OP Diaries: The Podcast for Overseas Pakistanis

In this edition of the OP Diaries, I am joined by Omar Sohail, son of the former Pakistan Chief of Air Staff Aman Sohail. Omar gives us an insight into the parallels between civilian life and being an military brat and gives us an insider track into the mindset of a man who commanded so much influence for a number of years, his father. He talks us through the rather unsettled lifestyle one leads as the son of an armed forces officer. We also discuss the privileges afforded to members of the armed forces, the abuse of power, the enormous spending and influence, and the public perception. Lastly, Omar details how after all the places he has lived in due to the nature of his fathers’ job, he has found his ‘real’ home in Scotland where he now resides with his wife.

In this episode, I am joined by Nadeem Zia who is months away from completing his Ph.D. in Accounting and Finance and serves as a lecturer at the University of Dundee and a tutor at the University of St Andrews. As somebody who migrated from Pakistan for further study, Nadeem’s primary interest has always been in matters relating to the Pakistani economy, which is inevitably tied into Pakistani politics. We begin our discussion on the economic woes facing Pakistan with specific examples and ‘tales of scandal’, as well as the role of OP’s as a driving force. Naturally, we pivot and discuss politics like an itch that must be scratched. Finally, we reach some uneasy conclusions like a couple of regular Shahid Masoods and Nadeem offers up some sage advice.

I am joined by Dr. Anees Farrukh, lecturer at the University of Strathclyde, to discuss the age-old Pakistani adage: Log Kya Kahain Ge?* In this episode Anees, who is originally from Lahore, shares his experiences on making the move, studying and teaching abroad, balancing familial expectations and ultimately marrying a 'goree girl'. All of which can put one on the receiving end of a 'Log Kya Kahain Ge?' *What will people think?

Join me, Cheif Rambler Junaid Malik, and my guest Mudassar Rafi as we unfurl our experiences in the UK growing up as OP's (Overseas Pakistanis). Mudassar shares his thoughts on the challenges he faced as a born and bred Brit with Pakistani roots and I do the same as a Pakistani born brit with a smidge more P than O.

From the seemingly bizarre to the downright absurd, these are the raucous tales and observations of an ‘Overseas Pakistani’. Cast aside the caste identities, as we delve into the weird and wonderful lives of Pakistanis overseas.