THIS IS MY STORY—32
MY JOURNEY THROUGH THE ERA OF AYUB KHAN TO THE TIMES OF IMRAN KHAN.
GHULAM AKBAR
MY ODDESSEY IN KOHISTAN
I had met Enayatullah Sahib a year or so earlier. But this was a different sort of meeting. I was a proof-reader and he was Managing Editor of Daily Kohistan as well as Managing Director of the company that owned it.
“How are you Akbar Sahib?” was his first question asked in a polite and affectionate voice.
“Fine Enayat Sahib”, was my prompt reply. Let me state here that the prefix ‘sir’ I have never used in my life. Perhaps because it sounds to me a bit English and slavish.But at the same time. I have always addressed even the best of my friends (except Syed Roshan Zamir Rizvi) quite formally and respectfully. Only my sons and nephews are other exceptions.
“I have learnt that you are reading proofs, “said Enayat Sahib with a faint smile”. “I hope you are not unhappy.”
“I am trying hard not to be unhappy Enayat Sahib. I think reading the proofs on the editorial page should be the responsibility of the writers of the articles.”
“I agree with you,” said Enayat Sahib after a short pause. “But it should have helped you in getting acclimatized with the nature of the job.”
“It took me just one day Enayat Sahib.”
“How well can you write?”
“How can I judge myself?”
“I want you to write a daily column on the editorial page under the heading Kuch Khabron Kay Baray Mein (About the News). You will pick one or two topics from the main news each day, and write analytical backgrounders,” said Enayat Sahib looking intently into my eyes.
“Do you think I can do it Enayat Sahib?” I asked humbly.
“Do you remember I had a political discussion with you last year? I was impressed with your clarity of thought.”
“When do I start Enayatuallah Sahib?” I asked.
“Tomorrow will be your day one,” said Enayat Sahib. Then he pressed the bell button and summoned the office boy.
“Tell Aali Sahib to come down, “ Enayatullah Sahib said to the office boy.
Aali Rizvi the Editor joined us a few minutes later. He was informed about my new responsibilities.
“It is Akbar Sahib’s view, and I endorse it,” said Enayat Sahib to Aali Sahib, “that each writer should read his own proofs.”
This was obviously not liked by Aali Sahib because, despite his natural brilliance and talent, he was a lazy and irresponsible person.
