I moved to USA about 17 years back and hence was relatively out of touch with the developments in Pakistan. Therefore it was not only abysmal but rather surprising to see Zaid Zaman now Zaid Hamid (I am not sure what is he up to or why did he change his name) portrayed as a scholar, a defense analyst, a nationalist and may be someone who can lead our nation in the future. I think the last time I met Zaid was when he attended my wedding ceremony along with few other of his very close friends. All of his associates who attended the ceremony were the followers of a “Peer” named Yusuf. There I came to know that Zaid was not only the devotee but in essence one of the top followers of this “Peer” Mr. Yusuf, an ex army officer with quite a bit of following among youngsters. Later I came to know that this Peer was arrested as he claimed himself to be a prophet.
I met Zaid Zaman first when we went for a debate competition arranged by Pakistan Airforce in Risalpur representing Adamjee Science College. I do not want to comment much about my first impression but it was of course not very pleasant and positive. Then onwards being a debater, I visited Zaid’s academic institution the NED University frequently for different Students Union Programs. At that point Afghan jihad had a great impact on the lives of Pakistani nation. I remember all this not because it was too obvious, but in essence was too weird to too creepy to see Zaid portraying himself as a fighter in a battle field or may be dramatizing his actions as much as if he was acting in a movie scene. Hence I always felt that Zaid had some kind of mental instability. And now being a physician in USA for 17 years, we call some one demonstrating these symptoms as a Bipolar with Manic Disorder type, where one thinks himself as a redeemer, a savior and some one who possess grandiose personality.
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