Nadeem Farooq Paracha

Nadeem Farooq Paracha, well known journalist, cultural critic and satirist, Nadeem F. Paracha (aka NFP) wrote and worked for The News International (Instep) between 1993 and 2005. He now writes for Dawn (Dawn Images and Dawn Magazine) and Indian Express. He has also written a novelette, Acidity, and co-hosted AAJ TV’s political satire show, News, Views & Confused with Fasi Zaka (2005-09).

Born in Karachi. Left-wing student activist in the mid & late ’80s.
Arrested twice by General Zia’s right-wing dictatorship for “anti-state activities.” Took out Pakistan’s first ever “underground” anarchist newsletter, The Arousal, before joining Pakistan’s largest English weekly, MAG in 1990.
Joined The News, Karachi as editor of the paper’s popular-culture page, Instep, and columnist.

Currently writing a regular column for Dawn Newspaper (Smokers Corner), Dawn.Com (Cafe Black) and one for Indian Express. Has also contributed articles to The Friday Times. – picked from Dawn.Com

Quick Facts

Birth: 6th Feb, 1967, Karachi.

Education: O Level from Karachi Grammar School (1983); B-Com from Saint Patricks Govt. College, Karachi (1984-87); MA Political Science from University of Karachi (1988-89).

Political Career: Vice-President of Peoples Students Federation (student wing of Pakistan Peoples Party) at St. Pat’s Govt. College (1985-86); General Secretary of St. Pats Socialist Students Federation (1987); Information Secretary of National Students Federation at University of Karachi in 1988; One of the founding members of The News Employees Union at The News, Karachi (1993).

Journalistic Career: Feature writer at Weekly Mag (1991-93); Senior Feature writer/Reporter and then editor of The News’ cultural pages (Instept) at the The News (1993-99); Senior Columnist at Dawn Newspaper and Dawn.Com (2005-present); Contributing columnist for Indian Express and Deccan Chronicals (India).

Political Views: Was a staunch pro-Soviet Marxist during college and university. Has been a supporter of the PPP since 1980s, but has also been a strong advocate of alliances between PPP, MQM and ANP. After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, NFP became a strong advocate of left-liberal ideologies and of working towards a strong secular culture and politics in Pakistan. - Info compliled from various NFP interviews and articles written on him on assorted websites.