Dated: June, 2007.
MAKING OF A JOURNALIST: JAVED ZAHEER
STRUGGLE FOR GOAL LEADS TO SUCCESS
FOR COLLECTION OF JAVED ZAHEER'S ARTICLES VISIT:
http://groups.google.com/group/jazanewscom,
www.meraraabta.com
(Distinguished Personality and Events Segments) and www.nepmcc.ca
(Editorial)
BY JAVED
ZAHEER,
WINNER OF FREE EXPRESSION AWARD 2006 (NEPMCC), HONORARY DIRECTOR OF
NEPMCC, HONORARY MEDIA CONSULTANT OF WWW.MERARAABTA.COM, HONORARY
EDITOR OF PAKISTAN ABROAD, TORONTO
TORONTO: For long I have been writing about others. My fans, friends,
near and ones wanted me to write something about myself. Keeping in
view their love and interest in me, I thought of penning down my
introduction and some of my contributions and achievements. I prepared
this for Ayesha Pervez, a Professional Journalist, who did journalism
from Harvard University. She is a Canadian of Pakistani Origin. She
wanted to interview me and sent me the questions. She asked me to
write down the answers, which she wanted to publish as my exclusive
interview in one of the leading newspapers. After sending it to her, I
thought of sharing it with others. Ladies and gentlemen, the following
is my introduction in an exclusive interview form. AP is Ayesha
Pervez:
AP: What is your qualification and from where did you pursue it?
JZ: I did Masters in International Relations from the University of
Karachi, Pakistan, in 1982.
AP: Why did you choose IR as your major?
JZ: Despite essentially and professionally needed yet I avoided doing
Masters in Journalism or English. I chose International Relations (IR)
because it was related to my profession, dreams and goals. It helped
me to understand better the world and the people. It helped me to
become a journalist and move to Canada, where I am enjoying the
promised freedom and equality.
AP: What kind of a student were you?
JZ: I was a good student and loved reading and writing. Most of my
time was spent reading books. I stay away from politics as I consider
it as a tricky and dirty game. Most politicians play with the people
and use them and their votes to achieve their vested interests. This
is what I don't like. True leaders and good people are hard to find.
This is why I keep helping the humanity to find and promote good
people and true leaders. This is my duty and responsibility as a good
citizen and member of the society.
AP: What are your comments on the affairs and happenings in
Pakistan?
JZ: Like I always say, Pakistan is a beautiful country and a heaven
on earth. The people are wonderful, loving, caring and talented.
Unfortunately, since independence on 14th of August, 1947, it remained
a victim of sinister conspiracies and massive corruption. The tail-
waggers, poodles and loyalists of the Colonial Rulers made people the
slaves. This Corrupt Class has since then tremendously harmed the
country and made lives of the people miserable. They are responsible
for the chaos, destruction and corruption in Pakistan. If these deadly
poisonous snakes and scorpions and blood thirsty vampires, wild beasts
and criminals are not controlled, then they will make Pakistan a
hell.
It's time for real action now. Pakistan needs a true and a very
strong leader to completely crush the enemies of the state and the
people. Act before it's too late. Pakistanis living in any part of the
world must act immediately, both individually and collectively, to
help save Pakistan and the people. The Corrupt Class and Criminials
are committed to destroy the heaven on earth. It's time to destroy
them before they destroy the country and the people. Already, a bloody
revolution is hovering over Pakistan and blood is bound to flow like
water, if the critical situation is not timely checked. The solution
is promotion of good people and institutions. Only they can help
establish good society and system and lead Pakistan towards the real
destination.
AP: What is your motto?
JZ: My motto is `Dedicated to Serve, Create Awareness'.
AP: Did you always want to be a journalist or did it happen by
chance?
JZ: I always had a craze for writing and wanted to become a
journalist. The Almighty blessed me with chances and successes. This
is why I proudly say: "I never consider myself alone. The Almighty is
always with me."
AP: You were winner of the Free Expression Award. Tell us about that?
JZ: The National Ethnic Press & Media Council of Canada (NEPMCC) is
one of the leading national media representative bodies of Canada.
Every year it nominates journalists for awards in different categories
based on their professional and individual contribution. I became
member of NEPMCC in December, 2005, and on September 22, 2006, I
received this prestigious award. I can proudly claim that I am the
only Pakistani and South Asian journalist to bag the award in this
category. The award was given by the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario's
representative in Queen's Park, Toronto. This was one of the greatest
achievements of my life.
The award was presented in appreciation of my contribution and
carried the following remarks: "His outstanding achievements,
contributions and community service and in recognition of his efforts
in promoting understanding, the traditions and the interests of the
Pakistani-Canadian Communities, his leadership, courage and dedication
for the promotion of multiculturism, human rights, respect of human
and cultural values, and equality among all Canadians."
In the year 2003, I was blessed with another great achievement. I was
voted Best Writer for September, 2003, at JuryFury.com and won the
Paul Krugman book: `The Great Unravelling'. Writers and journalists
belonging to leading mainstream media of the US including `Washington
Post', `Washington Times', `New York Post', etc were nominated for
this honour. Most of the members at www.JuryFury.com
(www.quietpoly.com) belonged to the distinguished class and were well
known names and personalities. Sophia Barkat (quietpoly@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
)
sent me the prize (book) from the United States.
In this connection, I would like to specially thank my two close
friends, Shahid Hashmi and Hameeduddin Ahmed, for their sincere love,
care and support in Canada. They assisted and encouraged me a lot.
Shahid Hashmi remains unhappy and uncomfortable with My Free and
Fierce Expression and Action style and wants me to change my `Attitude
and Approach', which he considers `Controversial and Negative'. He
repents introducing me to his circle of distinguished class and claims
that they are badly hurt by my razor sharp writing. As I cannot change
my approach and writing style, many times the friendship almost ended
because of the heated arguments, discussions and charged atmosphere.
Despite all this, because of the sincere love, care and support, the
trio---JZ, Shahid Hashmi and Hameeduddin---have good family terms and
understanding. The trio live and work together to build bridges and
serve and promote humanity and communities. Although, people keep
trying to break the friendship, but this common factor keeps them
strongly bonded and together.
To all those who are unhappy and uncomfortable with me: One thing is
crystal clear, I cannot change at any cost my professional approach
and direction and ditch the people. This is my commitment. I cannot
become a tail-wagger, poodle or worshipper of the self-proclaimed
community leaders or even the black and white leaders. This is not in
my nature. Equality, Rights and Freedom are cornerstone of Canada's
policy, system and society. We must follow and respect them. Nobody
should yell at anybody and tell: "Go Back Home. You Are Misfit and
Dirty." This is clear racism and discrimination. Dictators,
Exploiters, Corrupt and Arrogant People are never welcomed and should
never be encouraged.
AP: How ripe is the Canadian market for new journalists hailing from
the subcontinent?
JZ: Like I said it all depends on your analysis of the situation,
understanding, approach and adjustment. Wherever you go, you have to
make a place for yourself in the society, mainstream and the field of
choice. First of all you have to establish your identity and
credibility through your contributions. Mostly you have to perform on
individual basis, as the community lacks the ability to perform and
progress collectively. Irrespective of results, you have to keep
struggling sensibly. Emotionalism and lack of trust, confidence,
understanding and unity form part of the great weaknesses of our
community. In this situation, the job of a journalist becomes very
difficult and challenging.
There indeed is a great scope for new journalists hailing from the
subcontinent. They just need proper guidance, assistance and
direction. My success is an example. After studying and analysing the
situation, I found that the local media was in a very bad shape and
struggling to survive. Quality and professionalism was badly missing.
The local media people were not in a position to employ anyone and
were on lookout for free contributors. They were surviving on cheap
advertisements like $10 and $20 ones. Even it was hard to get this
money from the community advertisers. In the hope of getting
advertisement from the community, they chose wrong advertisers, who
had no sense of advertising and its value.
I chose to become Freelance Journalist instead of joining any
organization on the unacceptable terms and conditions. Instead I used
Internet to establish contacts, identity and credibility. I achieved
great success in this way. So there is no need to be disappointed.
Just keep struggling and exploring. The Canadian market is very
ripe.
AP: Is there any difference in the journalism in Canada and that of
Pakistan?
JZ: Yes. Definitely. In Pakistan, yellow journalism is common but in
Canada the work is done professionally. Fear of law and system and
freedom of rights and equality keep a good check and balance. The word
`SUE' is very much feared. People are sensible, civilized and educated
and understand the policies, rules and rights. Professional people
enjoy working in this environment.
AP: What is your advice to budding journalists?
JZ: Always thank The Almighty for His blessings and your success.
Remain committed to work together to serve humanity, promote good
people, true leadership, love and peace. Always remember to live, work
and die only for a noble cause. Remain committed with determination
for achievement of goals and success. Always follow these simple,
important and golden rules positively: 1) Protection of Integrity and
Identity 2) Promotion of Vision and Goals 3) Propagation of Messages
and 4) Strictly no to negative influences and pressures.
AP: What are some of the ingredients that a successful journalist
possesses?
JZ: Always remain positive, constructive and helpful and avoid yellow
journalism and dirty politics of any sort. Analyse the situation and
the issues carefully. In order to attract the people, understand their
psychology, problems and issues and try to become their voice, eyes
and ears in the real sense. This way gain their trust and confidence.
It takes years and really damn hard work to become something and only
fraction of a second to destroy everything. The choice is
yours.
AP: What are some of the advantages of being a journalist?
JZ: The profession makes you very confident and powerful, gives you a
highly respectable status and true leadership role in the society and
community. You remain in the best position to help others practically
and effectively in my ways.
AP: What are some of the disadvantages of being a journalist?
JZ: Most of the time it's a thankless job. People keep fearing you
and suspecting you as corrupt. This is because of the `Non-
Professional', `Payroll' and `Characterless' journalists who indulge
in blackmailing, yellow journalism and remain pet and tool of the
exploiters.
AP: What kind of writing do you enjoy most and why?
JZ: I like writing in a very simple and natural way so that even the
youngest and least literate reader could understand and enjoy it. This
I consider is the best way of proper and effective communication. My
focus remains on human interest and global issues, research and
exploration work. Keeping in view my over 33 years of tremendous
professional experience and success, I have not changed my methods,
expression and approach. The encouragement and support I got from my
readers, fans, near and dear ones was simply unbelievable.
AP: Do you write on controversial topics? If yes, then what?
JZ: Yes. I write on controversial topics as a challenge. Our culture,
customs and traditions are full of taboos, wrong rules and examples.
There was and is urgent need to create proper understanding and
awareness. I always promote collective action and unity but don't wait
for it and act individually because I understand that our people are
struggling to remove this weakness and become united but are unable to
achieve success.
Therefore, I consider it my duty and responsibility as an individual
to keep contributing in a positive and constructive manner so that
humanity could benefit. I believe in Free and Fierce Expression and
Action and have made this a part of my lifestyle. I consider myself at
war with those who are trying to harm humanity in any way. This is
what I expect from people and encourage them to act individually till
achievement of the collective goal. I am fully confident that the
individual effort will automatically transform into collective one and
unite the people on one platform.
AP: Do you get criticism on your writings? How do you deal with it?
JZ: Yes, definitely. My free and fierce expression and action styles
do hurt exploiters, conspirators and corrupt class. I remain fully
prepared for the reactions and responses and try to deal with even the
bitterest criticisms very sensibly and diplomatically. This has helped
me greatly and saved me from troubles.
AP: Is there any article that you are very fond of? Which is it and
why?
JZ: I wrote a special feature in Jang Group of Newspapers leading
and reputed weekly magazine `MAG' in the 1980s. It was titled `Be
Careful Before You Drink Milk'. I tried to expose the mafia using
oxytoxin injection, which was proving very harmful for the people.
There was massive misuse of oxytoxin injections for milking and
extracting every drop of milk from the cows. The massive dosage of the
injection was making the male regular milk drinkers of all ages
impotent. This was a serious crime against humanity. The one day
calves were slaughtered so that milk could be saved and sold. The
famous Red Cow species of Pakistan was endangered. It could face
extinction. The slaughtered one day calves were sold as goat meat. The
people were fooled in this and many other ways. The slaughter house
mafia involved in this heinous act was after me to harm me. I played
hide-and-seek game with them.
Another article was about my close friend, who was unemployed and
getting Employment Insurance (EI) from the Ontario Government.
Unfortunately, due to some error in the documents he was asked by the
government to pay back over $5000. The correspondence continued for
years and he was very much disturbed. He came to me for help in
writing a letter to the government for payment of the money in
instalments. I studied all his papers and said: "You don't have to pay
even a single cent'. He and his family could not believe and were
shocked by my comments. I fought and won his case. I wrote an article
on this success, which was widely praised by the people and published
by media. There were many such successes which I have achieved and
which made me proud.
In the 1980s, while working in `Medical News', Karachi, I wrote a
Book Review on `Human Sex Relations'. It was even unthinkable of
writing on this subject in Pakistan or any Muslim country. I was the
first one to write on such highly sensitive and taboo topic openly and
in detail in the journal. I was confident of positive response as I
wrote in a manner to remove taboos and create proper awareness and
understanding about this subject. My editor was shocked, angry and
scared of what will happen next. I took him into confidence and said
nothing will happen as the medical journal was published exclusively
and specifically for medical professionals.
The book, priced Rs.50, was written by a distinguished doctor, Dr
Zakir Molvi of Pakistan Medical Association (PMA), and launched in a
national seminar attended by leading medical professionals, social
figures and authorities. It was meant to educate and update the
General Practitioners so that they can understand the issues and
educate and update the patients as well. It was an educational and
informative book for both the medical professionals and the general
public. The review I wrote was widely praised. The subscription and
demand of the journal increased tremendously. The medical journal
became very popular. The editor then not only thanked me for this but
awarded me with special increments.
AP: What is the one accomplishment that you are proud of?
JZ: One and the most important accomplishment of my life is of
successfully shouldering the responsibility on 9th of June, 1973, of
looking after my widow mother and very young siblings at a very
difficult and challenging time. Now the siblings and their families
are all happy. Five brothers including me are in North America---
Canada and America. The youngest member, my sister, has three children
and is well settled in Lakhimpur Kheri, U.P., India. Becoming a
journalist was my another accomplishment. So in all fields---Family,
Personal and Professional---I was able to achieve tremendous success
and great respect. My goals were achieved and dreams were fulfilled. I
believe in living and working together and always loved sharing
happiness and knowledge and most importantly learning from everything
and helping others.
AP: Tell me about your achievements?
JZ: Some of the major achievements briefly are as follows:
EXPERIENCE: 1) 1999-Todate (2007): Serving on Voluntary and Honorary
basis as FREELANCE JOURNALIST in Toronto, Canada, since 1999.
2) 1986-1999: Served as Senior Sub-Editor
in Daily English Newspaper `DAWN', Karachi, Pakistan.
3) 1986-1998: Served as Honorary Editor in Fortnightly
English Journal `PHARMAGRAPH', Karachi,
Pakistan.
4) 1985-1986: Served as Executive Editor
in Weekly English Journal `MEDICALWEEK', Karachi, Pakistan.
5) 1983-1984: Served as Managing Editor
in Fortnightly English Journal `PHARMA NEWS', Karachi, Pakistan.
6) 1981-1983: Served as Assistant Editor/
Chief Reporter in Fortnightly English Journal `MEDICAL NEWS', Karachi,
Pakistan.
7) 1974-1976: Served as an Apprentice in
Daily English Newspaper, `SUN', Karachi, Pakistan.
QUALIFICATION: 1) 1980-1982: Master of Arts in International
Relations (Second Division), University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan.
2) 1974-1976: Bachelor of Arts (Humanities) (Third
Division), University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan.
3) 1974-1976: Apprenticeship Training,
Daily English Newspaper `SUN', Karachi, Pakistan.
4) 1973: Intermediate/Higher Secondary
Certificate (Humanities) (Second Division), Board of Intermediate and
Secondary Education (BISE), Karachi, Pakistan. 5)
1968-1969: Matriculation (Grade-10)/Secondary School Certificate
(Science Group) (First Division), BISE, Sargodha, Pakistan.
6) 1968: Middle Standard Examination (Grade
Eight) (Third Division), Karachi, Pakistan.
7) 1966: Primary School Leaving Examination
(Grade Six) (First Division), Farrer Primary School, Singapore.
8) 1960s: Started Nursery/kindergarten
education in Calcutta. Studied up to primary level (Grade Five) in
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
AFFILIATIONS: 1) Veteran Active Member of Toronto Press Club (TPC),
Toronto, Canada.
2) Member of the prestigious The
Ontario Club, Toronto, Canada.
3) Honorary Director and Member of the
National Ethnic Press and Media Council of Canada (NEPMCC), Toronto,
Canada.
4) Honorary Media Consultant of
www.meraraabta.com, Toronto, Canada.
5) Council member of Karachi Press Club (KPC),
Karachi, Pakistan.
6) Member of Karachi Union of
Journalists (KUJ), affiliated body of Pakistan Federal Union of
Journalists (PFUJ), Karachi,
MIGRATION: Migrated to Toronto, Canada, with family as Landed
immigrant on April 13, 1999. This was a great blessing of The
Almighty. I am really proud to be Canadian, Pakistani and a Muslim.
Canada has given us a lot, particularly---Freedom, equality, good
future and citizenship. We are all enjoying life here very much
without fear or discrimination. My family is happy and well settled
and I feel very much delighted to see the glow of happiness and
contentment on their faces. The progress, prosperity and stability is
evident. Canada's system, society and the people are all really
great. No wonder it is termed the best country in the world to live
in. It is indeed a heaven on the earth. This is how I feel, I don't
know about others.
AP: What books do you read and who is your favorite author?
JZ: Any book which gives me knowledge, ideas and guidance to
understand things and serve humanity.
AP: Who is your favorite writer and Why?
JZ: All those whose writing is positive, inspirational and based on
free and fierce expression and action are my favourite. I get
inspiration and encouragement from them. There is no single one. I
like my writing the most because it has helped me establish identity
and credibility and gave me fame and tremendous success. If you love,
respect and understand yourself, your talents and abilities then you
can perform in the best manner. Love has taught me to teach, promote
and spread love and remain positive.
AP: You interviewed Indian beauty Queen Gul Panag. How was that
experience?
JZ: Actually it was Aamir Khawaja of www.meraraabta.com who
interviewed Indian actress Gul Panag. I was a member of the team. I
did meet the Beauty Queen separately and had discussion with her. She
is both very impressive and stunningly attractive. Those interested in
the interview and classic pictures display could visit www.meraraabta.com
(Event and Distinguished Personality segments).
BACKGROUND DETAILS: I am among those most fortunates ones who have
been blessed by The Almighty with tremendous success---dreams
fulfilled and goals achieved. Born on 5th of March, 1952, in Karachi,
Sindh, Pakistan, I travelled a lot with my father, late Zaheer Ahmed,
who was a seasoned diplomat. He was posted to Calcutta (India), Kuala
Lumpur (Malaysia) and Singapore and I accompanied the family
everywhere.
I did my Matriculation (Grade-10) in First Division from Islamabad in
1969. Then we moved to Karachi. The period from 1970-1973 in Karachi
proved very bad for me. Due to my poor health, the study was badly
disturbed and my father was very disappointed. He wanted me to choose
science and become a doctor whereas I was interested in humanities and
journalism. I studied for two years in Science (Pre-Engineering) but
could not adjust myself. This made him very unhappy. He thought I lost
interest in study. He then decided to buy a book store for me. The
deal was almost finalised, when he suddenly passed away in the
morning of 9th of June, 1973, at the young age of 45.
The night before his passing away, he woke me up at midnight
( between 2.00 and 3.00 am) and started briefing me how to manage the
family and affairs after his departure. I kept telling him that he was
alright and nothing was going to happen but he scolded me hard and I
could never forget his words: "Son time is too short for me. I will
not be in this world tomorrow, so listen carefully to what I am saying
and remember that you will have to act as the head of the family and
shoulder all the responsibilities." Frankly speaking, I was feeling
very sleepy that night and just kept saying yes. At 7.00 am in the
morning, he had a massive heart attack and passed away quietly on my
lap. I still remember his dying moments and the expressions on his
face. I was shocked as to how he was so sure about his death.
I used to be very meek, shy and coward before the death of my
father. The 9th of June, 1973, changed my life complexion, thinking
and approach. Instead of being disappointed and breaking down, I took
charge of everything seriously as a challenge. I looked towards my
shocked mother and my very young siblings. I took care of my young
siblings (two sisters and three brothers) as my children. There was no
source of income and no one to support. My elder brother was in the
Army and posted hundreds of miles away from the home. He later joined
us in Karachi. That was one of the most difficult and challenging
period of my life.
DRAMATIC CHANGE: Suddenly I found in myself a new spirit, will,
determination, power and confidence. I concentrated on my studies and
passed Intermediate (Humanities), which is Grade 12, with good marks.
All those who thought I had lost interest in studies and would not be
able to handle the situation and circumstances were shocked seeing me
in this new form. I struggled hard for many jobs including general
labour in order to support my family but found all doors closed. That
also proved good for me because the first job I got was as an
apprentice in a reputed and leading English daily newspaper `SUN',
Karachi. Since then I never looked back.
On the very first day of my work, I returned home alone after
midnight. Fear vanished from my mind. It was totally a new experience
for me. Everything looked new, nice and very exciting. I kept laughing
thinking about my past. What a person I was. Time, necessities and
responsibilities changed me completely and made me mature and brave.
That helped me understand issues, people and responsibilities. It was
indeed a great blessing of The Almighty.
I loved the newspaper job because it was of my choice. Writing was in
my blood. Since childhood, I used to read and write a lot and help
others as well in the writing work including essays, assignments,
letters, etc. Most of my time was spent with books. My interest was in
human and global issues, adventure and research work. I was
unanimously elected President of the English Literature Society in the
high school in Islamabad. I selected talented boys and formed a good
team which supported me till completion of my school days.
I benefited a lot from my elders. My father, Zaheer Ahmed, did BA in
English Literature from a reputed institution in Lucknow, India. I was
very close to him and learnt a lot from him and his work which is
helping me even today in my professional work. My uncle, Zameer Ahmed,
was a story writer and an educationist. He was associated with Radio
Pakistan, Hyderabad. He did Masters in English and Urdu and was doing
Ph.D in Urdu when he passed away in 1968 at a very young age of just
over 40.
MEDIA PROJECTS: After my successful apprenticeship training in the
Daily English newspaper `SUN', Karachi, Pakistan, and the tremendous
professional experience gained there, I tried my luck here and there
for sometime in non-journalistic work but remained unsatisfied. The
journalist in me was feeling very uneasy and desperately wanted me to
start writing work. Then a breakthrough came. I was invited to join
the country's leading English fortnightly medical journal `MEDICAL
NEWS', Karachi, by my friend Rahimullah Yusufzai, an internationally
renowned journalist and currently associated with BBC. There was
opening only in the advertisement department, so I decided to try my
luck there. During interview, Ayaz Mahmood, the publisher and editor,
offered me to join the editorial and reporting side. He gave me a free
hand and under his good supervision I took complete control of the
editorial and reporting sections. This institution gave me fame,
tremendous experience and confidence.
Within three years, I gained so much experience that I was
able to launch `PHARMA NEWS', an English fortnightly medical
newspaper. It was run by three partners and I was the Managing Editor.
It was the largest circulated medical newspaper in the country, with
13,000 circulation. This too proved a great success. The newspaper was
shut after cracks in the partnership due to conspiracy by the rival
medical newspapers.
I then wrote special features for the reputed and leading
English weekly magazine `MAG' of Jang Group of Newspapers. Late Wahab
Siddiqui was the editor at that time. Fortunately, my exclusive
features were selected for the best three of any issue. Kamran Khan
(Geo TV) then pulled me to leading English daily `DAILY NEWS' of Jang
Group. I stayed here for a very short time, because I was invited by
my friend, Nasir Shaikh, to help him launch the country's first weekly
medical newspaper `MEDICALWEEK'. My contribution here was widely
praised. I was invited and selected by late Hakim Saeed, Governor of
Sindh, who was then founder of Hamdard Foundation, to join and head
the publications of Hamdard Foundation. I was simultaneously
approached and selected by Daily `DAWN' to join as Sub-Editor. Hakim
Saeed wanted me to join him but I was interested in `DAWN'. So I
convinced him and joined the country's leading English daily newspaper
`DAWN', Karachi, in 1986.
While in `DAWN', I was approached by my uncle's friend, who was
holding a key position in the Pakistan Television Corporation, to
help him launch a fortnightly medical newspaper. I badly needed
monetary support to help my family including my widow mother and
siblings, etc. I approached my friend, Shabbir Ghori, the anchor man
of my media projects team, whom I met in the weekly `MEDICALWEEK', to
take charge of this project and run it under my instructions and
supervision. I was responsible for the editorial and reporting work of
English Fortnightly journal `PHARMAGRAPH' but remained in the
background because of regular employment in English daily `DAWN'.
This project helped me greatly in meeting my essential expenses and to
own two luxury apartments in Karachi. Finally, I sold the two
apartments to arrange money and move my family to Canada.
The whole editorial work including editing, typing, pasting,
etc. of `PHARMAGRAPH' was done at my house. There was no equipment
available, so I developed and mastered techniques of working without
them. Even colour pasting was done on the bare floor, dressing table
and on the mattress of my bed. During power failure, which is still a
normal routine in Karachi, we used to work under candle light. The
Almighty always helped us and we never faced any difficulty or
problem.
AP: What are your hobbies?
JZ: Reading, writing, music and fun, playing indoor and outdoor
games like cricket, football, cards, carrom, chess, etc. I am a nature
lover and love travelling and adventure.
AP: Which languages can you speak?
JZ: Urdu and English. Urdu is my mother language.
AP: Are you married?
JZ: Yes. I got married on May 14, 1982. My wife, Sabiha, is my
cousin. The marriage was arranged. It was of my choice. In 2007, we
celebrated our Wedding Silver Jubilee. We have four children: Sana
Javed and Madiha Javed (Daughters) and Junaid Muhammad Javed and
Muhammad Talha Javed (Sons). Sana is the eldest and Talha the
youngest. Sana was married to Irshad Haroon on May 19, 2006. Irshad
Haroon is a Mortgage Consultant and is gifted with great abilities and
capabilities. Within a year, he has established himself in his field
and has a promising future ahead. He is a very valuable addition for
our family.
AP: What inspires you the most?
JZ: I get inspiration and positive ideas from everything and
everyone---friends, foes, strangers, nature, thoughts, talks, shows,
books, looks, etc. My media projects team was very good, capable and
supported me at every step. We worked with good understanding and
close cooperation. Individually, they have all succeeded, are well
settled and happy. I Thank them and all my colleagues, friends, near
and dear ones for the sincere love, care and support extended to me.
They are one of the best people I met in my life.
To Contact Javed Zaheer: Tel # (416) 696-0981 or send email
to:jazanews@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
javedz@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
newsviews@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
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