y three-year association with Khaled Ahmed was made possible by the South Asia Free Media Association. The experience offered me the privilege of meeting Khaled sahib and being exposed to his profound ideas. Initially, I was hesitant to speak in his presence, fearing that my poor understanding of issues might lead to a conversation unworthy of his intellect. Over time this nervousness melted away.

Khaled Ahmed was associated with SAFMA as the director of the South Asia Media School. His enthusiasm for the school’s activities was inspiring. It was driven by his single-minded commitment to imparting quality education and fostering critical thinking in the youth. In the seminars and conferences he attended, he made sure that the message was communicated clearly and in simple language. This made it accessible and impactful for all audiences.

Every evening, on his way home, Khaled Ahmed would stop by the room I shared with Anjum Rashid and engage in a brief discussion on a current topic. One of the most memorable and extended conversations I had with him occurred during a trip to Bhutan, where we were attending the SAARC Journalist Summit organised by the SAFMA. One afternoon, some of us decided to take a hike to the Taktsang Monastery, famously known as Tiger’s Nest. Midway through the climb, a few of us, including Khaled Ahmed, decided to rest. As we sat there, a lively conversation ensued. Some of Khaled Ahmed’s remarks from that day are etched in my memory.

He said, “Most people admire fierce animals like lions, but my favourite animal is the jackal. People often say that it’s better to live for one day as a lion than a hundred years as a jackal. Not I. I’d rather live a hundred years. As a thinker, I need the time to reflect, learn and understand. A hundred years should be fine.”

He also said, “A father can significantly impact an individual’s life. However, those who don’t have such a father may actually be fortunate. A ‘perfect’ father often leaves his children incapable of achieving anything. Thankfully, my father wasn’t like that. I had to carve my own path. Perhaps that was the best thing that could have happened to me.”

Khaled Ahmed emphasised the importance of equipping young journalists in Pakistan with a thorough understanding of issues such as religious revivalism and peace in the region.

Anjum Rashid turned to Khaled Ahmed and remarked, “When most people in Pakistan were oblivious to the impending threat of extremism and terrorism, you were already warning about these dangers. How did you foresee that things were heading in the wrong direction?”

Khaled Ahmed responded, “Even before Benazir Bhutto’s first term, extremist organisations like Lashkar-i-Taiba and Jamaat-ud Dawa had emerged. These were led by a group of extremists. The establishment’s objective was to fuel armed struggle for a united Kashmir. This was the inception of extremism and terrorism. Back then, when I was writing about these issues, a leader of Jamat-ud Dawa had me abducted because of my writing. Knowing that extremist leaders thrive on self-adulation, I touched his knees upon meeting him and said, ‘Sorry, I made a mistake. Please forgive me.’ Hearing this, his ego swelled. He embraced me, issuing orders that I be sent back safely with full respect.”

Khaled Ahmed also shared his perspective on language and emotions. He said, “Romantic expression is most impactful in one’s mother tongue. It has a charm and beauty that cannot be replicated in any other language.”

While designing a course for a media school, Khaled Ahmed emphasised the importance of equipping young journalists with a deeper understanding of issues like religious revivalism and peace in the region. Recognising the complexity of these topics, he drew on his extensive expertise in international relations and conflict resolution to help aspiring journalists approach these sensitive issues with critical insight and nuanced perspectives.

His wisdom and insights will continue to inspire those who had the good fortune of knowing him. This is his enduring legacy for generations to come.

The writer, a development professional, was a director programs at South Asia Free Media Association