get the country out of current turmoil”.

As far as the establishment is concerned, PTI supports are the only one currently criticizing Pakistani military establishment especially on the issue of May 9 chaos. Now that, majority of PTI parliamentarians has quit PTI condemning the May 9 incident and has joined Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP), yet the workers and supporters of PTI are apparently standing intact (at least by looking at the social media accounts and exchanges) criticizing establishment, because of the recent surveys which highlights PTI popularity graph skyrocketing while PML-N stands nowhere near rather has shown a declining trajectory.

Pakistan's military establishment is also not leaving these social media platforms unattended as they continue to use this platform to release new songs, motivational statements and even claims that they will stay neutral and let the political parties battle it out within themselves. Despite having directly ruled the country for over 35 years and at other times being accused of "political engineering," the ISPR every now and then comes up with the “neutral” statement just to stir the PTI camp to make mockery of such claims while PML (N) supporters to praise them for gallantry.

Former army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa, in a retirement speech late last year, even spoke of "constant meddling by the army in politics for the last 70 years." Bajwa went on to say that the military had changed its ways and was staying out of politics. But that did not placate Khan and his supporters, who blame the establishment for his downfall in a no-confidence vote in April 2022. Some of the PTI supports believe that "there is a growing perception, even in its historically most captive regions like Punjab, that the army oversteps its boundaries in the name of national security.”

The military and its civilian political allies have responded to such PTI bashing by organizing a full-blown PR campaign on ground as well as on social media. This includes pro-army rallies and events commemorating soldiers' sacrifices. A PTI turn-coat Dr. Firdous Ashiq who has joined Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) as Central Information Secretary recently was quoted in the media saying that the baseless and fabricated narrative constructed by PTI was actually the ‘conspiracy’ to destroy the roots of Pakistan—the narrative was set up to pollute the minds of the youth. Firdous said that the conspiracy was hatched to create chaos in society through incidents like May 9 riots.

The political crisis gripping Pakistan is anything but predictable. But with Khan seemingly on the ropes, establishment is getting on with its usual march to quell any spears thrown directly at them by making two recent moves to deter this trend. Major (rtd) Adil Farooq Raja and Captain (rtd) Haider Raza Mehdi, both former army officers with large following on YouTube, were handed 14 and 12 years of jail sentence respectively following their Field General Court Martial for “inciting sedition”, the military’s media wing said on Saturday.

In a statement, the Inter-Service Public Relations (ISPR) said both retired officers were convicted and sentenced “under the Pakistan Army Act, 1952 for the charges of inciting sedition among army personnel from discharge of duties and violation of the provisions of Official Secrets Act, 1923 related to espionage and acts prejudicial to the safety and interest of the state”.

SELECTION BEFORE ELECTIONS IN PAKISTAN?

Mahtab Bashir
mahtabbashir@gmail.com
0333 53 63 248
Islamabad

The return of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif to Pakistan has not generally been welcomed by masses as they keep buzzing the social media with interesting but logical quotes like “no one knows the exact date of general elections, but everyone knows who is the next PM”, or “Selection before elections is a norm not an exception”.

Former PM promoting peace to move forward

Amidst a chaotic political spectrum ever since the breaking of love-bondage between Imran Khan and the powerful military establishment in April 2022, return of court-convicted Nawaz Sharif from his self-imposed exile in London hinged mainly on Generals and partially on judiciary, and his personal safety.

Despite having a Constitution, an apparently functional judicial set up and an Election Commission, no one in the country knows when the next general elections will be held after dissolution of National Assembly in August 2023. Purportedly, the Constitution of the country claims that General Elections should be held within 90 days of dissolution of the assembly but the Independent Judiciary is busy defining the “hidden” meanings of the Constitutional ambiguous language. Election Commission is another Constitutionally Independent institution and is too busy to clarify the mist by claiming that they are working out the modalities to hold elections in the country.

 
Technically, Nawaz Sharif is an absconder in the eyes of Pakistani law (or at least he was until he decided to use a private jet to leave his controversial London Avenfield apartments). Yet, the rolling cameras showed that he received the protocol of a Prime Minister in waiting. All doors were opened for him, all courtesies were extended to him and it was nothing short of a red-carpet welcome. Even the courts, which were hostile to him and ousted him in what was dubbed as a judicial coup by Nawaz-camp in 2017, were ready to accommodate his ‘honourable’ return.

 
With Nawaz’s come back, on October 21, to some extent has categorically given the impression that he is going to be the next prime minister of Pakistan for the fourth and perhaps last time as he is once again the Army’s chosen one to take on his bete noire Imran Khan.

On the other hand, it is still believed in one quarter of society that, if Imran Khan is allowed a free hand in the forthcoming general elections, he would sweep the polls. In a recent Gallup survey, Imran soars over Nawaz in popularity and going by that account PTI would leave PML-N biting the dust.

 
However, erstwhile kingmakers seems to have found a magic potion from their storage facility to wipe off this ‘so-called’ Gallups and opinion polls by introducing Nawaz Sharif in a brand new packing.

Interestingly, there is no national reconciliation order this time because this engineered potion is helping the courts to see the new writings on the wall more clearly than ever before. The “Engineers” seems to have also collected flotsam and jetsam of PTI deserters—commonly known as ‘electables’- and corralled them together into the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) in Punjab and PTI-Parliamentarians in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P). Both these new parties led by two of Imran Khan’s closest lieutenants, Jehangir Tareen (once known as ATM of Imran Khan) and Pervez Khattak respectively. Both these parties are expected to fragment the verdict in a way that they would let the engineers ensure and to some extent hold the balance of power in the centre, Punjab and K-P.

 
Though the country’s military establishment (often called deep state on social media discussion forums) appears reconciled to seeing Nawaz Sharif back in the saddle by making all such arrangements but it remains a fact that it doesn’t trust him beyond a certain line and do not want him to go rogue once again and try to put the army in its rightful place. After all, in all his three previous innings, Nawaz Sharif was ousted because he got into a scrap with the Generals. His relations with all the Army chiefs he dealt with -- especially those he appointed himself -- have also always been strained. Nawaz has the habit of calling the shots and that s exactly what pits him against the military, which isn’t ready to submit to civilian authority.

The Army will therefore ensure that even if Nawaz lives by the ‘formula’ and gets a fourth term, he will be politically hobbled by being forced to head a coalition government, whose strings will be controlled by the GHQ in Rawalpindi. Normally, the life of coalitions in Pakistan ranges between 18 months to 32 months and even less so because it will have to take many really tough decisions to put the country back on track (at least economically).

Although questions will be raised about the legitimacy of any elections in which Imran Khan is not allowed to participate, but these questions are unlikely to bother the power players in Pakistan. Legitimacy is an overrated virtue in Pakistani politics where power brings its own legitimacy.

Former Balochistan Chief Minister, Aslam Raisani, had once famously said a graduation degree is a degree regardless of whether it is genuine or fake; similarly, in Pakistan, an election victory is an election victory regardless of whether it came from popular support or Engineering. There have been any number of elections in the past in which the dice was loaded against one or the other party. But that never stopped the victors from claiming legitimacy; nor did it make people rise up in revolt over their mandate being denied or stolen.

From Nawaz Sharif’s perspective though, problem is not so much about the legitimacy of the political process but it is about his and his party’s dwindling popularity. There is no denying the fact that he has a support base; but it also has become quite evident that it is no longer the powerhouse it was five years ago. He will need to rebuild this power-base, if he has to have any chance of governing even moderately well. His coming home party - the rally in Lahore - is seen moderately by many in terms of the crowd turnout. It wasn’t the largest collection of people at the Minar-e-Pakistan grounds, but it was big enough for the PML-N to claim that it is on the upswing with Nawaz having returned.

If Nawaz Sharif’s speech is anything to go by, he doesn’t really have a solidly worked out plan on how to fix the economy. There was all the usual stuff of what would be done but absolutely nothing about how it would be done. All he offered was generalities about the agenda of the party to revive the country, but there were no specifics. Even the agenda had nothing new to offer. It was more of the same, old and tired and tried slogans: Increase exports, bring about an IT revolution, cut government expenses and reform the taxation system, creating employment and reforming the public sector etc. All this has been spoken and promised countless times earlier with absolutely nothing to show for it. What will be different this time? No one really knows. In any case, Nawaz Sharif’s model of development is to go for big fancy projects that everyone can see and feel but zero fundamental reform. There is no reason to believe that he has anything different to offer in his fourth innings but he is the one to be owned. 

A VISIT TO A HILL STATION

A PAGE OF MY DIARY 

MUHAMMAD IBRAHIM MAHTAB

Aged 8
Class Two: Respect 
Islamabad Convent School, H-8/4, ISLAMABAD

At Pine City Waterfall: 20 Kms from Pir Sohawa, near Makhnial Village.

Yesterday, (Saturday, September 23), I woke up and I was so excited that today is my result day then I didn’t have time for breakfast. Me my mother and daddy all went to my school to pick up my result card. My grades were straight A‘s. My grandmother threw a party in the whispering pine resort on same day.

We ate some chips slanties and haleem. We also listened some music and some naats and hamds. We even watched a movie of emoji’s 🤪- the ending was supreme then I played volleyball with my daddy, uncles and cousins and then we went to sleep. In the morning I woke up and did wudu like usual and took breakfast and made wudu like usual and packed up my things and my uncle told me we are going to margalla falls so we went there. I took some pictures, ate some slanty and I also saw a black swallowtail butterfly and some hydrangea flowers and it was the most beautiful landscape ever.

With my loving Mom & Caring Daddy 

On our way back home to Islamabad, I obstinate them to go to haleem ghar. We ordered some kebab, haleem and chicken biryani. I also drank a shaheen afridi coke, spent some bonding time with my grandmother and she gave me 5000 pak rupees. Everyone went to their home. I am so happy about the party was the best experience I had in a lifetime. 

I would like to thank my aunts fouzia khala and Ayesha khala to show us the greatest landscape. I am also indebted to faheem mamu and usman mamu for their help to carry me to this fabulous spot. I am obliged to the youngest member of my family Haroon and my sweet sister Mehru for spending their quality time with me. My grandmothers role can never be measured through these words. I hope you liked this essay and thank you so much for your time._Ends.

COURT RULES IMRAN KHAN’S "DISHONESTY" HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED BEYOND DOUBT

On his way to imprisonment

* Captain behind the bars in Attock, no protester seen on the roads 

* Trial court sentences PTI chief to three years of imprisonment, imposes a fine of Rs 100,000 for concealing details of Toshakhana gifts

* Ex-PM technically stands disqualified from holding any public office for five years under Article 63(1)(h) of Constitution

There should be no political connotations attached to police authorities arresting someone who has already been handed a sentence by the countrys judiciary. If the former prime minister Imran Khan’s dishonesty has been established beyond doubt, to borrow words from a court order at the conclusion of a year-long trial spanning more than 40 hearings, he has clearly lost the upper hand. Like it or not, the 70-year-old cricketer-turned-politician was unable to furnish any credible evidence against misuse of his premiership. 

The Toshakhana gifts may have come with a heavy price tag, but Mr Khan has no one to blame for it but himself. Instead of being all cagey, his legal counsel should have fully cooperated with the investigation and brought forward any and every detail that could prove his innocence. But now that the dye has been cast, it would serve him better to wake up to the gross consequences of his (mis)actions flying in his face. According to Daily Times, no matter how many people have treaded down the rotten path before someone does not serve to give him the hallway pass. How does it reflect on his holier-than-thou banter where he kept ridiculing his political opponents as thieves and corrupt if he too was making merry on his way down the primrose path? 

A tweet from a (r) Major

The legal recourse is still open where Mr Khan can appeal his case in front of the higher judiciary. With the legal channels open, there remains no need for his leading men to stir tempest in a teacup. Pakistan is in no shape to afford yet another round of deadly chaos and, therefore, the masses too can only be advised to sort out their priorities. 

In the past, his charismatic banter has easily triggered a large group of disgruntled youth to become a law unto themselves and spread chaos at the expense of their state. Now that the astronomical surge of the superstar is nearing its end, the people too need to realise till when would they continue to play hitmen for the nefarious agendas of those who remain largely unharmed by the ignominies.

QAU’s TIMELESS PULSE KEEPS IMMORTAL MEMORIES ALIVE

A retrospective of vintage reflection at the 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, once their shadows bothered me, but now I crave their light.

Last day of second semester (course work)
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. 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 pass by swiftly. As I pen these words, the wheels of my thesis are already turning, even as the university pauses for the festivities of Eid-ul-Adha and the warmth of summer break.

Amidst the university's closure last semester, the most sorrowful moment I’ve seen wasn't the construction of a Bhara Kahu Bypass or the relocation of the boys' and girls' hostels. Instead, it was the unforeseen demolition of the Quaidian Huts, decades-old 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.

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.

Where brain works hard, but soul takes a nap.

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 in charge 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, when M.Phil and PhD classes ran in parallel, we have to toss for a win. And when it worked, we have to find a piece of wall much neater and cleaner for the reflection that we found after a long struggle. But yet again, we love this exercise.

During our M.Phil programme, 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 grieved. 

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.

Dr. Sadia Sulaiman- a role model 

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 the brilliant students 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 and easy 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, organised, 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 at this man on the podium might lead you to believe he’s a spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, but he is none other than our very own Dr. Bahramand Shah.

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, recognising 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's serious demeanour 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.”

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.

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).

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.

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. 

 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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, 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.”