15/03/2026
*Reflections on Islamia Collegiate School* (1967–1972)
Syed Abrar Hussain
My journey at Islamia Collegiate School spanned from Class 5 to Class 10, a period that remains etched in my memory. A defining moment of my time there was topping the school in the SSC examinations, an achievement that earned me a place on the prestigious Rolls of Honour.
During those years, the institution was led by the distinguished Principal, Sqn Ldr Waliuddin, and Vice Principal, Mr. Roohul Amin. They presided over a galaxy of exceptional teachers, including Haji Abdul Rahman Ghareeb, Mr. Basheer Tariq, Pir Ghulam Muhammad (Mashar Pir Sahib), and Mr. Abdul Aziz Khan Niazi—the visionary founder of Qartaba University. I also recall with great fondness Mr. Muhammad Aslam Faizi, the celebrated Urdu poet; Mr. Firdous Khan; Mr. Shaukat Ali, who later joined the Civil Services; and Mr. Abdul Rauf, among many others. These individuals were far more than instructors; they were mentors and architects of character. May Allah bless them all for their lasting impact on our lives.
Following my time at the Collegiate School, I joined Islamia College Peshawar (1972–1976) for my FA and BA, later moving to the Department of English (1976–1979) to complete my Master’s degree. My professional career began in academia, where I served as a lecturer at various colleges across KP. In 1982, I transitioned to the civil services after qualifying for the CSS examination.
I dedicated the next 35 years to Foreign Service of Pakistan, a journey that included serving as the Ambassador of Pakistan to Nepal, Kuwait, and Afghanistan. I concluded my diplomatic career in 2017, retiring as Special Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Today, I remain active in the intellectual sphere, having authored three books and continuing to deliver lectures at various training institutes.
In reflection, I recognize that the trajectory of my career—from the classroom to the diplomatic stage—was made possible by the academic and moral base built at Islamia Collegiate School.