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Former Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan, Advisor to the Prime Minister for Institutional Reforms & Austerity, and Dean of IBA Karachi, Dr. Ishrat Hussain, delivered a talk at Sindh Madressatul Islam University (SMIU) on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, as part of the university’s popular lecture series, “My Experiences and Encounters.”

During his discussion with Dr. Jamshed Adil Halepoto, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at SMIU, Dr. Ishrat Hussain emphasized his belief in competition rather than safarish (favoritism). He encouraged students to focus on acquiring knowledge and working hard instead of merely chasing grades, stating that if they develop the right skills and dedication, opportunities will come to them rather than them having to seek jobs.

Reflecting on his educational journey, Dr. Hussain credited his commitment to the selfless and dedicated teachers at the University of Sindh. He shared that his professors prioritized student success over personal gain, recalling how one of his teachers would stay after class to help him with a challenging subject. At that time, there was no culture of private tuition, and he stressed the need for educational reforms today.

He also praised renowned academics such as Allama I.I. Kazi, Dr. Nabi Bux Khan Baloch, and Dr. Halepoto, acknowledging them as intellectual giants of Pakistan. He lamented the absence of such inspiring figures in contemporary times and emphasized the need for role models who can guide and motivate younger generations.

Dr. Hussain further noted that during his student years, there were no ethnic divisions among students; instead, they shared strong friendships and camaraderie. He recalled contesting student union elections alongside Mazhar-ul-Siddiqui, former Vice Chancellor of the University of Sindh, and maintaining a lifelong friendship with Dr. Adeeb Rizvi, who was then a student at Liaquat Medical College.

Dr. Ishrat Hussain shared that he received his schooling, college, and university education in Hyderabad, Sindh, as the University of Sindh was located there at the time. He emphasized the crucial role of school and college education in shaping a person’s character and professionalism. He advised students never to lose hope and to believe in continuous hard work and perseverance.

Recalling his tenure as Deputy Commissioner of Shikarpur, Dr. Hussain mentioned that female students from the area had to travel to Sukkur for college education. To address this issue, he took the initiative to establish a girls’ college in Shikarpur. As a result, hundreds of girls pursued higher education and went on to hold prestigious positions in Pakistan and abroad.

Drawing from his own experiences, Dr. Hussain stated that changing professions at different stages of life should not be considered a mistake. He started his career as a lecturer at the University of Sindh, later passed the competitive examination to become a civil servant, and subsequently joined various national and international organizations. He encouraged young people to choose careers based on their own interests and abilities rather than following the expectations of their parents or peers.

Regarding brain drain, Dr. Hussain argued that it should not be viewed negatively. Instead, he encouraged individuals to study and gain professional experience abroad, acquire international exposure, and then return to Pakistan to contribute to national development.

Discussing the importance of local languages, he highlighted his fluency in Sindhi and Bengali. He shared that during his service in East Pakistan as a civil servant, he learned Bengali within six months, which helped him understand the challenges faced by the local people. He recounted how, upon his transfer back to West Pakistan, four major political parties in East Pakistan bid him farewell in recognition of his efforts to communicate in their language. He stressed that learning local languages fosters unity and strengthens interpersonal relationships, adding that those who fail to learn different languages may struggle to connect with others effectively.

Reflecting on his early life, Dr. Hussain revealed that his family migrated from Agra, India, to Karachi via Surat during the creation of Pakistan when he was six or seven years old. He recalled suffering from severe seasickness during the journey, to the extent that his mother feared he might not survive. Upon reaching Karachi, his family was relocated to a refugee camp in Malir, which was a deserted area at the time. Later, they moved to Hyderabad, Sindh, at the invitation of his aunt and uncle, who informed them about a vacant house left behind by its Hindu owners who had migrated to India.

Dr. Ishrat Hussain, in a lighter tone, shared an anecdote from his early years, recalling his participation in a procession alongside Shaikh Abdul Majeed Sindhi, a prominent leader of the Independence Movement. The protest was against the One Unit system, and ironically, he was later appointed as Deputy Secretary of the One Unit Dissolution Committee. He remarked that after the dissolution of One Unit in 1969, significant challenges arose in forming a new government in Sindh due to a lack of resources.

Dr. Hussain expressed his appreciation for Sindh Madressatul Islam University (SMIU) and its Vice Chancellor, Dr. Mujeeb Sahrai, for organizing the lecture. He emphasized the importance of engaging with the younger generation and sharing experiences to inspire them.

Earlier, Dr. Mujeeb Sahrai, in his introductory speech, provided a brief overview of Dr. Ishrat Hussain’s remarkable career. He stated that Pakistan takes pride in Dr. Hussain’s contributions to national development through his vision, wisdom, and experience. Dr. Sahrai highlighted that the primary objective of such lecture programs is to introduce students to influential personalities who serve as role models in the country. He further noted that Dr. Ishrat Hussain has redefined the traditional role of an intellectual, demonstrating excellence in every field he has served.

Turkish Consul General Mr. Cemal Sangu also spoke on the occasion, acknowledging Dr. Hussain’s contributions to Pakistan’s development. He mentioned that Dr. Hussain has strong ties to Hyderabad, the city of Hassanally Effendi, and holds deep admiration for its historical significance. A question-and-answer session followed the speeches, allowing students and attendees to engage with Dr. Hussain.

The session was moderated by Dr. Jamshed Adil Halepoto, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at SMIU, while Ms. Zonaira Jalali, Manager of the Directorate of Student Affairs (DSA), conducted the proceedings.

Towards the end of the event, Dr. Mujeeb Sahrai presented souvenirs to the distinguished guest. The session was attended by deans, department chairpersons, faculty members, officers, students, and prominent personalities from the city.