The Pakistan Experience

The intellectual giant that is Tariq Ali - writer, historian, Film maker, dissenter - comes on the The Pakistan Experience to discuss a political history of Pakistan lived through the left.  From inspiring Mick Jagger and John Lennon to write songs to being on the Russell War Crimes Tribunal in Vietnam, From being a child watching Ahmadi shops being burnt down in Lahore to watching Imran Khan cave in to the might of the religious right, Tariq Ali has lived through it all and nobody tells history like he does; a history lived and viewed through the left.  On this episode, Tariq Ali tells stories of informing Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto a coup was being prepared against him and advising Benazir Bhutto multiple times. Tariq Ali also discusses political assassinations in Pakistan, why he thinks the USA got Bhutto killed and the real story behind the Rawalpindi Conspiracy case.  Do yourself a favour and listen to this for two hours; beautiful, articulate and insightful, Tariq Ali informs, as well as delights, with a retelling of his life.

Dr. Abdul Bari Khan, the visionary leader of The Indus Hospital, comes on The Pakistan Experience to discuss the current state of the Corona virus outbreak in Pakistan. Dr. Bari gives an analysis of where we stand devoid of political agendas or any partisanship; he discusses why a lockdown is necessary and what healthcare professionals need right now to fight this crisis.  The Pakistan Experience is a podcast looking to tell stories about Pakistan, and Pakistanis, through the lost art of conversation.

WARNING: The Podcast contains profanity and strong language. Children and people who are easily offended should stay away.  Miss Phudina Chatni is the no holds barred drag comedy character created by Muhammad Moiz. She's feme, she's crass, she tells her story and she holds no prisoners. Deeply comfortable in her own skin, Miss Phudina Chatni, holds no punches back telling the stories of her sexual escapades.  On this episode of The Pakistan Experience Muhammad Moiz as Miss Phudina Chatni discusses the politics of drag comedy,  spiritual, sufism, ishq, gender theory and marginalization.  The Pakistan Experience is a podcast looking to tell stories about Pakistan, and Pakistanis, through the lost art of conversation.

Hurmat Ali Shah got radicalized in Swat. He moved to UET for his college, where he joined the Tableeghi Jammat. After spending years in the organization working for them and preaching on their behalf, Hurmat left the organization due to ideological differences.   Hurmat comes on The Pakistan Experience to reflect on his journey - on why he joined and what made him quit.   The Pakistan Experience is a podcast looking to tell stories about Pakistan, and Pakistanis, through the lost art of conversation.

Asim Sajjad Akhtar is a left wing politician, academic and columnist.   Asim comes on The Pakistan Experience to discuss the history of politics in Pakistan, from the leftist politics of the 70s to the emergence of PTI, Asim does an overview of how we got here discussing some of the forks in the road along the way.   The Pakistan Experience is a podcast looking to tell stories about Pakistan, and Pakistanis, through the lost art of conversation.

Ammar Rashid, the President of Awami Workers Party Punjab, comes on The Pakistan Experience to discuss the role of the political left in Pakistan, especially after the Corona virus outbreak. Rashid weighs in on the successes of the Sanders and Corbyn campaigns, talks about being banned from appearing on television and discusses what solutions the left has for Pakistan right now. Ammar Rashid is a researcher, political worker and musician. The Pakistan Experience is a podcast looking to tell stories about Pakistan, and Pakistanis, through the lost art of conversation.

Tamkenat comes on episode 33 (did you think we would make it this far?) of The Pakistan Experience to discuss her experience of being a content creator in Pakistan. How it is like to be yourself, face societal stigma and what it is like to be a woman in the public eye. Tamkenat talks about her work, her Corona scare and shares her thoughts on the current sociopolitical climate. The Pakistan Experience is a podcast looking to tell stories about Pakistan, and Pakistanis, through the lost art of conversation.

Ammar Ali Jan has a doctorate degree in History from the University of Cambridge. Ammar has taught at GC and PU. Recently, Ammar got into hot waters on Twitter for calling PTI a fascist party, and people questioned Ammar's meeting with Bilawal Bhutto last year.  Ammar comes on The Pakistan Experience to discuss that meeting, why he faced sedition charges and got picked up in the middle of the night, and how we views the future of communism in the world, and Pakistan.  The Pakistan Experience is a podcast looking to tell stories about Pakistan, and Pakistanis, through the lost art of conversation.

Sharmeen Khan is a therapist and a mental health counsellor. Sharmeen comes back on The Pakistan Experience to discuss how to best manage your stress and anxiety during the Corona virus quarantine. It is critical to take care of your mental health as well, Sharmeen discusses the impact this virus could have on mental health and how to best manage your day.    The Pakistan Experience is a podcast looking to tell stories about Pakistan, and Pakistanis, through the lost art of conversation.

Vicky Zhuang Yi-Yin is a Chinese-Pakistani Drama Teacher and works for Olomopolo Media in Lahore. Recently, with Covid19 cases rising in the world Vicky faced racism with people calling 'Corona Corona' on the streets. Vicky comes on the latest episode of The Pakistan Experience to discuss the racist incidents, the Chinese-Pakistani community and to clear about any misconceptions about Chinese people in Pakistan. Vicky talks to Shehzad to share her experience living in Lahore as  a Chinese Pakistani - from growing up being bullied in school for being different to embracing her Pakistaniyat and becoming the amazing person that she is today. The Pakistan Experience is a podcast looking to tell stories about Pakistan, and Pakistanis, through the lost art of conversation.