Journalist, publisher, TV personality and former Marxist insurgent, Najam Sethi, takes great care in what he says and how he says it.
Consequently In 2013 he became a caretaker par excellence. Just before the May 2013 general election he became the consensus choice of the left-liberal Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the centre-right Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) to become the caretaker Chief Minister of the country's largest province, Punjab.
Though he was already a well-known personality in the annals of English journalism and publishing before his appointment, his face and voice truly went national and/or was seen and heard by a more mass audience when he was given his own TV show, 'Aapas Ki Baat', on one of Pakistan's leading private Urdu channels, GeoNews.
By early 2013 the show had firmly established him as a leading liberal voice in an (Urdu) media scene that is otherwise largely dominated by right-wing political narratives and personalities.
Interestingly, by February 2013, Sethi's show (co-hosted by a young lawyer, Muneeb Farooque), was racking up impressive ratings despite the fact that both men had consciously avoided the usual hyperbole and ear-splitting velocity of most TV talk-shows in Pakistan.
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Najam Sethi and Muneeb Farooque. |
The chirpy chirya
Reportedly, Geo had sectioned the show to attract the shy 'liberal' sections of the society. But the channel was pleasantly surprised to discover that conservative viewers too were regularly tuning in to watch Sethi discuss the ins and outs of Pakistani politics.
A political animal to the core, extremely well-read and articulate, Sethi comes across as a man with a ready and vivid set of examples to put forward his point of view, successfully cultivating a reputation of being a rational and neutral political observer.
But it wasn't only this that got his ball rolling; or the way he regularly infuses urban Punjabi humour into his speech to charm his way through certain thorny issues without sounding like a fist-waving opinion-maker.
It was his chirya (pet-bird) that provides the icing on whatever he decides to discuss.
The chirya is what he calls the many sources he seems to have inside and around the corridors of power.
Also read 'Sethi rejoins PCB on 'IPC Ministry order'
A number of TV anchors have claimed having the same, especially those who throughout the government of former President Asif Ali Zardari, kept quoting 'inside sources' about the demise of that regime for years, but only to see it complete its full five-year-tenure.
But what made Sethi's chirya famous (as well as notorious) was the fact that by early 2013, almost ninety percent of the predictions made by Sethi (facilitated by his chirya), came true!
Couple this with the way he complimented these predictions with a well-reasoned analysis, Geo had in its hand a man who was regularly drawing in an impressive amount of viewership from both sides of the conventional ideological divide.
Chirya flies into trouble
However, Sethi's new-found fame in the world of mainstream Urdu journalism and the populist electronic media began to also attract the unsavory attention of a host of elements, both from the right and left sides, who began to accuse him of a number of things.
For example, he had already fallen foul in the eyes and rage of religious extremists and their less violent apologists who constantly accuse him of working for the American CIA.
They also exhibit anger at what they allege is Sethi's agenda to 'misguide the masses' and infuse in them a thinking that these critics believe is against the dictates of the 'Pakistan Ideology.'
The accusations and criticism have not only come from the rightists. In 2013 certain sections of the (self-claimed) left tried to match their rightest counterparts.
In venomous attacks on Sethi in the social media and on websites, they accused him of being an 'establishmentarian stooge', an 'ISI lackey' and (most bizarre of all), a sympathizer of certain sectarian groups!
But Sethi's status as a force on mainstream electronic media remained intact, so much so that the country's two largest parties opted to choose him as Punjab's Caretaker CM to overlook the election in a province where a close three-way contest was expected (between the PML-N, the PPP and Imran Khan's centre-right, PTI).
Elections in the province were held, PML-N swept them, PPP was voted out and PTI did not win the number of seats it was hoping to.
Also read 'PPP rues making Najam Sethi caretaker CM'
As PTI cried foul and PPP was left to lick its wounds, PML-N chief and new Prime Minister, Nawaz Shrarif, now requested Sethi to become the Caretaker chief of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Sethi accepted.
Sethi confesses that he is a simple fan of cricket and not so well-versed in the technicalities of the game. But Sharif was right to expect Sethi to cut through the awkward and messy politics of the PCB to once again make it a profitable and well-oiled machine that it once was, especially before foreign teams stopped visiting Pakistan after the 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan squad by extremists.
New assignments, new critics
Of course, Sethi's new Caretaker appointment generated a new set of critics. First of all cricket experts and some former players accused Sharif of putting a cricketing novice at the head of the board. Sethi's supporters put down such criticism to sheer jealously on part of the former players, many of whom were hoping to become the next PCB chief.
Secondly, Sethi was now also accused of being Sharif's man. As the rightists on various TV channels and the social media continued to wag their fingers at Sethi's Machiavellian ways and his 'pro-West' agenda, his new set of critics pointed at his show's soft line on the PML-N.
It seemed the last accusation was not as bizarre as the ones Sethi usually faces, and he did begin to exhibit a rather soft approach towards an embattled PML-N government.
Also read 'The mad, mad mad world of the PCB'
But in December 2013, he turned around to dedicate a whole show that severely lambasted and took apart Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar's comments on the hanging of Jamat-i-Islami member, Abdul Qadir Molla, in Bangladesh.
Molla who was accused by the Bangladeshi government of murdering and raping Bengali nationalists in 1971 was hanged in December 2013. His hanging naturally drew condemnation from Jamat members in Pakistan, but Nisar (a PML-N man), crossed his mandate and passionately castigated the Bangladeshi government, using a hyper-nationalist tone that Sethi accused of being the same one that was used forty years ago by those who ended up alienating and angering the Bengalis when they were part of Pakistan.
Interestingly, Sethi's castigation of Nisar's irresponsible hyperbole again had the rumor mills rolling when some Nisar fans claimed that Sharif was using Sethi to build a case for him to oust his troublesome Interior Minister.
Sethi entered 2014 as perhaps the most influential mainstream media man in the country. But he does have an Achilles heel: Karachi. Somehow and in spite of having an uncanny ability to quickly grasp political complexities, Sethi has often fumbled in his analyses of the awkward politics of Pakistan's largest (and perhaps most violent) city.
Though his information (conveyed through his chirya) on the who is doing what in political Karachi is almost always spot-on, he stumbles in comprehending the cultural dynamics of the city's politics. Here his analyses are tainted by the old perceptions about the politics and culture of Karachi that still confound the thought process of most non-Karachiites, especially those residing in the Punjab. They have yet to update these perceptions and thus end up understanding the city with the help of perceptions that were first developed in the 1990s.
But this hasn't dented Sethi's uniqueness as such. Though Geo News remains off the air after it erred badly during the attack on one of its other famous talk-show host, Hamid Mir, Sethi's show is still being followed keenly in cyberspace by those who want to cut through the Jerry Springer antics adopted by most anchors, and instead, want their political TV shows to be based on concrete information that is then intelligently and impersonally dissected by a well-informed person with the help of history and a no-nonsense course in the complexities of Pakistani politics.
Sethi Trivia:
Born in 1948. Graduated from Government College Lahore in 1968.
Travelled to the UK to do his masters in economics from Cambridge University and then PhD in 1972.
Discovered Marxism. Travelled back to Pakistan with a group of young Pakistani Marxists to join the Balochistan nationalists in their fight against the state.
Was arrested and tortured in 1975. Released in 1978. Quit politics and established Vanguard Books, a progressive book publishing company.
Arrested in 1984 by the Ziaul Haq dictatorship for allegedly publishing 'anti-state books.'
In 1989 launched an independent English weekly, The Friday a Times.
The magazine was extremely critical of the first Nawaz Sharif regime (1990-93). It then became critical of the second Benazir Bhutto government (1993-96).
Joined caretaker set-up after the fall of the second Benazir government.
Was arrested by the second Nawaz Sharif government in 1999 on trumped-up charges of treason.
Suffered serious health problems during imprisonment.
In 2002 launched an English daily, Daily Times. Later he joined DunyaTV to host his first TV show before finally moving to Geo.
Comments (88) Closed
Marxist turned into a great opportunist. What I don't like about him is his lack of strength of character, loud and clear bias towards India, subtle pro-Nawaz Sharif propaganda that he does all the time, and his narrative against Pakistan military. I think these are enough of reasons to dislike an otherwise very intelligent man.
This reads like politically motivated spin. Sethi is an extremely controversial figure, the allegations of electoral fraud and conflict-of-interest-abuse against him are very real. It is hard to understand what this biased piece is trying to achieve (to the detriment of the Dawn's excellent reputation).
What's the point?? He is still alive right?
Two thumbs up for the piece. Every Sethi fan like me would be obliged to read what you really wanted to say but couldn't.
why do we need to suffer the details of this 'chiri mar' His links and roots are publicly known the Master 35 punctures CM
Print space wasted
what a waste of 10 minutes of my life!!
Can't understand one thing only, what was the purpose of this article?
100 % on the mark.
Great analysis by NFP I am fan of both of you (Sethi saab n urs)
good one, appreciates your style of writting, a rare quality, keep it up.
Sir, I would like you too, to be on Urdu Channels like Najam Sethi and Yasir Pirzada. I remember once you appeared also on Geo's Laiken show.
He also came in the limelight for his expertise in fixing perforations in tyres.
A good comprehensive insight about the life and times of the " Chirya"
Mr. Sathi literally lost every bit of thing which he earned in his life by accepting the caretaker Chairmanship of BCCP after leaving the spot of Caretaker CM of Punjab. It was not befitting for a caretaker CM, particularly having the stature of Mr. Sathi, to accept the portfolio of BCCP. It has compromised his neutrality.
He is history like Dr Shahid and Hamid Meer . You and Jugnoo (her better half) cannot accept a political appointment and then work as a journalist criticizing others. May your journalism rest in piece.
I like Sethi - reasonable, intellectual, polished and well versed in local and global geo-political affairs. I do however believe that he should not have gotten himself involved in governance, specially PCB.
He is a great media asset for Pakistan.
A lahori doesn't understand Karachi, west Pakistan never understood East Pakistan. The saga continues unabated as Pakistan unravels unabated!
Wow, I did not know all that about set hi sahab. Another brilliant blog by NFP
Even though I like Sethi show and his analysis which make more sense than any other show on air but he sure is a PML-N man... Supporting these thieves of PML-N is the only issue I find wrong.
Najam Sethi & Muneed Farroq put up a great show as as mentioned they do not resort to cheap gimmicks.
apparently the writer hasn't heard the term 'conflict of interest'... the only one that matters when doing any analysis of Sethi's role in media and politics.
Whatever other say, I simply don't care! I just love watching his show....The other TV shows have no critical analysis, no manners, no respect for others & are actually trouble makers...
You redeemed Sethi, against whom the biases are growing large and fast,,
Sounds like NFP has a soft corner for Najam Sethi. I wonder why?
I regularly watch
Mr.Sethi is a good predictor and best planner to acquire his wishes of his greediness specially.
@Shams A Sheikh I think you should be worry about yourself. How come you know what awaits you, let alone others?
Dr Najm Sethi is one of the few Pakistani journalist whom I admire for the articulate way he narrates his views on multiple national and international issues in his very informal and heartwarming style couple with subtle humour. Sometimes I wonder that he is one of us in terms of belonging to the group of Khukherian caste. I am Anand by caste and we have many relatives who are Sethi by caste. The only common factor could be that we had migrated from Kohat during at the time of partition and may have shared an area in Pakistan where we lived irrespective of religion and people living there might owe their caste origin to that area. But I am glad that we share something though belonging to different countries and religion.
What about Painty Penture????
A realistic synopsis of Sethi.... Partial reservations on the Karachi point but on the whole an objective portrayal. Najam Sethi must be flattered by the attention.....
NFP...I am a great fan of your articles, but unable to determine why did you spend so much time on a person like Najam Sethi? Is he joining Dawn TV???
Would love to see you on Urdu media too.
An apt and timely article on Najm Sethi whose manner of speech as an anchor should have been emulated by the others! Najm has a colourful personal history viz a viz Politcal activism,however the only shadowy stain was his Imrpint Vanguard, as some of the authors' published ,were plagiarists! As publisher, Najm should have known this. Imran Khan lifted sections of the late Saminia Quresihi" book 'Legacy of the Indus'. Living in the west we advised Samina to sue Vanguard who was distributing the book,however it would not have amounted too much? Intellectual property rights were of no consequence in Pakistan. This being said, I think Najm Sethi is a gifted man and his service is still needed by Pakistan. A good article Mr.Paracha. Well done!
Mr Sethi is my most favourite TV anchor +analyst +Caretaker.he is very cool tempered ,to the point ,have full command over sociopsycology of Pakistan.
Oh, I love his "aapas ki baat" show with Munneb Farooq. I leave everything I am doing to watch his show plus many of his interviews with different personalities in Pakistan and around the world. His views on Kashmir dispute and solutions seem an agreeable option between India and Pakistan.
Perhaps NFP should chirp away some facts too. Sethi does not have a PhD, he only earned a masters and worked towards a PhD but never attained one.
A very biased article. I would have expected better from NFP. Very disappointing. It eulogises Mr. Sethi profusely ------ quite unnecessarily.
Brilliantly put by NFP. Najam Sethi and Nusrat Javed are one of those few people on TV who make sense. NFP is right in saying that his show is leading liberal voice(and probably only) on TV, Sethi say those things in Urdu which English media is printing daily.
This augurs, Najam Sethi coming to DAWN, anytime soon...!!!
Who pays for his Marxist "suits?"
Most of the comments here are not justified in there critique of Sethi. The way her carries himself is admirable and every word he spoke is logical and supported by rational.
He may have a soft spot for PM but, when it comes to due criticism, he never spare anybody.
I'll rate NFP much higher than NS if I have to chose a liberal journalist. At least NFP isn't an opportunist and didn't sell his soul for material gains. Sethi has lost his stock value big time since he chose to be the caretaker and then PCB. But let me say, I do like his political analysis and mostly correct leads by his chirya, specially when its not an issue where he very obviously seems scoring points by criticizing his political opponents and utters undue praise on Sharifs. To his credit, he has been intelligent enough to make a good name in the west and with indians by keeping the things simple as they should be.
He is my favorite anchor person (along-with Nusrat Javed), one may like or dislike his personality and his political leanings (if any), but it is difficult to deny that he presents the most accurate and powerful analysis of developing political stories.
Excellent article... based on one most rational political analyst in Pakistan. As an old saying goes " Ek Heera hi heere ko pehechan sakta hai"
Just tell me how he never able to link any problem in Karachi with Taliban there or Lyari gangs.
@Adnan and what made him such a Specialist on Karachi politics.
@Imran Both are the liberal torch bearers of our unfortunate country, only wish they actually know what the word liberal means.
Love Najam Sethi - Loved this analysis by NFP. I believe the only achilles heel Najam sethi has is about the alleged involvement of India in Balochistan. Would love it if his chiriya offers proof.
He is a solitary voice in the wilderness of Pakistan--sane, analytic, sage, reasoned and calculated voice of maturity. Very good and balanced article.
@Tarry No one asked you to read?
Very good article. I was trying know more about him. I think his marxian thoughts helped him to be so liberal in conservative pakistan. watched most of his geo tv program aapas ki baat through youtube. Being a south Indian it was bit difficult for me to follow his language 100% but still managed. I am sure this program would have helped ordinary Pakistanis to know more on the history of Pakistan. I still remember few episodes like, Distortion of history in Pakistan, 10 mistakes committed by Pakistan, end game in Afghanistan etc. I request all Pakistanis to listen to people like him. Wish him all the success. Thanks Nadeem Paracha.
NFP could have come up with at least one negative point about NS (Najam Sethi, not Nawaz Sharif). I am sure he could have found at least one. Well, for me, Najam Sethi is one of the people who have disappointed me the most in recent times. Is it so difficult to see the 'Facts', NFP? Putting at stake your integrity for the post of chairmanship of PCB, a visible tilt in favor of PML-N and well, a Marxist (albeit former), a freedom fighter vehemently supporting Protection of Pakistan Ordinance and stooping low (morally and aesthetically) to malign Imran Khan (who himself hasn't been anything near to being a big leader) might be some of the 'Facts' or at least the allegations that NFP could have had included in this article. Lately, Najam Sethi has been more cunning than being a genuine genius. I wish he would have stayed out of politics, specifically, N-league politics and we would still have had a reasonable and unbiased voice in discredited media.
Have been reading NFP's work for quite a long time - (clearly, am a fan!) have to say, calling this a waste of my time would be the understatement of the year! Pity I don't have a hard copy of the article, would've come handy as loo roll.
Down with Sethi!
Thank you to NFP for yet another master-piece of an article and credit should be given where it is due, even though, no one is perfect in their analyses and opinions, but we (Pakistani's) must learn to respect and tolerate the views and opinions of others or as they say, "we agree to disagree" without indignation and personal criticism!
Keep it up Messrs. Najam Sethi & Muneeb Farooq; you may have many haters and biased & prejudiced people (incl. some of the biased and anti-Geo anchors in other TV media networks), in Pakistan, but you also have many admirers of your programme 'Aapas ki Baat' (and now watched on cyberspace by your avid fans) and in my view your facts, analyses, understanding of the worldview, opinions and vision in Politics and Intl. Relations deserves much credit and admiration; and one must not forget and praise the questions posed and reports presented by the young lawyer and anchor, Muneeb Farooq. 'Geo to Aisay'!
I hope, Mr Najam Sethi, that you continue in office as Chairman of the PCB for many years to come and sort out this high-profile organisation (and take Pakistan Cricket to a different level), which needs a strong Leader and a top-quality Ambassador for one of the most important representations, abroad, and bring respect (of yester years), success (governance and on-the -field), and credit to the Pakistan Cricket Board, all forms of the Pakistan Cricket Team, the Academy, and raise standards at all levels of grass-roots cricket and provide a promising future for our aspiring cricket-youngsters.
P.S. A British-Pakistani, a practising professional, and an Intl Development management consultant
He is well balanced in his comments and analysis and for that I respect him very much. People who accused him for many wrongdoing have never brought a piece of evidence against him. I also do agree that sometime he seems more in favor of PML(N) but overall he is best political observer in the country. Keep it up Mr. Sethi.
"Was arrested and tortured in 1975. Released in 1978."
i.e. arrested and tortured by ZA Bhutto and released by Ge. Zia.
There is a thriving club of billionaire Marxists out there. They have just changed the name of Marx's book from Das Capital to Das Capitalist.
He is at present working for Sharif's but soon will be a turncoat as soon as their government goes.People like him are double faced.
How many times have we got to hear that "PMLN swept the elections in Punjab" in the face of such overwhelming evidence of misconduct in every single case that was investigated in any reasonable way. How many more of these articles from Paracha, Tahir Mehdi and a few others will Dawn publish?
Great article. I stopped reading your articles after IK bashing, but this article will make me forgive you NFP. I like IK and Sethi. They have difference of opinions but both are strong patriots without any doubt.
Very good article. Only a few journalists on TV are worth listening to. Nagam Sethi, Nusrat Javeed and Mazhar Abbas. (not to forget the colossus of them all Iftikhar Ahmad). They are serious and are committed to old school journalism . NO INFOTAINMNET . Rest of the 'dud dugi nach ' talk show hosts are going to remain such . Jerry springers of Pakistani media. But having said that , Nagm Sethi shouldn't have taken the post of Chairmain PCB. Its not his place to be in.
@ABC NADEEM IS STILL THINKING AND WAIT FOR THE SECOND ONE THAT WILL FOLLOW SOON
@aamir cheema SURE YOU SAY IT WRITTING KEEP WRITING PLEASE
@ghazi Mujib-Ur-Rahman Shami is also quite balanced and level headed. Except when it comes to minorities for whom he has little sympathy.
Mr Sethi's career is a case study of "How to become an insider".hence the "chirya".Mr Sethi's ultimate goal has been self promotion and there is nothing wrong with that to a certain extent.but o the taste power.the more power you get the more arrogant you become. He is an intelligent man.he knows better then to take PCB gig,but like every power hungry person he couldn't resist and put his reputation in questions.let say all his critics are wrong,by taking the PCB job so soon after being"Care Taker" he has proven with the preponderance of evidence his critics right. he had a good chance to walk away from it when a court removed him from PCB, again taste of power got the best of him.
Unquestionably the best news analysis program on Pakistani electronic media. None of the ridiculous shouting matches, with multiple people trying to speak at the same time and attempting to drown the voices of each other that are so characteristic of the rest of the talk shows. Sethi's astute analysis of past and current events is astounding and his ability to predict the course of future development is nothing short of uncanny.
Najam Sethi, Hassan Nisar,Pervez hoodbhoy, Nazir nagi, Ayaz Amir and Reza Rumi are some the saner voices who want Pakistan to behave and become a democratic nation. Najam Sethi
"Was arrested by the second Nawaz Sharif government in 1999 on trumped-up charges of treason." NFP, how swiftly all sins are forgiven. Nawaz Sharif certainly compensated Najam Sethi, appointed him chairman of PCB. In a way funny that a journalist is head of cricket affairs. Man, Najam Sehti is an anomalous character, he quickly realized that Marxism does not offer the perks but chairmanship of PCB does .
My favorite writer writing about my favorite journalist
After reading all comments given by learned commentators I got remembered the cup jilani's decision on case of minorities that syllabus needs to be revised so that social tolerance may be emerged within pakiatan
Marxist turned into a great opportunist. Best Comment
Very good Article .
Paracha Sahab, i think you want to be hockey chairman too. Aik Hamam mai Sab ...
Najm sethi knows that the post and glamour of becoming PCB chairman is more than that of any top federal minister's post. Ch. Nirar dont have a million rupees at his disposal to order any thing of his liking, but PCB chairman has billion rupees to spend as he likes. Here lies the catch why musical chair is at its peak
Sethi and NFP both are Imran Khan Biased. Too much use of rightest, leftest, center right, center left, religious, secular. You are far away from reality.
I like program of Najam Sethi and Muneeb Farooque regardless of Sethi's background and afliations simply because he is logical in his argument. There is need to exercise care in giving of pro- and anti- to anyone but unfortunately as a nation we love to pass on our judgement.
@Fouad Good one sir
great analyst from Pakistani media person . it is one of the best media person which is more popular in all over world . his analysis is based on fact and ground realities
@ghazi I would suggest an addition to your list ; Tallat Hussain .
Haa what a piece abou a man. I wish you too NFP doing some analytical show on DawnNews. Saw you once on AajTV with Mohsin Sayeed but that wasn't extracting your talent perhaps. Pls come on as it's nauseating to be with Rightists around 24/7 on private channels
Once again, great information by NFP! Didn't know about Najam Sethi much but kudos to NFP's brilliant articulation, got to know quite a bit. I do appreciate Najam Sethi's views on politics and other issues but he should have stayed away from Cricket. Would have been great to keep sports away from politics. Alas, that didn't happen.
@event horizon Spot on! Sethi is no different than the prevailing tragic phenomenon among most of the reasonably educated, enlightened and fairly thinking Pakistanis, they all are greedy and selfish to the core and are willing to compromise on whatever principles or convictions they seem to have. Alas this curse is so powerful that such intellectuals do not have more than entertainment value in some 'chirya ghar'.
@Shazia Bangash Nadeem Parcha is very unbiased,truthfull,articulate and very intelligent columnist and dawn should be very proud to have people like Mr.Paracha.
Najam Sethi is quite under-rated in Pakistan, has all the credentials to become the Foreign minister of Pakistan.
Nobody likes the fanatic people.You are scared of them but you cannot accept them as your own. There should be more of Najam Sethi and less of Hamid Gul varieties in Pakistan. There is no other option if Pakistan wishes to survive in its present form. One may not agree with this man, but you cannot deny him the space he has in people's hearts. Jiyo, aur jine do...
@event horizon If one speaks the truth about Pakistan, it will sound biased towards India.'' The west is in romance with india'' according to Mr.Sethi, but that is the truth. Bollywood runs its movies in central London, and the House of Commons celebrate Diwali.
Sethi is certainly one of the most intelligent political analysts out there, but what is disconcerting is his partiality towards the PML-N, something as NFP writes has just started recently.
It is a shame that strength of character has left the educated elite of Pakistan. Sethi could have put his talent and gift of gab to a proper use. But instead he is dabbling in cricket and other limelight positions or endeavors to stay relevant. He has the caliber of high profile cabinet position. Instead we have the likes of Rana Sannaulla and other incompetents. Now Sethi has taken the mental of defending the Sharif brothers regardless of how they run Punjab or the country. Here he risks losing whatever credibility he has garnered over the years.
brothers.