Muhammad Majid Shafi, currently a medical student at Rawalpindi Medical University, is a passionate writer....
COVER STORY
Muhammad Majid Shafi, currently a medical student at Rawalpindi Medical University, is a passionate writer. His journey as a writer began after he was selected as one of only a hundred Pakistani students to visit China while he was an O Level student. This experience inspired his debut travelogue, When I Was in China. Since then, Majid has been contributing insightful essays and articles to Us magazine for over a year.
Us: What inspired you to write when I was in China?
MMS: My book was inspired by a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: being chosen from across Pakistan as one of a 100 Pakistani students for a partially funded trip to China. The concept of ‘Pak-China friendship’ is frequently discussed in the media, so I wanted to document its true essence. With China being a popular destination for students wanting to study abroad, I aimed to share insights into Chinese society and highlight potential challenges, such as language barriers. Additionally, I wanted to convey that while there are areas for improvement in our own country, everything that is ours is not bad.
Us: Can you tell us more about the book?
MMS: My travelogue covers an exploration of three Chinese cities—Beijing, Shanghai, and Shao Xing. It’s not just about sightseeing; I have detailed the infrastructure, the people there, the food, and the travel experience. The book also offers a comparison between Chinese and Pakistani societies, looking at aspects like traffic discipline, health priorities, and societal values. It’s a reflection on what I observed and learned along the way.
Us: What was the writing experience like for you? How does it compare to your previous work?
MMS: Balancing my demanding academic schedule with the demands of writing the book proved to be a formidable challenge. Writing the book took quite a while, unfolding in bits and pieces. It took longer than writing an essay, as I worked on it whenever possible. Unlike my previous work, mostly essays for Us magazine on various topics, the book is narrative-driven, allowing me to share a personal story and detailed experiences.
Us: Does your medical background influence your writing?
MMS: Well, regarding my book, I started writing it when I had just completed O’ Levels, so being a medical student has not impacted it much. However, I must say that some of my write-ups definitely reflect my experiences and observations as a medical student. For instance, during Basant, I witnessed patients coming to the emergency department of DHQ Hospital, Rawalpindi, with injuries related to kite-flying. This compelled me to write the article ‘Say no to flying kites!’ to raise awareness among young people about the serious consequences of this popular activity. That article was published in Us magazine.
Us: Who are some of your favourite authors, and what do you like about them?
MMS: Growing up, I was enchanted by the writings of Roald Dahl. His stories, crafted specifically for young readers, are not only easy to read but also rich in imagination, which truly captured my interest back then, and remains engaging even now as well. I also read Urdu novels. I found Aangan by Khadijah Mastoor outstanding. It is particularly fascinating because of it vivid portrayal of the struggles of an ordinary household during the tumultuous time of partition—a theme that has always resonated with me.
Us: What’s your view on the Pakistani literary scene?
MMS: I believe Pakistan has a wealth of talented and passionate readers. However, I’ve noticed a concerning trend among many young people—my peers, in fact—who increasingly favor social media over traditional literature. They find Instagram reels and stories more engaging than books and often bypass newspapers, choosing instead to stay updated on current affairs through social media platforms. This shift in habits makes the literary scene in Pakistan seem somewhat bleak to me.
Us: Can you share your experience with Us magazine as a writer?
MMS: My journey with Us magazine has been phenomenal so far! I was delighted when my first article was published in Us magazine over a year ago. Since then, I have written extensively on a range of different topics and I have always found Us magazine to be a supportive platform where my writing is appreciated. I get confidence from getting my stories published in Us and am inspireed me to continue writing.
Us: Any advice for aspiring writers?
MMS: Keep writing, even if some pieces remain unpublished—it’s all part of honing your craft. Consistent writing not only builds skill but also resilience. Reading newspapers is equally valuable, as it broadens vocabulary, sharpens language skills, and keeps you informed about the world. And always strive for growth: revisit your past work with a critical eye. If you find areas to improve, it means you’re evolving as a writer. If not, you might be missing valuable lessons. Remember, learning is a continuous journey, and each draft, published or not, is a step forward.
