RIDING THE STORM OF POLITICS WITH EQUANIMITY | Jawad Sohrab Malik | A lawyer, businessman, humanitarian, and now a Government Minister
Jawad Sohrab Malik is an eloquent and coherent man – he can easily persuade you in one conversation about the ideas he believes in, the modus operandi of the current coalition government and policies he’s working on to bring changes as the Special Assistant to Prime Minister. He’s surely very convincing when he tells you that the better days are not too far ahead and how the measures taken by the government to bring the economy back on track, will soon start to bear fruit – you want to believe him not only because you desperately want to see the progress happening and the economic turmoil to be over but also because he seems very genuine in his intentions about wanting the positive change. You can see, with his vocal opinions and articulate language — why he is at the center, influencing policy, representing Pakistan as a whole and given the responsibility of SAPM. He has a distinguished air about him. He exudes the quiet confidence of a man who has made decisions that have placed him among the more prominent members of his profession.
Mr Sohrab’s political antecedents are entrenched in politics. His paternal grandfather, Malik Munir Khan was an active politician and remained Chairman of Gujar Khan. His maternal side is the distinguished Soomro family whose politics dates back to over 100 years. His uncle Muhammad Mian Soomro, served as Governor Sindh, Chairman Senate, President and Prime Minister of Pakistan and is currently the sitting MNA from Jacobabad. His mother, Maliha Malik remained an active PPP member and was also awarded Senate ticket by the PPP.
Enriched with multiple ideas, our team sat down with Mr. Jawad to have a candid chat with the man and hear his views. From his favourite politicians, business advices to what’s his favourite part of being the Federal Minister, we covered all the basis. Read on...
What’s your favourite time of the day?
Mornings with my coffee
What’s your biggest weakness?
On a personal note: I’m unable to give as much time to my family as I would wish to. Generally speaking, I give people benefit of doubt
What is your biggest strength?
Inflexible integrity
What makes you angry?
Hypocrisy annoys me
What’s that one vice, you wish to give up?
I can’t resist chocolates and annoying my lawyer (he doesn’t mind; I pay him well)
What’s the best compliment you have ever received?
Humility
What are you most excited about these days?
Serving the people of Pakistan
Sweet or savory?
Both
What’s the priciest thing you have splurged on?
A variety of chocolates (Smiles)
What is one thing that people don’t know about you?
A lot, I’m a very private person
Three things you cannot live without?
Coffee, work and my family
Who is your most relatable TV character?
To be honest, none
What’s the most adventurous thing you have done in your life?
Many
Define yourself in three words.
You’ll have to ask people who know me
Top three favourite politicians?
Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy, Jimmy Carter and Clement Attlee
What’s the worst/best thing about being a politician?
Best, you get a chance to serve the people. Worst, opportunities missed due to factors beyond my control
Who is your dream mentor?
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
Your best investment?
Family and public life
What’s your favorite part of your current job as SAPM?
The opportunity to serve the country and most importantly being able to assist people even in the smallest way possible
What’s your pet peeve?
Arrogance and lack of cleanliness
What is something you notice about someone when you meet the first time?
Civility and humility
What’s your guilty pleasure?
Watching TV
What book have you recently finished?
Art of War by Sun Tzu
What TV show have you most recently completed?
Lectures on intellectual history
What makes you feel accomplished?
Helping people in whatever way I possibly can
What’s your favourite vacation destination?
Northern Pakistan
How do you like to start your day?
Coffee followed with a morning walk
What motivates you to get out of bed in the morning?
A new day and the things I can do.
What’s one of the biggest challenges you have faced to date?
My brothers murder case
If you could switch your life with one person, who would it be?
My carefree childhood before the death of my father
You can have a dinner party with any 4 people in the world (living or dead). Who’s on your invite list?
Socrates, Einstein, Grace Kelly and Mirza Ghalib
What is that one thing you’ve always wanted to try, but you have been too scared to?
Sky diving
What’s one of the best business pieces of advice you’ve ever gotten?
There are no shortcuts
What lesson did you have to learn 'the hard way’?
Timing is crucial
If you could snap your fingers and have founded another business, what would it be?
Any eco-friendly business
If you got 3 business-related wishes from a genie, what would you wish for that would help a young entrepreneur starting out?
Finances, facilitation by the state and guidance
Who is the first person that comes to mind when you hear the word 'successful entrepreneur’ and why?
My father, he started from a scratch and attained significant success
In a bad mood, do you want to be left alone or have someone cheer you up?
Have someone cheer me up
What is something you always travel with?
My iPhone
What’s your favourite food?
Japanese
What is a movie that made you cry?
‘Meet Joe Black’
When did you last cry?
During my relief efforts for flood victims last year
What’s that one talent you wish you had?
Languages
Are you confrontational?
Yes
What’s the superpower you wish you had?
To undo ecocide
Do you believe in second chances?
Yes
What is something that you are really tired of?
Apathy generally
What is a trend you like to see disappear forever?
Lack of women empowerment
How do you manage your work life balance?
With difficulty
If you could go back in time, what would you tell your 22-year-old self?
Life is short, savour every moment.
INTERVIEW: SUNDUS UNSAR RAJA
PHOTOGRAPHY: SHAHBAZ SHAZI