KARACHI: Former State Bank of Pakistan Governor Dr Ishrat Husain has said he believes in competition, not favouritism or nepotism.

He emphasised that he has always embraced challenges, advising students not to chase grades but to acquire knowledge and work hard. According to him, if they do so, “jobs will seek them out rather than them chasing after jobs.”

He shared these thoughts while delivering a lecture, My Experiences and Encounters, at Sindh Madressatul Islam University (SMIU) at the Sir Shahnawaz Bhutto Auditorium on Wednesday.

Dr Husain credited the teachers at the University of Sindh, where he studied, for instilling in him a strong sense of commitment. He praised them for being selfless, honest, and dedicated to their profession. He particularly lauded renowned academicians such as Allama I.I. Kazi, Dr Nabi Bux Khan Baloch, and Dr Halepoto, calling them great intellectuals of Pakistan. He lamented that such figures are hard to find in today’s world and stressed the need for role models who can inspire the younger generation.

Reflecting on his time as a student, he recalled the absence of ethnic differences and the camaraderie between students. He mentioned his friendships with figures like Mazhar-ul-Siddiqui (former Vice Chancellor of the University of Sindh) and Dr Adeeb Rizvi, noting they have remained close since their university days.

Dr Husain advised students to never lose hope and to believe in continuous effort and hard work. Sharing examples from his own career, he encouraged students to be open to changing professions at any point in life. He himself began as a lecturer at the University of Sindh, later passed the competitive examination to become a civil servant, and subsequently worked for various national and international organisations. He urged young people to pursue careers that align with their own interests rather than the desires of their parents or friends.

Regarding the issue of brain drain, Dr Husain argued that it should not be viewed negatively. Instead, he encouraged people to go abroad to gain education, knowledge, experience, and international exposure, with the hope that they would return to Pakistan and contribute to the country’s development.

Dr Husain also appreciated the Vice Chancellor of SMIU, Dr Mujeeb Sahrai, for organising the lecture and expressed his enthusiasm for engaging with the younger generation.

Published in Dawn, October 17th, 2024