Volume 1, Issue 2 FALL 2012

Exclusive In this Issue

Celebrating an Emerging Global Community The English Challenge for Habib University A Celestial Tour de Force A project of Habib University Foundation 147, Block 7 & 8, Banglore Cooperative Housing Society,Tipu Sultan Road, Karachi, Pakistan. P.O. Box 13017 Phone: (+92-21) 34301051-55, Fax: (+92-21) 34301056. Email: [email protected] Website: www.habibuniversity.edu.pk Celebrating an Emerging Global Community 4 Samar Hasan revisits a gathering held in Doha, Qatar in April 2012 to celebrate and acknowledge Habib University’s partners in learning

Unity and Diversity of Knowledge in Universities 15 Dr. Patrick Laude explores different ideas about knowledge creation and propagation in institutions of higher learning

A Celestial Tour de Force 22 Angels and pagan gods labor for a never-ending quest for reason in Sadequain’s last work

Partners in Profile Partner Extraordinaire 10 Steering the Academic Ship 10

Establishing a Center of Excellence 11

Straight from Doha The English Challenge for Habib University 19

Living and Learning in Karachi Karachi in the British Raj 26

This, That and the Other 29 Hum Khayal Partners in Thought 03 Volume 1, Issue 2, Fall 2012 Executive Editor Wasif Rizvi Unfolding Yohsin Editor Samar Hasan

Sub Editor Sibtain Naqvi

Circulation Editor Sehar Inayat

Design & Publications Sadaf Latafat “It was delightful receiving your ‘Hum Khayal’ magazine today Sharmeen Ahmed with the pleasant welcoming letter and the marvelous information Abdul Munim Khan and pictures encompassing the spirit of the great venture you have Majid Khan embarked on…Now I see a dream come to life and congratulate you Concepts Inc. and your team on the birth of this brilliant endeavor.” Contributing Writers Shireen Naqvi CEO, School of Leadership Dr. Mubarak Ali Dr. Patrick Laude Sibtain Naqvi “I hope ‘Hum Khayal’ will play its outstanding role in the promotion Dr. Dudley Reynolds of journalistic values in the educational field.” Photography Andrey V. Demidov George El Adaimi Consul General of Russia, Karachi Sibtain Naqvi Shutterstock

“This is a beautiful magazine. I love the cover design!”

Laura Green “Hum Khayal” is produced by the Office of Student Counselor, Virginia Commonwealth University, Doha Partnerships & Networking, Habib University Foundation (H.U.F.). We welcome articles on topics relevant to the magazine. Please send us your submissions at [email protected]. The “It is indeed a novel initiative from Habib University Foundation.” Office of Partnerships & Networking reserves the right to edit submissions. The views in the Dr. Inayat Thaver magazine are of the contributors and do not CEO, Mustashar, Social Development Advisors necessarily reflect opinions of the editors or official policies of H.U.F. No part of this magazine may be used or reproduced without the written permission of the Office of Partnerships & Networking.

We value your feedback and welcome your comments, although we may need to edit them for style and length. Email or write to us at: [email protected] Samar Hasan, Office of Partnerships & Networking | Habib University Foundation | 147, Block 7 & 8, Banglore Cooperative Housing Society | Tipu Sultan Road | Karachi, Pakistan 2 from the editor’s desk

um Khayal (Partners in Thought) is a communication platform that has multiple aspirations. As its title suggests, it brings together a global community that has a common vision, imagination and thought. It aims to serve as a means for mutual exchange of ideas and thoughts, facilitate interactions between international academics and local experts, and disseminate knowledge about Pakistan with the rest of the world. At the same time, it shares the journey of Habib University, a first-of-its-kind global institution in Pakistan, while highlighting the role of individuals and institutions that have been involved in its creation. The magazine is comprised of different sections that attempt to fulfill the above-mentioned aspirations. “Unfolding Yohsin” delineates the philosophy Habib University is prescribing to and the influence it has on the University’s various aspects. “Establishing a Center of Excellence” presents important elements of Habib University. “A Global Institution in the Making” shares important information regarding Habib University’s partnerships, while “Partners in Profile” features individuals who have made substantial contributions towards the project. “Straight from Doha” provides space to partner faculty, staff and researchers to contribute their thoughts and ideas, and present their research. “Living and Learning in Karachi” focuses on sharing interesting information about the city that the University is located in, while the last section, “This, That and the Other” relates the University’s key progress. This particular issue attempts to capture the spirit of a partnership event held by Habib University in Doha, which brought together its strategic leadership, core planning team and international partners to reflect upon its raison d’être, its vision of being a global institution of higher learning, and the road ahead. The magazine also carries pieces by Dr. Patrick Laude, Georgetown School of Foreign Service and Dr. Dudley Reynolds, Carnegie Mellon University, Qatar. Dr. Laude explores the true meaning and goals of a university, starting from the root of the word to its interpretation in modern times. Dr. Reynolds discusses the pros and cons of having English as the language of instruction at Habib University. He highlights in particular the risk this presents in perpetuating the social and economic inequalities left behind by the colonial system and suggests strategies to counter that. “Living and Learning in Karachi” showcases two interesting pieces, one by Dr. Mubarak Ali, a renowned Pakistani historian, and the other by Sibtain Naqvi from the Editorial team. Dr. Ali shares an interesting account of Karachi in the British Raj, while Naqvi’s article is a heart wrenching and emotional piece about Sadequain’s last work, a glorious unfinished mural at Frere hall. We would like to acknowledge the encouraging responses and suggestions that we received regarding the previous issue of Hum Khayal, and look forward to receiving more candid feedback this time. We also hope that you will enjoy reading the current issue as much as we did in creating it.

3 A GLOBAL INSTITUTION IN THE MAKING

In 2010, Habib University Foundation signed long-term and wide-ranging institutional partnerships with Carnegie Mellon University and Texas A&M University at Qatar for the creation of Habib University, a landmark institution of higher learning in Pakistan. Since then, the Foundation has expanded the partnership fold and is also collaborating with individuals from other institutions at Qatar Education City. On Friday, April 13, 2012, H.U.F. hosted a gathering to acknowledge the contributions of its partners in learning and to share the progress in partnerships.

Dr. Lansiné Kaba, Carnegie Mellon University (left) and Dr. Patrick Laude, Georgetown School of Foreign Service Qatar

abib University share challenges and successes contributions in the development launched its in the journey as well as reflect of the University. It also featured journey in no on the road ahead. a few key representatives of the small part due to Doha was a natural choice universities at QEC in Doha, who the for hosting an event such as shared their experiences of encouragement this, since it is the epicenter of working with H.U.F. it received from its formal knowledge in the region and In spite of the event falling in partners, Texas A&M University home to some of the best the wake of Easter holidays and at Qatar and Carnegie Mellon institutions and the finest minds unexpected rain during the University (CMU), who provided in the world. QEC has been a course of the day, the invitees an astute insight of high quality source of great inspiration for turned up in large numbers with private and public American H.U.F. in understanding how to their spouses and partners. The universities. Furthermore, they create the right eco-system of evening was marked by a assisted in all the various learning. Additionally, Doha has profound sense of camaraderie, aspects of university planning served as the starting point for commitment and inspiration, such as academic program Habib University’s peppered with lighthearted development, faculty internationalization and provided conversations and humor. Soft recruitment, student affairs the setting, time and again, for golden light suffused the design and campus layout. On intellectual discourse and spacious room where the Friday, April 13, 2012, Habib discovery. Our institutional gathering was held, creating a University Foundation (H.U.F.) partners, and many of our comfortable and aesthetically hosted an evening in Doha to informal partners are housed at appealing ambience and serving express gratitude to these QEC, and it made infinite sense as a medium to set off the partner institutions as well as to gather them together in Doha. sparkling smiles of the guests. other individuals at Qatar The event allowed for an Thick carpets, crystal chalices, Education City (QEC) for their appreciation of old friendships and the rich purple and gold instrumental role in creating a and forging of new ones. It colors of Habib University gave world-class institution of higher provided the space for intimate a luxuriant feel to the entire learning in Pakistan and to conversations, as well as event creating a feast for the celebrate Habib University’s focused acknowledgement by senses. emerging global community. The Habib University’s leadership of event also created a platform to individual and collective 6 “Many of the aspirations that Texas A&M at Qatar holds high—excellence in teaching, opportunity to engage and research, opportunity to collaborate with international partners, and a dedication to building resources within the community—are all present in the partnership we have with Habib University.”

Dr. Mark Weichold Dean and CEO of Texas A&M University at Qatar “Chuck Thorpe told us, ‘When by the principles and visions of member of Habib University’s Yohsin.” Board of Governors spoke you enter Texas A&M, just say Next, Dr. Benjamin Reilly, next about the reasons why Howdy!’ His secret tip worked Associate Teaching Professor Texas A&M University at Qatar like a charm, and as they say, of History at CMU-Qatar, who had partnered with H.U.F. has been working closely with These included the the rest is history.” H.U.F. for more than two opportunity of working with a Mr. Wasif Rizvi, CEO of Habib University Foundation years, shared the perspective new institution which harbored & Acting President, Habib University from the partner’s side. He the vision to provide quality spoke about the impressive education to students for a The evening unfolded with faced by Pakistan and the dedication and spirit of the better tomorrow. He spoke a showing of a documentary critical juncture at which it was people working at H.U.F. and about the rewarding of Habib University, which situated, he said, “Universities how his relationship with the collaboration between the two presented the University’s around the world, in different Habibis, as he fondly refers to institutions and how he and vision and mission, highlighted forms and in different them, had impacted him, his his team are very proud to be its international partnerships, civilizations, have always career and his intellectual a part of the project. introduced the senior played a crucial role in times development. leadership, as well as gave an of transition. It is however Dr. Mark Weichold, the overview of the physical remarkable that a country of Dean and CEO of Texas A&M design of the campus. This our size and population has University at Qatar and was followed by a detailed not been able to understand presentation by Mr. Wasif that role and produce such “I strongly suspect that Habib Rizvi, CEO of H.U.F. and institutions for reflection and University will enrich the Acting President of Habib learning and creation of lives of Pakistani students for University, who described the knowledge in our time and generations to come, but I am rationale for Habib University, history. Habib University, in its its vision of becoming a global own small and humble ways, certain that my connection with institution and the journey with is trying to correct that and is Habib has made me a better and the partners. trying to be a true center of more well-rounded academic.” Talking about the issues reflective knowledge guided Dr. Benjamin Reilly, Carnegie Mellon University, Qatar

Mr. Rafiq M. Habib, Chairman of Habib Uninversity Foundation warmly thanking the partner institutions for welcoming Habib University into their fold After these poignant speeches, the visionary leader of the House of Habib and Chairman of H.U.F., Mr. Rafiq M. Habib, warmly thanked the partner institutions for welcoming Habib University into their fold and provid- ing unstinting support in giving shape to his vision of creating a world class university. He said that it was an honor and a real privilege to work with some of the most dedicated and talented people in the world of academia and that he was humbled by their warmth and support. He also deeply appreciated the strong commitment of the national and international members of the Board and expressed his gratitude for their continuing guidance and direction. The event concluded with an appetizing dinner, which is still fondly recalled by the epicures and Mr. Wasif Rizvi welcoming Dr. Arvid Nelson, gourmets that double as Habib University’s partners. Member, Board of Governors, Habib University The charismatic company, the shared laughter and a sense of joint purpose combined to make it a most memorable evening.

Samar Hasan is Senior Planning Associate at Habib University Foundation, currently heading the Office of Partnerships and Networking. Samar is the Editor of Hum Khayal.

Ms. Robin Bowman, Texas A&M University at Qatar (left) sharing a light moment with a guest

Dr. Dudley Reynolds, Carnegie Mellon University (left), Mrs. Marlaine Reynolds (center) and Dr. Ron Robin, Member, Habib University’s Board of Governors

Mr. Ali Sulaiman Habib, Member, Habib University’s Ms. Liticia Salter, Texas A&M University at Qatar Board of Governors 9 Partner Extraordinaire tudent recruitment of that year. She is part of the lookout for opportunities for and student affairs University’s Student Advisory increased visibility. To this pose a challenge for Board and aside from end, she invited the many nascent academics, has been active University’s Student Affairs academic with student services, student team and CEO and Acting institutions. At Habib life, facilities and admissions. President, Wasif Rizvi to SUniversity, however, we have Cyndy played a critical role in National Association of been able to draw upon the strategizing the Student Student Personnel experience of Dr. Cynthia Affairs program at Habib Administrators (NASPA) Howman Wood (Cyndy), the University and provided conferences held in Doha and Assistant Dean for expert advice on the Phoenix, Arizona respectively. Admissions and Student development of the She has carried out her Affairs at Texas A&M department’s organizational unofficial role as a project University at Qatar for the structure as well. ambassador with great energy wide range of student-related Throughout her and was featured in Habib aspects. association with Habib University’s documentary as Dr. Cynthia Howman has over Cynthia is responsible for University, Cyndy has been well. We look towards Cyndy 25 years’ experience working developing policies related to readily available for for guidance and appreciate in the higher education sector student recruitment and discussions and has the unstinting support she has in Canada, the United States admissions at Texas A&M responded promptly to provided to Habib University. and the Middle East. She University at Qatar. She queries. She is also receptive holds a doctoral degree in began engaging with Habib to fresh ideas. A tireless Educational Leadership University in 2010 and was a campaigner for the project, (Higher Education) from key participant in the she is always thinking about Simon Fraser University. curriculum development bringing exposure to Habib workshop held in September University and stays on the

Steering the Academic Ship

r. Benjamin involvement have made him recruitment for the University Reilly (Ben) seem like a part of Habib by conducting initial interviews likes to call us University’s extended team. and screening applicants. ‘habibis’. A Ben has been a vital part Ben has been a point dexterous in many of the university’s person for Habib University in writer, Dr. planning exercises including Doha and the force behind DReilly has used the perfect curriculum development and many initiatives. His constant double entendre. Habibi is an space planning workshops. efforts have been instrumental apt nickname for us since we Besides his experience of in sparking interest for Habib are working at Habib University being a faculty member at a University within the academic Foundation, and also because great university, Ben’s strength community at Qatar Education habibi is Arabic for ‘friend’. lies in his collaborative spirit. City. Indeed, we consider Ben This moniker delineates our Open to ideas, he seeks input to be a firm member of the relationship with Ben and from various people and Habib University family and explains the nature of our manages to bring out their feel honored to call him associations with him that are best. Ben’s cross-cutting ‘habibi’ in every sense of the Dr. Benjamin Reilly is an enthusiastic and filled with approach to academics is in word. Associate Teaching Professor learning and fun. line with Habib University’s of History at Carnegie Mellon Ben is a key partner who vision and consequently, he University, Qatar. He teaches a has stood with us from the has been the key author of number of courses at CMU-Q, very beginning of the project, Habib University’s General including World History, even before a formal Education program. He was Europe and the Islamic World, agreement was in place also instrumental in organizing 18th Century Europe and between Cargenie Mellon a guest lecture at CMU Qatar Disastrous Encounters. As of University (CMU) and Habib in March 2012 given by Habib 2010, Dr. Reilly has begun University. His sound University’s founding faculty working on the environmental comprehension of the different member, Dr. Nauman Naqvi. history of the Arabs and the facets of the project and close He is also helping with faculty Arabian Peninsula. 10 Establishing a CENTER OF

EXCELLENCERecruiting the Finest abib University is education, international and well on its way to Scholars From Around symbiotic university relationships becoming a the World and aspirations for meaningful teaching, research and service has world-class Attracting, recruiting and indeed aroused a wider and global institution of higher retaining well-qualified academic interest. Habib University’s small education in faculty members and staff is a H recruiting team, spearheaded by Ms. Pakistan. This piece highlights challenge for any new institution of Tatheer Hamdani and assisted by higher education and learning. In the some of the exciting Ms. Minerva John, has thus been case of Habib University, its developments since the last few able to recruit some of the finest commitment to a contextualized months. scholars from around the world. liberal arts and sciences model of

11 Establishing a Center of Excellence

In this recruitment process, Naqvi is committed to the and Music from Hampshire and Pakistan. Dr. Saleem holds Habib University has received institutionalization of a landmark College and a graduate degree an M.Sc. degree from Saarland invaluable support and input core curriculum program that will in Ethnomusicology from University and a doctorate in from Dr. Mark Weichold, Dr. combine the histories of both Wesleyan University, followed by Computer Science, specializing Todd Kent, Dr. Hussein Al regional and Western humanities a Ph.D. in South Asian Studies in Computer Graphics, from the Nuweiri and Dr. Beena Ahmed and social thought to produce from the University of Max Planck Institut Informatik in from Texas A&M University at the most cutting-edge Pennsylvania. His research focus Germany. His research focuses Qatar; Dr. Benjamin Reilly, Dr. universalism in the students of is towards anthropology, on “3D shapes”, digital Dudley Reynolds, Dr. Saquib Habib. He is also involved in development policy and South representations of real world Razak and Dr. Yaser Sheikh development of Habib Asian studies and will surely objects inside a computer. He from Carnegie Mellon University's programs in Social enable him to design relevant refers to himself as a University; Dr. Gowher Rizvi Development and Policy, and and interesting courses for the “technology enthusiast” and is from University of Virginia, Dr. Communication Studies and AHSS programs. fascinated by computers and the Ron Robin from New York Design, that respond to the local The School of Science and boundless possibilities they open University and Dr. Charles E. and regional inheritance, practice Engineering (SSE) will offer up, and wants to transfer that Thorpe from Clarkson and realities, and that anticipate undergraduate degrees in excitement to his students. Dr. University. the emerging horizon and Electrical Engineering and Saleem has an enhanced Habib University’s faculty landscape of these fields. Dr. Nauman Naqvi Computer Science. Since these understanding of the local members have strong Dr. Hasan Ali Khan has two degrees are quite popular educational scenario, which will academic credentials and similarly joined the School of nationally, it is expected that the be critical for designing the right sound teaching and learning AHSS as Assistant Professor for School will have a higher student Computer Science program at experience. Furthermore, their Habib University. He is an enrolment than AHSS. SSE will Habib University. work ties in with critical issues architect by initial training from be headed by Dr. Adel Apart from these faculty faced by Pakistan and will help the Middle Eastern Technical Mahmoud Sharaf, Dean of members, Dr. Charles Timothy further the University’s mission University in Turkey and holds a Science and Engineering. Dr. Spracklen and Dr. Mohammad of serving the society at large. Ph.D. from the Department of Sharaf’s Egyptian origins make Shahid Shaikh will be coming on Habib University has also been the Study of Religions, School of him the perfect blend of the east board in January 2013 as Dean careful to hire a healthy mix of Oriental and African Studies and the west, and he has sound of Research and Continuing faculty from arts, humanities (SOAS). His doctorate is on the understanding of the real Education and Associate and social sciences and beliefs, history and architecture challenges faced by the Professor for Electrical science as well as science and of the Suhrawardi Sufi Order in developing world as well as a Engineering respectively, while engineering backgrounds to Multan and Uch, 1200-1500. His deep-rooted desire to bring Dr. Amir Hasan will be joining as strengthen the liberal arts and research expertise in Religious about positive change there. He Assistant Professor for Electrical sciences core of the University. and Islamic Studies and South has over three decades of rich Engineering later that year. Their The School of Arts, Asian Islamic History will add teaching and administrative profiles will be shared in the next Humanities and Social great value to Habib University’s experience in academia and is issue of Hum Khayal. Sciences (AHSS) has inducted core curriculum and Social strongly committed to enhancing four faculty members so far. This Development and Policy entrepreneurial undergraduate School will offer undergraduate program. Dr. Hasan Ali Khan education at Habib University. degree programs in Social Other additions to AHSS and He also possesses extensive Development and Policy and Habib University likewise add to industrial and consulting Communication Studies and its pioneering academic and experience in Canada and Design, as well as develop an intellectual strength as well its abroad. Most interesting of all is interdisciplinary core curriculum multidisciplinary diversity and his in-depth knowledge about for the University. flavor. Dr. Maziar Falarti is a electric utilities and energy Dr. Nauman Naqvi joined historian from Queensland systems, which place him in Habib University last year as University of Technology, with an good stead to tackle the Assistant Professor in the School interdisciplinary approach persistent energy crisis that of AHSS, and has been recently towards AHSS. His fields of plagues Pakistan and make him appointed as Acting Dean of the expertise include Australian the ideal person to lead the School. Professor Naqvi has a History, International Relations, University’s SSE. Ph.D. in Anthropology from Islamic Studies and Political Dr. Waqar Saleem, Columbia University, and has Science, and henceforth his Assistant Professor for been a Mellon Postdoctoral contributions towards the core Computer Science is another Fellow in the Department of curriculum and Social addition to Habib University’s Comparative Literature at Brown Development and Policy major SSE. Dr. Saleem has eight years University, as well as at the Toor will certainly be a welcome of teaching and research Cummings Center for addition. On the other hand, Dr. experience, spanning different International Studies and Liberal Aaron Mulvany has an countries including Libya, Arts at Connecticut College. Dr undergraduate degree in History England, Germany, U.S., Canada Dr. Maziar Falarti

12 In this recruitment process, Naqvi is committed to the and Music from Hampshire and Pakistan. Dr. Saleem holds Habib University has received institutionalization of a landmark College and a graduate degree an M.Sc. degree from Saarland invaluable support and input core curriculum program that will in Ethnomusicology from University and a doctorate in from Dr. Mark Weichold, Dr. combine the histories of both Wesleyan University, followed by Computer Science, specializing Todd Kent, Dr. Hussein Al regional and Western humanities a Ph.D. in South Asian Studies in Computer Graphics, from the Nuweiri and Dr. Beena Ahmed and social thought to produce from the University of Max Planck Institut Informatik in from Texas A&M University at the most cutting-edge Pennsylvania. His research focus Germany. His research focuses Qatar; Dr. Benjamin Reilly, Dr. universalism in the students of is towards anthropology, on “3D shapes”, digital Dudley Reynolds, Dr. Saquib Habib. He is also involved in development policy and South representations of real world Razak and Dr. Yaser Sheikh development of Habib Asian studies and will surely objects inside a computer. He from Carnegie Mellon University's programs in Social enable him to design relevant refers to himself as a University; Dr. Gowher Rizvi Development and Policy, and and interesting courses for the “technology enthusiast” and is from University of Virginia, Dr. Communication Studies and AHSS programs. fascinated by computers and the Ron Robin from New York Design, that respond to the local The School of Science and boundless possibilities they open University and Dr. Charles E. and regional inheritance, practice Engineering (SSE) will offer up, and wants to transfer that Thorpe from Clarkson and realities, and that anticipate undergraduate degrees in excitement to his students. Dr. University. the emerging horizon and Electrical Engineering and Saleem has an enhanced Habib University’s faculty landscape of these fields. Dr. Aaron Mulvany Computer Science. Since these understanding of the local members have strong Dr. Hasan Ali Khan has two degrees are quite popular educational scenario, which will academic credentials and similarly joined the School of nationally, it is expected that the be critical for designing the right sound teaching and learning AHSS as Assistant Professor for School will have a higher student Computer Science program at experience. Furthermore, their Habib University. He is an enrolment than AHSS. SSE will Habib University. work ties in with critical issues architect by initial training from be headed by Dr. Adel Apart from these faculty faced by Pakistan and will help the Middle Eastern Technical Mahmoud Sharaf, Dean of members, Dr. Charles Timothy further the University’s mission University in Turkey and holds a Science and Engineering. Dr. Spracklen and Dr. Mohammad of serving the society at large. Ph.D. from the Department of Sharaf’s Egyptian origins make Shahid Shaikh will be coming on Habib University has also been the Study of Religions, School of him the perfect blend of the east board in January 2013 as Dean careful to hire a healthy mix of Oriental and African Studies and the west, and he has sound of Research and Continuing faculty from arts, humanities (SOAS). His doctorate is on the understanding of the real Education and Associate and social sciences and beliefs, history and architecture challenges faced by the Professor for Electrical science as well as science and of the Suhrawardi Sufi Order in developing world as well as a Engineering respectively, while engineering backgrounds to Multan and Uch, 1200-1500. His deep-rooted desire to bring Dr. Amir Hasan will be joining as strengthen the liberal arts and research expertise in Religious about positive change there. He Assistant Professor for Electrical sciences core of the University. and Islamic Studies and South has over three decades of rich Engineering later that year. Their The School of Arts, Asian Islamic History will add teaching and administrative profiles will be shared in the next Humanities and Social great value to Habib University’s experience in academia and is issue of Hum Khayal. Sciences (AHSS) has inducted core curriculum and Social strongly committed to enhancing four faculty members so far. This Development and Policy entrepreneurial undergraduate Habib University’s School will offer undergraduate program. Dr. Adel Sharaf education at Habib University. degree programs in Social Other additions to AHSS and He also possesses extensive faculty members Development and Policy and Habib University likewise add to industrial and consulting Communication Studies and its pioneering academic and experience in Canada and have strong Design, as well as develop an intellectual strength as well its abroad. Most interesting of all is interdisciplinary core curriculum multidisciplinary diversity and his in-depth knowledge about academic for the University. flavor. Dr. Maziar Falarti is a electric utilities and energy credentials and Dr. Nauman Naqvi joined historian from Queensland systems, which place him in Habib University last year as University of Technology, with an good stead to tackle the sound teaching Assistant Professor in the School interdisciplinary approach persistent energy crisis that of AHSS, and has been recently towards AHSS. His fields of plagues Pakistan and make him and learning appointed as Acting Dean of the expertise include Australian the ideal person to lead the experience. School. Professor Naqvi has a History, International Relations, University’s SSE. Ph.D. in Anthropology from Islamic Studies and Political Dr. Waqar Saleem, Furthermore, their Columbia University, and has Science, and henceforth his Assistant Professor for been a Mellon Postdoctoral contributions towards the core Computer Science is another work ties in with Fellow in the Department of curriculum and Social addition to Habib University’s critical issues faced Comparative Literature at Brown Development and Policy major SSE. Dr. Saleem has eight years University, as well as at the Toor will certainly be a welcome of teaching and research by Pakistan. Cummings Center for addition. On the other hand, Dr. experience, spanning different International Studies and Liberal Aaron Mulvany has an countries including Libya, Arts at Connecticut College. Dr undergraduate degree in History England, Germany, U.S., Canada Dr. Waqar Saleem

13 Establishing a Center of Excellence

A Landmark Step in Crafting an Innovative Learning Institution-Building Space Establishing a chartered institution of higher Habib University campus construction is well on its education in Pakistan is a multi-step and arduous way. Remaining true to its pioneering vision, Habib process, and educational institutions face various University campus aspires to be a landmark learning difficulties in obtaining a charter from the relevant space that facilitates creativity, innovation and knowl- authorities. Each province has its own criteria and edge generation. These goals are particularly challeng- guidelines for granting university charters and as of now ing to achieve in Pakistan where there is limited special- there are 133 chartered universities in Pakistan which ized knowledge to design and develop such spaces. include 73 public and 60 private institutions. Therefore, We have overcome this challenge by engaging some when Habib University was granted the Charter by the leading international university design and architectural Provincial Assembly of Sindh on Thursday, June 7, firms to a) focus on key learning facilities like science, 2012, it was a major accomplishment, especially since computer science and engineering labs, and the main the Charter was approved two years prior to library and b) to ensure creative and optimal designs of commencement of operations. Another major honor is student life areas, class rooms and other pedagogical that the legislatures formally thanked Habib University’s spaces. Research Facilities Design (RFD), a famous firm international partners, Carnegie Mellon University and in lab design, have provided detailed plans for all our Texas A&M University at Qatar for their assistance in labs (natural sciences, computer science and electrical developing a world-class institution in Pakistan. The engineering). Specialists from Herman Miller, Project Charter enables Habib University to be a self-governed Kaleidoscope and Learning Spaces Collaboratory have institution and to confer nationally recognized degrees given extensive input to refine the overall design and at all levels upon its students. interior layouts along with furniture design. Renowned library designers, Aaron Cohen Associates, have taken the legislatures formally the lead in conceptualizing an outstanding library for Habib University which has all the cutting edge features thanked Habib University’s of learning technologies and creatively flexible learning spaces. All these innovations allow students a range of international partners, diverse options of learning spaces to facilitate working Carnegie Mellon University with peers, collective thinking and personal reflection along with formal pedagogy and project work. We and Texas A&M University at anticipate that such meticulous and diligent attention to details will make Habib University an inspiring example Qatar for their assistance in showing the value of spatial and physical aspect of developing a world-class learning experience. What is important to note that Habib University is institution in Pakistan. located in the heart of Karachi where it is accessible to students from all socio-economic backgrounds. In the The ‘Habib University Bill, 2012’ was unanimously current Pakistani context, it gives a very profound approved by the assembly without any amendment. message regarding positioning high quality education Assembly members passionately supported the as, not just a privilege for elites, but a cherished University’s establishment in Karachi, highlighting its opportunity for merit. The construction of the campus is philosophy of providing quality education to all persons, progressing at full speed and as the physical picture irrespective of their cast, creed or religion, and creating emerges, we can see the vision of a world-class a culture of student admissions based purely on merit. campus coming to reality. Amid the discussions, the ministers and assembly members recognized and lauded the House of Habib’s vital contribution towards the social sector in Pakistan. The Charter was formally assented by the Governor of Sindh, Dr. Ishrat Ul Ebad Khan on Friday, September 28, 2012.

Habib University construction site – September 2012 The writer explores different ideas about knowledge creation and propagation in institutions of higher learning

s a new comprehensiveness. Like the The diversity of the knowledge of God and first institution of Arabic jāmi’ah, the term university is not hard to principles to the sciences of higher learning universitatis indicates a wide notice. Universities have nature. Such a unity was not, is about to diversity of people and always included a diversity of however, exclusive of emerge from the knowledge, a diversity that disciplines in their curricula, differences, debates and status of a tends, at least asymptotically, be it the liberal arts of inquiry: there were intellectual noble concept to one of a toward universality. But this Medieval Europe or the ‘ulūm disagreements and lived reality, it is timely to diversity is somehow “turned ad-dīn of Islamic education. divergences for sure. And it reflect upon the very meaning into one,” made into a But what about the unity that was well-known, in Islam for and goals of a university. university. A plurality of informs this plurality? When example, that divergences What is a university? The sciences and arts are made universities appeared in the among scholars is a blessing. English word, like its one, diverse disciplines and Latin West and the Muslim Still, there was also by and equivalent in European academic exercises world, this unity was founded large a consensus upon some languages, stems from the participate into a unity of on the idea of a hierarchy of sort of unity of knowledge, a Latin words universitatis and knowledge, and a unity in being, from God to creation, pyramid of knowledge linking universitas. These terms point educational experience. and an order of knowledge the One to the many, and the to two qualities: unity and from the disciplines of many to the One. 15 Today, the situation is meaning to the educational profoundly different. For most experience; this is so, I believe, in contemporary scholars, the three ways. concept of a unity of knowledge First, students are engaged is no longer a reality, no longer in the pursuit of a degree. Let us relevant. At the very least there is not forget that a degree is the no agreement concerning what foundation of an order, and that such a unity might be, at the there is no order, no unity, most any overall unity of without degrees. As knowledge is denied, and we Shakespeare put it in Ulysses’ have a plurality of autonomous words, in Troilus and Cressida, types of knowledge and degree is the very foundation of disciplines. As an illustration of civilizations and communities: this state of affairs, the contemporary university has How could communities, actually been compared, Degrees in school, and especially in North America, to a brotherhoods in cities, (…) free market of ideas. It proposes But by degree, stand in a wealth of intellectual authentic place? merchandises, as diverse as Take but degree away, possible, like a good untune that string, supermarket. It also ensures the And hark what discord free flow of ideas through follows. (…) academic freedom. It is a place (I, iii, 100-110) where freedom of inquiry is parallel to freedom of learning, It is clear therefore that the where ideas are argued, word degree conjures images of discussed, examined, and unity, ordering and concord that ultimately accepted or rejected, protect us from confusion and adopted or forgotten. Of course, arbitrariness. Accordingly, there serious questions have been is a sense of unity in the things raised concerning the vision of we require students to study, the university as a “free market of read, discuss and rehearse. For ideas.” Not only does this view example, we think that students imply that you have to be to be who are going to undertake able to pay to learn, like at any managing careers in a globalized market –and sometimes quite an world need be trained in expensive price, but it also treats economics and information ideas and knowledge like items technology. We also think that for sale and consumption. Now, there is no pre-professional one may question whether an training worth its human salt idea or a discipline can be without a broader cultural and reduced to the status of real intellectual basis provided by the estate, or a pound of vegetables. humanities.There lies, for Whatever might be the past example, the curricular unity and future of the sense of unity, within diversity that stems from and universality, in university the nature of the degree, and the studies, I would like to suggest nature of our academic goal. that a unity can, and actually is, More profoundly, the second still part and parcel of a principle of unity of a university contemporary institution like the education lies in its method, or future Habib University, and that its methods. A method is a way of proceeding, a way of reaching it is this unity which gives knowledge.

16 Sophists were busy selling left Education is an and right, as do their invitation to contemporary counterparts. In contemporary language, to be turn one’s back brought out of the cave could mean, among other things, to on the shadows free oneself from the hypnosis of moving trends and mediatic reflected on the slogans. It could also mean to test the depth, or the wall of the cave shallowness, of the shared beliefs of the majority, or those of to face real beings the minority, for what is valid and in the light of real is never merely a matter of numbers or weight. Education is, the Sun or would be, the big dispeller of long-held illusions, the ending of In Latin, educare means to “lead self-induced somnambulism, and forth” and to “bring up,” or more even, yes, the occasional etymologically, “to lead out.” So laughing at, or at least smiling at, education has to do with moving the ephemeral arrogance of forward, coming out and going collective pride and certainties, up; one may ask—moving where, whatever their glorious colors out of where and up where? A might be. first fundamental answer to these What is this way forward, out questions would consist in and up? A possible answer lies in referring to Plato’s allegory of the the magic words “critical cave in the Republic. In this thinking,” in spite of their facile sense, education is a process vagueness and ambiguities. through which one is moved Critical is akin to crisis, to forward, led out of the cave, the separate the chaff from the grain. world of cavemen and To examine not only what we cavewomen who may think of know, but also the very way we themselves as living in the know and the very possibility of so-called “real world”, and knowledge. This is, at least since brought up into the light of reality. Kant, the philosophical Education is an invitation to turn understanding of “critique.” To be one’s back on the shadows critical means to test the validity reflected on the wall of the cave of what you are presented with to face real beings in the light of through individual discoveries the sun. Isn’t true education a and collective exchanges with process through which what your fellow learners, and to appeared or seemed to be is decide whether or not it may be ultimately recognized as not of use. In “critical” and “crisis” being really, or better put—as there is a sense that things may being real only to a point, a point go one way or another: a that cannot be exceeded without crossroad, not a downtrodden falling into the worst of path. This means being critical ignorance, that is idolatry, of everything that can be confusing shadows for real “criticized”, and not forgetting, beings, snakes for ropes, or an as we academics may be albatross for a tempted to do, to be critical of penny-postage-stamp like in your own criticism. We like to Lewis Carroll’s Alice in deconstruct and Wonderland. Plato uses the term demythologize, but let us not doxa (from the Greek word forget to deconstruct our own meaning to appear, to seem) to deconstruction, and to define this type of demythologize our own pseudo-knowledge that ancient demythologization.

17 Finally, and most importantly, own. You are your own knowledge. unemployed for lack of students, the unity of the university lies in its There is a story in the early life of but also because students help result, a result that is also a Abu Hamid al-Ghāzālī –who (by the teachers teach, and in a sense process, not only an end but also a way) was a genuine “critical because students are themselves beginning. The result is not the thinker” —when all his student’s teachers. As a Jewish saying goes, same as the goal. The goal may notes, hundreds and hundreds of “somebody can take you to the have been to get a job, but the pages of notes, were robbed by river, but only you can drink the result may be becoming wiser, and thieves, he realized that what he water.” It is this personal drinking therefore getting a better job. The knew was very fragile and external that gives intellectual and result is not always—in fact, indeed, since he could be so easily existential unity to the university, as perhaps rarely—intended. deprived of it. Hence, he long as our thirst is strong and understood that knowledge is that deep. So, let us tell our students: As a Jewish saying which cannot be stolen by others, You are your own university. or by anything. This is what the Welcome to your university. goes, “somebody can Islamic intellectual tradition called take you to the river, tahqīq, realization or verification of reality, or truth, if we are not afraid Dr. Patrick Laude is Senior Core Faculty at but only you can of the word in contrast to mere Georgetown University School of Foreign taqlīd, or imitation, which is also Service at Qatar, where he teaches theology. drink the water.” It necessary and unavoidable to an His research interests include mystical is this personal extent –for we all imitate—but literature and poetry, comparative religion which does not lead further up (including Christianity, Hinduism, and Islam), drinking that gives than its own limited realm of and the connections between cultures and intellectual and replicas. So, the intellectual unity religions and he has authored books and of the university is what we bring articles on the subjects. A former student of existential unity to to it and take from it, in a kind of Ecole Normale Supérieure in Paris, Dr. Laude endless reciprocity. holds a M.A. in comparative philosophy from the university, as Students don’t imagine the the Université of Paris IV Sorbonne, and a long as our thirst is extent to which they are important doctorate in French literature from Indiana in the life of a university, let us say University. strong and deep. in a classroom. Students cannot imagine that they are actually It flows from a reciprocal more important than enrichment of the subject of teachers, not only knowledge, you, and the object of because knowledge, whatever you decide teachers to study and understand. This is an would be intellectual and, yes, spiritual unity: the one we reach in learning and the one we give to what we learn. We are changed by what you learn, but whatever we learn is also enriched by our learning, in exchange and communication with others, with the community of fellows, students and teachers. This is not mere relativism: it does not mean “think what you want,” “do your own thing,” “everything is subjective.” No. Rather, this is alchemy: you fly out there to the flowers of knowledge, and make your own honey. You verify knowledge on your own. You realize knowledge on your

18 The writer explores the efficacy, reasons and nuances of using English as a medium of instruction of higher learning in Pakistan

hen Habib 200 years ago. become the language of the use of English University As Habib University commerce throughout the establish similar offers its charts its future, it is seas of the East’. conclusions regarding the first important to ask therefore sociology of English: the classes in whether the decision to Thus ended small proportion of people fall 2014, teach in English risks Macaulay’s most famous using English corresponds they will be perpetuating the social minute, in 1835, a report to the social class which taught in English. English and economic inequalities aimed at instructing the is tightly integrated to is an official language of left behind by the colonial Indian elite in the English world economy and Pakistan used in system. Montaut, for language, in order to techno-structures.2 government publications example, compares the produce ‘a class of In the first issue of and documents. Many of rationale expressed in a persons Indian in blood Hum Khayal, Hasan wrote the institutions currently famous report written by and colour, but English in that “The story of Habib considered as the Lord Macaulay in 1835 taste, in opinions, in University begins with a country’s best schools that led to the institution morals and in intellect’. vision of healing Pakistan; teach in English and a of English as the official This most famous of creating tolerance, rapidly growing number of language of instruction in sentence, to be later mutual respect and private schools in both colonial schools with the quoted everywhere, appreciation for urban and rural areas present-day status quo: summarized the explicit diversity.”3 We have to ask include English as part of intention ‘to form a class if the decision to teach in their offerings.1 It is also ‘In India, English is the who may be interpreters English, a language true, however, that language spoken by the between us and the identified with a particular English was introduced to ruling class. It is spoken millions whom we social and economic class the schools of the by the higher class of govern’. Hundred and in Pakistan, puts that subcontinent by British natives at the seats of seventy years later, most vision at risk. colonial powers almost Government. It is likely to of the reports devoted to 19 means that only a highly not only with their knowledge and to make If Habib select population will enter international clients but that knowledge available University is to Habib University ready to also for internal to an international read Turing’s “Computing communication with their academic community—a bring Pakistan Machine and Intelligence” own colleagues from other community which largely to the world or design an international language backgrounds.”6 publishes and operates in NGO’s media campaign. As a result of this demand English.8 If Habib and vice versa, To the extent that Habib Habib University will not be University is to bring then the reality University only educates alone offering degrees in Pakistan to the world and this population, it will be English in a country where vice versa, then the reality is that it must serving only Macaulay’s English is not the is that it must be prepared be Prepared to ruling class. dominant language. A to do so using the That said, there are recent report by the OECD dominant lingua franca of do so using the good reasons to consider notes that more and more our time. dominant teaching in English. The countries around the world economic benefits are offering tertiary degree The goal is not lingua franca associated with proficiency programs in English as a of our TIME. in English are clear. A strategy for economic to turn recent report on “English development and as a way students into The short answer is at Work” by the of countering the inevitable that yes, it probably does. International Research brain drain that occurs Macaulay’s class Although English is part of Foundation for English when students go abroad of “interpreters,” the national curriculum, Language Education (TIRF) to study but then end up the number of students states: “Despite the rise in staying in the host but rather to meeting curriculum importance of local country.7 standards in English is languages in glocalization, Habib University’s cultivate very low.4 Coleman cites English remains the mission extends beyond individuals who similar problems with the language of international preparing students to work level of English in use at business. As a result, in multinational can be makers of many of the new private employees in multinational corporations, however. It knowledge schools opening up companies are increasingly also seeks to promote around the country.5 This expected to use English, research into indigenous languages Many scholars studying Pakistani English by school curricula by actively will be offered as well. The the use of English Mahboob, Rahman,10 and publicizing the skills and goal is not to turn students worldwide today note that it others show that the abilities that will be into Macaulay’s class of has passed from being a process of indigenization necessary to succeed “interpreters,” but rather to fixed commodity exported has already begun. Habib within its doors. It must cultivate individuals who by colonial and neo-colonial University’s decision to support the work of can be makers of powers to being an make “Communication organizations like the knowledge across increasingly indigenized and Studies and Design” one of Society of Pakistan English languages. The challenge of consequently varied set of its initial majors signals its Language Teachers (SPELT) English today is the codes used locally for willingness to take up the that promote high quality challenge presented by all everything from bartering in challenge and send forth a English language instruction languages—they empower the market to poetry.9 Such new generation of Pakistani in all of Pakistan’s schools. us only when we can scholars reject prescriptive scholars trained in the If through modeling, contextualize them fully and norms for what English analysis of language and cajoling, and actively to quote Vygotsky should look and sound like communication and teaching, Habib University command them as “cultural and instead argue that prepared with the design can widen the range of tools.”11 linguistic standards should skills and processes Pakistani society that is be based upon what is necessary to take full “academically admissible” necessary for intelligibility creative ownership of to use a favorite euphemism Dr. Dudley W. Reynolds is a Teaching and successful English and any other of American universities, Professor of English and Director of communication.These language they choose to then it will be attacking Research in English Language arguments inevitably work in. head on the role of English Learning at Carnegie Mellon provoke controversy The second and in perpetuating Macaulay’s University Qatar. The author of two regarding what should be perhaps more serious “ruling class.” One note of books from the University of Michigan accepted as “proper challenge embedded in the caution, however: if the Press, One on One with Second English” and the need to changing status of English learning of English comes at Language Writers: A Guide for Writing prevent cultural decay. is that of preventing English the expense of proficiency Tutors, Teachers, and Consultants Far from a harbinger of from being the language and cultural investment in and Assessing Writing, Assessing “the widening gyre,” I see in which perpetuates the the other languages of Learning, he has served on the Board such arguments, however, a inequalities of colonialism. Pakistan, then Macaulay’s of Directors of the TESOL series of challenges calling As acknowledged above, in predictions will stand International Association and as a out to institutions of higher the short run this may be fulfilled. “A class of persons consultant to Habib University on learning and cultural inevitable, but what about [Pakistani] in blood and planning for the Communication leadership like Habib the long run? Habib color, but English in taste, Studies and Design major. University. The first University must actively in opinions, in morals and in challenge is to embrace seek to extend its intellect” will have been English’s new promiscuity, educational impact beyond created. to understand fully the the tertiary sector, to build The irony of the richness of the codes that on the philanthropic purported economic and have already been created involvement of the House of academic advantages all the while fostering Habib in Pakistan’s schools, associated with English is continued creativity and to promote active and that they exist fully only play with the language. As creative learning, high when they are combined anyone who has ever had to standards, and access to with similar competency in memorize the prologue to quality instruction for all of other languages. Habib The Canterbury Tales will Pakistan’s citizens. University’s Board of attest, English has already It must design Trustees in one of their changed significantly; it has pre-admission, bridge earliest meetings made it done so because the world programs which help clear to the curriculum changed and because students from planning team that all artists such as William disadvantaged schools graduates must Shakespeare, E.E. develop the English, math, demonstrate proficiency in Cummings, and Mohsin and science skills necessary Urdu. Advanced Hamid were willing to test to read and critique Turing. linguistically- and the boundaries of the It must seek to change culturally-oriented courses language. Descriptions of secondary and grade in other Pakistani languages

1 Tahir Andrabi et al., Pakistan Learning 4 Andrabi et al., Pakistan Learning and http://www.tirfonline.org/english-in-the- Kachru, Y. Kachru, and C. Nelson, The and Educational Achievements in Punjab Educational Achievements in Punjab workforce/. Handbook of World Englishes, vol. 48 Schools (LEAPS): Insights to Inform the Schools (LEAPS): Insights to Inform the 7 Santiago, Paulo et al., OECD Thematic (Wiley-Blackwell, 2009). Education Policy Debate (LEAPS, Education Policy Debate. Review of Tertiary Education: Synthesis 10 Ahmar Mahboob, “English as an February 20, 2007), 5 Hywel Coleman, Teaching and Report, vol. 3, 3 vols. (Paris: OECD Islamic Language: a Case Study of http://www.leapsproject.org/assets/publi Learning in Pakistan: The Role of Publishing, 2008), http://oecd- Pakistani English,” World Englishes 28, cations/LEAPS_Report_FINAL.pdf. Language in Education (Islamabad: conference-- no. 2 (May 8, 2009): 175–189; Rahman, 2 Annie Montaut, “English in India,” in British Council, 2010), teks.iscte.pt/documents.html. Tariq, Pakistani English: The Linguistic Problematizing Language Studies, http://www.britishcouncil.org/pakistan- 8 David Graddol, The Future of English?: Description of a Non-Native Variety of Cultural, Theoretical and Applied ette-english-language-report.pdf. A Guide to Forecasting the Popularity of English (Islamabad: National Institute of Perspectives, Essays in Honor of Rama 6 Fitzpatrick, Anthony and O’Dowd, the English Language in the 21st Century Pakistan Studies Quaid-i-Azam Kant Agnihotri, ed. S. I. Hasnain and S. Robert, English at Work: An Analysis of (The British Council, 1997), University, 1990). Chaudhary (Delhi: Akar Books, 2010), Case Reports About English Language http://www.britishcouncil.org/learning- 11 L. S Vygotsky, Mind and Society: The 83–84, http://hal.ird.fr/halshs-00549309/. Training for the 21st-century Workforce research-futureofenglish.htm. Development of Higher Mental 3 Samar Hasan, “From the Editor’s (Monterey, CA: TIRF The International 9 Jenkins, Jennifer, English as a Lingua Processes (Cambridge, MA: Harvard Desk,” Hum Khayal: Partners in Thought Research Foundation for English Franca: Attitude and Identity (Oxford, University Press, 1978). 1, no. 1 (2012): 2. Language Education, 2012), UK: Oxford University Press, 2007); B. B 21 Angels and pagan gods labor for a never-ending quest for reason in

Sadequain’s last work. By Sibtain Naqvi

The message of the masterpiece is “Ilm-o-Amal” or “Knowledge and Action”, painted in the center of the ceiling. Two eyes watch the whirling ball of fire, and angels, reminiscent of Michelangelo’s ignudi, flank the Arabic script heralding the coming of Reason. Syed Sadequain Ahmed Naqvi (1930-1987), the showman. He felt a Apart from his medium, was a world-renowned and iconic calling to do something Sadequain also digressed Pakistani artist known for his unique to trumpet his from his usual colors. He - prodigious talent. primarily used the calligraphy, paintings and poetry. He is The mural was painted complimentary colors of the recipient of Pakistan’s highest in an astonishingly short orange and blue in the civilian awards including time of six months. As if painting, symbolizing the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz (Medal of Excellence),- aware of the little time twin elements of water Pride of Performance, and Sitara-e-Imtiaz allotted to him in this and fire, the sustainer and - world, Sadequain worked destroyer, Vishnu and (Star of Excellence). He has also been tirelessly from late 1986 Shiva. The ceiling honored with several international to a few weeks before his measures seventy feet awards including the Paris Biennale - death in 1987, determined long and forty feet across from the French Government and the to go out in a final burst and like Sadequain’s "Cultural Award" by Government of of light. This work was a other murals, hails the break from the calligraphy endeavors of man to Australia. that had possessed him conquer the primal forces hat does the conventional. It is but like a jinn for several round him. Unlike the visitor to the primitive symbolism and years. With this final piece “Saga of Labor” at Mangla Frere Hall the story of man’s endless at Frere Hall, his life had Dam or the “Treasures of feel upon search for knowledge, come full circle, since he Time” at the State Bank seeing combining the twin sides had held his first Building of Pakistan, Sadequain’s of the cosmos, order and exhibition there as well in Sadequain tackled the extraordinary chaos. The ideas that 1956. celestial heavens that masterpiece? Something drive the work are fertile, The medium of have so fascinated Man akin to what Paul must untamed and all hardwood panels and oil since time immemorial. have felt when he fell from devouring, like the pastels is a departure his horse on the way to monsoon winds lashing from Sadequain’s modus Damascus, a vision that across Sadequain’s native operandi. transcended the senses land. The work is very and engulfed his being. busy, very effervescent. A He could not see it in its whirlwind of fire, the entirety; much less grandiose, vertiginous imagine it as a whole. In hallucination of a mind the same way, the visitor whose only goal is to lose confronted with the itself in knowledge seething mass of colors, through which it finds his figures and calligraphy God. that sprawls across the Sadequain ceiling at Frere Hall acknowledged cannot immediately grasp Michelangelo as his the powerful unity by artistic god. His pieces which they are bound delineate veneration together. for the Renaissance It is dangerous to try Man, in contrast to the and describe the work. Is cool sangfroid for his - it a religious work with contemporaries. pagan undertones or vice Sadequain had seen the versa? Analyses and Sistine Chapel ceiling and commentaries proliferate was in search of creating and reduce the piece to his own pièce de mere pedantic expression. résistance. He wanted to One must stand below create something that and immerse themselves would be understood in in the abyss of the context of the space Sadequain’s delirious around it and could be soul. It is a labor of love viewed from any side to that runs the gamut of give a truly encompassing human passions; those image. This could only be who scan it in cold blood accomplished on a ceiling cannot comprehend it. It so one can behold the suffocates and sears. work in its mind-boggling There is no landscape, no entirety. Sadequain, the nature and nothing fakir was also Sadequain,

Syed Sadequain Ahmed Naqvi 23 It is a labor of love that runs their feet, both symbols of fertility and are strongly associated with Amroha3, the gamut of human passions; where Sadequain was born and spent those who scan it in cold blood his youth. The gods are arranged beside a deity of knowledge with cannot comprehend it. There is multiple arms and faces like Durga4, no landscape, no nature and holding different instruments of the arts such as the lyre. These symbols could nothing conventional. It is but have been the influence of his recent primitive symbolism and the fourteen-month sojourn in India. The story of man’s endless search gods languish, trapped by demons “Zulmat” (Darkness) with the lock of for knowledge, combining the ignorance in his talons and Jang (War), twin sides of the cosmos, order the symbol of despair, the crow, perched on his head. Angels, Noor and chaos. (Light) and Aman (Peace), rush to the aid of the gods. Aman holds a pen The ceiling has four sides, each with poised like a spear, a recurring theme in a version of the quest for knowledge Sadequain’s paintings in which evil is with the universe in the center. The vanquished by the pen. message of the masterpiece, The second panel centers a clock “Ilm-o-Amal” or “Knowledge and and Sadequain uses the theme of time Action”, is painted in the center of the through the ages to note Man’s steps in ceiling. Two eyes watch the whirling ball science. As time moves, Man learns of fire, and angels, reminiscent of more about the world around him, his Michelangelo’s ignudi, flank the Arabic disproportionately large hands reaching script heralding the coming of Reason. out to different planets, stars and balls Compasses, like ones painted by of energy, sifting and groping for an William Blake in his vision of God giving understanding of what has puzzled him order, and other elements of learning for millennia. straddle the eyes. Flags or Alams1of The third panel revolves around the Moharram2, are taut with the blowing theme of the earth and the skies. winds of change. The slates on which Displayed in expansive calligraphy are Sadequain painted his calligraphy the words “Arz-o-Samawat” or the acknowledge him with the all-important “Earth and the Skies” with a globe in the Urdu alphabets of (S), (Q) and, (N), recess of (Z). The earth is shown the three syllables of his name. dissected, and twin doves carrying the The symbolisms continue in the first message of peace are in flight. Like panel with the Greek pantheon Noah’s doves, they seek a serene place arranged on the north side. Zeus and in the midst of turmoil to alight. Poseidon have mangos and fishes at

24 The North Panel of the ceiling mural Frere Hall is one of the finest examples of Venetian Gothic architecture in the sub-continent. It was built in honor of Chief Commissioner of Sindh, Sir Henry Bartle Edward Frere (1815–1884), who was known for promoting economic development in Karachi. Built originally as Karachi’s Town Hall it is now home to the Sadequain Gallery.

The fourth panel is a mirror of the second For Sadequain, ishq, or ultimate love, for knowledge Sadequain so wished to one. The one difference is that instead of could only be identified with his goddess, attain. The trumpets are silent but if one the modern clock, the instrument of time his artistic muse, at the temple of whom listens carefully, he can discern the bugle an antiquated hourglass, top part of he had pined like Pygmalion for Galatea. of an angel, calling man to reckon his which shows the Earth in early stages as Unfortunately, the man who painted deeds and cease the turmoil prevalent. In Pangaea. As time passes, in bottom half Man’s passage through time didn’t have this age of violence and unrest, that bugle we see the Earth in its present form, with time himself. The brushes had moved is even more pertinent. One can believe the continents separated. with blinding speed, as if striving to keep that an angel will send a clarion call from Sadequain knew what beauty is; the pace with thoughts but not fast enough. it. Is it an angel that will blow it or the aesthetic symmetry of visual images and The elixir that drove him like a dervish devil? Perhaps both. in fact, the entire mural works on ideas claimed him, in what was the biggest based upon symmetry and parallels. He tragedy to sub-continental art, and he Sibtain Naqvi is part of the Office of Partnerships himself felt that the whole ceiling could be passed away on February 10, 1987 and Networking at Habib University Foundation. He best exemplified in the following verse of without having finished the ceiling mural. holds a degree in finance and marketing from the Iqbal5: Large blue swathes of blue paint traverse Institute of Business Administration, Karachi and Sitaron seh aagay jehan aur bhee hain the ceiling flanking the central eyes. The writes articles on various subjects. Abhee ishq keh imtehan aur bhee hain painting is eerily calling out to be finished, Beyond the stars exist many other worlds half-finished figures contort as if waiting There yet remain many more trials in love to be given form so they too can embark

1 Flag standards representing those of 3 Amroha, in Utter Pradesh India is 4 Prominent Hindu goddess, revered for Hussein, grandson of Muhammad, who known for its mangos and tuna. The her valor and beauty. was martyred at Karbala in 680 AD. city’s name is an amalgamation of the 5 Dr. Muhammad Iqbal is Pakistan’s 2 Mourning period for Shias in which Urdu words for mango (Aam) and tuna national poet and acknowledged as one they recall the martyrdom of Hussein. fish (rahu). of the finest poets of Urdu and Persian.

25 IN THE BRITISH RABy Dr.MJubarak Ali Dr. Mubarak Ali talks about Karachi in its earliest days and the changes brought about in the city during the British Raj

arachi is not an landscape of the city changed and encourage those who, in ancient town; and emigrants from India the course of their mercantile rather, it was a brought a new culture to the pursuits, contribute so largely small fishing city and made it a mini India. to the revenue of the country.1 village that was The history of Karachi during developed in all these stages is fascinating. In its early phase, Karachi 1729 by a However, this article attempts remained an unimportant town Hindu merchant, Bhojomal, as to capture the spirit of the city and suffered from an acute a port. The city passed through and highlight its main features lack of sanitation. There was three historical stages. In the and characteristics during the no concept of urban planning, early period of history it colonial era. so the town grew haphazardly. remained a part of Baluchistan In 1839, when the British Noted British explorer and and Sindh; in the second stage first occupied Karachi, T.G. writer, Captain Richard Francis it was occupied by the British; Carless visited the city and Burton, visited the town in and finally in 1947, it became submitted the following 1844 and left a very interesting the first capital of the newly observations to the account of it: independent country of Government: Pakistan. In all these three Karachi town, when I first stages, the city assumed At present Kurachee has a became acquainted with it, different and distinct population of 14,000 souls, was much like the Alexandria characters. In the first stage, it half of which are Hindoos, and of a century and a half ago: a remained an insignificant port rest Beloochees, Jokeeaahe, few tenements of stone and of Sindh. During the colonial Mowannas, and Jutts. Many of lime emerging from a mass of period it became one of the the Hindoo merchants possess low hovels, mat and mud, and cleanest cities and developed great wealth, and possess of tall mud houses with a culture of tolerance, great influence. This arises windowless mud walls, flat humanism, and enlightenment. from the desire of their rulers to mud roofs, and many Bad-girs After the partition, the whole increase the trade of the port, 26 or mud ventilators, surrounded by tumble platform of mud institutions and libraries were built. Another important feature covered rock… The drainage, if you could so call it, was of the new city structure was its secular character. In the managed by evaporation: every one threw before his dwelling medieval cities of Europe, the cathedral used to be in the what was not wanted inside, while dogs, kites, and crows center of the city; in the new structure, commercial buildings were the only scavengers; and this odour of carrion was became the center symbolizing secularism over religion. varied, as we approached the bazars, by a close, faint, dead Based on this experience, the British developed Calcutta, smell of drugs and spices, such as might be supposed to Madras and Bombay as well as Karachi. After the Sindh proceed from newly made “Osiris”.2 conquest, the pattern of Karachi’s population changed. As it grew, it attracted business communities from all over India who The town did not develop because of lack of interest of the came in search of new opportunities. The Memons, Bohris, rulers who neither had the requisite resources nor the Kacchis, Parsis, Khojas, Marwaris, Malabaris, and Goans from vision. The wealthy merchants of the city also had no the island of Goa, Europeans and even some Jews, all arrived concept of town planning and no desire to improve it. which made the city multi-ethnic, multi-cultural, and After the conquest of Sindh, Karachi became multi-religious. These communities maintained their separate part of the Bombay Presidency in 1847. The identity, but also influenced each other culturally and socially British administration gave particular which resulted in a homogenized society based on secularism attention to the development of Karachi and tolerance. and gradually it transformed from an unknown and sleepy town to a After the conquest of Sindh, prominent city of the Indian subcontinent. By this time the British Karachi became part of the had the experience of town Bombay Presidency in 1847. planning. In the nineteenth century The British administration Europe, as a result of industrialization and commercial gave particular attention activities, the bourgeoisie to the development of developed their cities, taking care to provide more Karachi and gradually space for public utilities it transformed from an and entertainment. unknown and sleepy Besides administrative buildings such as courts, town to a prominent there were places for city of the Indian recreation such as gardens, theatres, and galleries. subcontinent. Public utilities such as hospitals, educational

A building from the colonial era in Karachi’s oldest neighborhood 25 The Empress Market, Karachi – 1900 These communities adopted Commercial interests kept religious and However, the development of Karachi as their permanent settlement ethnic differences far behind. Instead of Karachi was in contrast to rural Sindh and developed a great sense of hoarding and spending their wealth on where strong domination of feudal belonging to it. This created an urge to personal comfort and luxury, the trading landowners kept the society backward improve the city. The Parsi community communities, donated a considerable and stagnant. Hence, Karachi became played an active role in the city’s portion towards welfare and charitable a cultural, educated, and commercial development, especially from 1921 to work. The Parsi community, for town while rural Sindh remained socially 1933 when Jamshid Nasarvanji Mehta instance, earned great respect because and culturally far behind. To the people was the President of the Municipality. of its contributions to public and of rural Sindh, visiting Karachi was like During this period, sanitation was charitable work. This tradition of social visiting some foreign city--the improved, supply of water was work brought wealthy people in contact environment of the city created awe regulated, roads were repaired, to those who were improvised. It and fascination among them. Trams gardens were laid down, maternity provided them with opportunities to commuted passengers from the city homes were built, new housing understand the latter’s’ deprivation and center in Saddar to Kemari port with a schemes were started to solve the problems, enabled alleviation of their charge of only one taka. Travelling was problem of housing, and the majestic grievances and led to a humane society comfortable with no crowding or building of the Karachi Municipal in which even animals were cared for. paucity of seats. Besides trams, there Corporation was constructed in 1930. were horse drawn carriages. Wealthy As a result of his efforts, the city the development of people had Victoria carriages for their acquired a new look and became a Karachi was in personal use, while cars were used model of cleanliness. later. Karachi emerged as a trading and contrast to rural That was the colonial Karachi. commercial and not as an industrial Sindh where strong Today, Karachi is a modern city and town. This saved it from pollution and domination of feudal one of the largest megalopolises of the also from slums. The population did not landowners kept the world. Its life under the British Raj has increase rapidly and remained under receded in the background but the old control. Before the British conquest, the society backward and parts of the city still tell the story of population was only fourteen thousand stagnant. Hence, bygone days. and just before Partition it was Karachi became a 386,655. The small population helped cultural, educated, Dr. Mubarak Ali is an eminent historian, activist and the city administration to keep it scholar. He obtained his masters in History in 1963 peaceful and clean. and commercial town and attained a PhD (on the Mughal Period of India) The types of buildings that were while rural Sindh at Ruhr University, Bochum, Germany in 1976. He built in the modern city had great was the director of the Goethe Institute in Lahore remained socially and until 1996 and is currently the editor of the commercial, educational, quarterly journal Taarikh ("History"). administrative, and recreational values. culturally far behind.

1 Carless, T. G.: Memoirs on the Bay, Harbour, and 2 Burton, R.: Sindh Revisited. Vol. I-II, Karachi Trade, of Kurachee. In: Memoirs on Sind by Hughes 1993, pp. 45-46. Thomas. Vol. i, Delhi 1993, p.196. 28 Transnational Education Learning from Initiative Market Practitioners abib University’s Dr. Nauman Naqvi and n order to contextualize the Social Development Ms. Samar Hasan participated at the and Policy (SDP) program, Habib University’s Eighth Annual Communication Symposium curriculum planning team recently completed the at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), first phase of a market research with an aim of Pittsburgh in June 2012. The theme was identifying key market segments, understanding H“Developing a Transnational Education: I current trends, forecasting the sector’s potential, Teaching across Cultures and Languages.” Sponsored and assessing career and internship opportunities for by the Qatar Foundation and attended by faculty and Habib University’s prospective students. Over the student affairs personnel from CMU’s campuses in course of April and May 2012, Dr. Nauman Naqvi, Pittsburgh and Doha, the Symposium featured Assistant Professor, and Noman Baig, Planning presentations and discussions on CMU’s growing global Associate, interviewed more than 30 representatives presence in higher education. The attendees highlighted from international donors, local NGOs, policy institutes, and exchanged lessons learned and challenges faced, and universities in Karachi, Islamabad and Lahore. especially with respect to CMU’s Qatar campus. The SDP program is being designed in the light of Co-organizers Dr. Dudley Reynolds, Teaching these findings and will speak to cross-cultural issues Professor of English at CMU-Qatar and Dr. Danielle facing communities at large, as well as engage with Wetzel, Associate Teaching Professor & Director of critical theoretical debates on progress and First-Year Writing at CMU-Pittsburgh invited Habib development. University, CMU’s partner institution that is in its planning stages, to participate in the symposium to both learn from CMU’s insights as well as help CMU realize the relevance of the lessons learned at Qatar. Campus Construction Up to Speed onstruction activities at the campus site sure the campus design fits in with the highest are moving ahead at full speed. Foundation international standards, the H.U.F. team undertook many work for the entire campus is nearly studies such as geothermal, acoustic, and environmental completed, and roof slabs have been laid with local experts and the findings were incorporated down for over half of the total basement into the final campus design. area Good progress has been made on the mechanical CHabib University is working with international experts works side, and Habib University has awarded contracts and consultants to enhance the overall design of the for mechanical works to M/s Mecatech Pvt Limited, a campus and to ensure maximum utilization of the leading mechanical works company of Pakistan. This will spaces. These organizations and individuals possess entail heating, ventilation, air conditioning, fire specialized experience of designing innovative learning suppression and plumbing and is one of the most environments for holistic student development. To make important aspect of foundation development.

Habib University construction site – September 201229 Habib University has partnered with