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y The three-year fellowship with Khalid Ahmed was made possible by the South Asia Free Media Association. This experience gave me the privilege of meeting Khalid Sahib and getting to know his deep thoughts. At first, I hesitated to speak in their presence, fearing that my lack of understanding of the issues might not match their intelligence. With the passage of time, this panic disappeared.
Khalid Ahmed was associated with SAFMA as the Director of the South Asia Media School. His enthusiasm for school activities was inspiring. It was driven by his single-minded commitment to provide quality education and foster critical thinking among the youth. In the seminars and conferences he attended, he ensured that the message was conveyed in clear and simple language. This made it accessible and effective for all audiences.
Every evening on his way home, Khalid Ahmed would stop by the room I shared with Anjum Rasheed and engage in a short conversation on some current topic. My most memorable and long conversation with him was during my visit to Bhutan, where we were attending the SAARC Journalists Summit organized by SAFMA. One afternoon, some of us decided to hike up to Taksang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest. In the middle of the climb, a few of us, including Khalid Ahmed, decided to rest. As we sat there, a lively conversation ensued. Some of Khalid Ahmed’s comments that day are etched in my memory.
He said, “Most people admire wild animals like the lion, but my favorite animal is the jackal. People often say that it is better to live one day as a lion than to live a hundred years as a jackal. Not me, but I am a hundred years.” I will live for years. As a thinker, I need time to think, learn and understand.
He also said, “A father can significantly influence an individual’s life. However, those who don’t have such a father can actually be lucky. A ‘perfect’ father often gives his children something. Thankfully my dad wasn’t like that. I had to make my own way. It was probably the best thing that could have happened to me.
Khalid Ahmed emphasized the importance of equipping young journalists in Pakistan with a thorough understanding of issues such as religious revival and peace in the region.
Turning to Khalid Ahmed, Anjum Rasheed remarked, “When most people in Pakistan were oblivious to the impending threat of extremism and terrorism, you were warning of these dangers in advance. How did you realize that things were going in the wrong direction?
Khalid Ahmad replied, “Even before Benazir Bhutto’s first term, extremist organizations like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jamaat-ud-Dawa emerged. They were led by a group of extremists. The establishment aimed at a united Kashmir.” This was the beginning of the armed struggle. At that time, when I was writing on these issues, a leader of Jamaat-ud-Dawa kidnapped me because of my writing Extremist leaders thrive on narcissism Yes, I touched his knees after meeting him and said, ‘I’m sorry, I made a mistake, forgive me.’ Hearing this, his ego swelled. He hugged me and ordered me to be sent back safely with all due respect.
Khalid Ahmed also shared his perspective on language and emotions. He said, “Romantic expression is most effective in one’s mother tongue. It has a charm and beauty that cannot be replicated in any other language.”
Designing a course for a media school, Khalid Ahmad taught young journalists about issues such as religious revivalism and peace in the region. Emphasizes the importance of equipping with deep understanding. Recognizing the complexity of these topics, he drew on his extensive expertise in international relations and conflict resolution to Helping aspiring journalists to look at these sensitive issues with critical insight and nuance.
His wisdom and insight will continue to inspire those who had the good fortune to know him. This is their lasting legacy for future generations.
The author, a development professional, was the Director of Programs at the South Asia Free Media Association.
