Early Life and Education
A Bright Beginning
Najam Aziz Sethi was born on May 20, 1948, in Kasur, Punjab, Pakistan. Growing up in a region rich with cultural and historical significance, Sethi showed early promise as a scholar. His Najam Sethi early life was shaped by a commitment to learning, which led him to St. Anthony High School in Lahore, where he excelled academically.
Academic Excellence
Sethi’s academic journey continued at Government College University (GCU) in Lahore, where he graduated in 1967. His outstanding performance earned him the President’s Gold Medal, awarded for ranking first among over 50,000 students at Punjab University. This achievement highlighted his intellectual prowess and set the stage for his future endeavors.
Seeking further education abroad, Sethi pursued a B.A. Honours degree in Economics at Cambridge University, graduating in 1970. His time at Clare College was marked by academic success, as he received the Davies Prize for Economics. He later enrolled as a PhD research fellow at Clare College but chose to abandon his doctoral studies in 1972 to focus on political activism, particularly advocating for the rights of Balochistan and Pashtun communities. This decision reflected his early commitment to social justice, a theme that would define much of his career (Najam Sethi education).
Journalism Career
Founding Vanguard Books
Najam Sethi’s journalism career began with a passion for progressive ideas. In 1978, he founded Vanguard Books, a publishing company dedicated to progressive literature. This venture laid the groundwork for his entry into journalism, as he sought to amplify voices that challenged the status quo.
Launching The Friday Times
In 1989, Sethi, alongside his wife Jugnu Mohsin, launched The Friday Times, Pakistan’s first independent English weekly. The publication quickly became a beacon of fearless journalism, known for its incisive political commentary and investigative reporting. Sethi’s vision for The Friday Times was born out of frustration with the lack of media support during his 1984 arrest on copyright charges, motivating him to create a platform that championed free speech (Najam Sethi journalist).
Expanding with Daily Times
In 2002, Sethi founded the Daily Times, a liberal English-language newspaper that tackled critical issues facing Pakistan. As its editor until 2009, he steered the paper toward bold coverage of politics, society, and governance, often at odds with powerful establishments. His editorial leadership solidified his reputation as one of Pakistan’s leading Pakistani journalists.
Television and Political Commentary
Sethi’s influence extended to television, where he hosted Aapas ki Baat on Geo News, a primetime current affairs show. His sharp analysis and insider knowledge made the Najam Sethi talk show a must-watch for those seeking insights into Pakistani politics. He later hosted Sethi Say Sawal on his YouTube channel, continuing to engage audiences with his left-leaning perspectives.
International Recognition
Sethi’s contributions to journalism earned him global acclaim. In 1999, he and his wife received the International Press Freedom Award from the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) for their courage in defending press freedom. In 2009, he was honored with the Golden Pen of Freedom Award from the World Association of Newspapers and the Journalism Under Threat Award from Amnesty International, making him the only South Asian journalist to receive three international press freedom awards in a decade (Najam Sethi awards).
Role in Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)
Multiple Tenures as Chairman
Najam Sethi’s involvement with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is a cornerstone of his legacy (Najam Sethi PCB). He served as PCB chairman or interim chief during three distinct periods:
| Tenure Period | Role | Appointed By | Preceded By | Succeeded By | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 2013 – May 2014 | Acting Chairman | Nawaz Sharif | Zaka Ashraf | Shahryar Khan | Initiated reforms and laid groundwork for PSL. |
| August 2017 – August 2018 | Chairman | Nawaz Sharif | Shahryar Khan | Ehsan Mani | Oversaw successful PSL seasons; resigned after government change. |
| December 2022 – June 2023 | Head of Interim Management Committee | Shehbaz Sharif | Ramiz Raja | Zaka Ashraf | Tasked with restoring PCB’s 2014 constitution; withdrew candidacy in 2023. |
Launching the Pakistan Super League
One of Sethi’s most significant achievements was spearheading the Pakistan Super League (PSL), launched in 2016 (PSL founder). Facing financial and security challenges, Sethi secured support from franchise owners like Atif Rana of Lahore Qalandars, who provided crucial funding. The PSL’s inaugural season, held in the UAE, proved a success, attracting international players and reviving cricket in Pakistan. Sethi’s vision and leadership transformed the PSL into a globally respected brand, with later seasons bringing international cricket back to Pakistan after a boycott following a 2009 terrorist attack (Najam Sethi cricket board).
Challenges and Achievements
During his tenures, Sethi navigated political influences and legal battles, including a rivalry with Zaka Ashraf. He also won a $70 million compensation case against the BCCI, showcasing his strategic acumen. His efforts to improve pitches, enhance fan engagement, and secure international participation elevated the PSL’s status, cementing his legacy in Pakistani cricket (Najam Sethi achievements).
Political Views and Roles
Caretaker Chief Minister of Punjab
Najam Sethi’s foray into politics included a brief but significant role as the caretaker Chief Minister of Punjab from March 27 to June 6, 2013, during the general elections (Najam Sethi politics). Nominated by the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and endorsed by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Sethi was chosen for his perceived neutrality. His tenure aimed to ensure fair elections, but it was marred by controversy, notably the “35 punctures” allegation by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
Political Commentary
As a left-leaning commentator, Sethi has consistently advocated for democratic values, human rights, and transparency. Through The Friday Times and his talk shows, he critiques political establishments, earning both praise and criticism. His affiliations with PML-N have been scrutinized, particularly by PTI, which accused him of bias due to his appointments under Nawaz and Shehbaz Sharif (Najam Sethi PMLN).
Support and Criticism
Sethi’s political commentary has garnered support from those who value his progressive stance, but it has also drawn ire from opponents. The PTI’s accusations, including claims of election rigging, reflect the polarized nature of his public image. Despite this, Sethi remains a respected voice for his analytical depth and commitment to democratic principles (Najam Sethi PTI).
Controversies and Criticisms
Arrests for Activism and Journalism
Najam Sethi’s career has been punctuated by controversies, often tied to his fearless stance (Najam Sethi controversies). In 1975, he was arrested for his involvement in the socialist movement advocating for Balochistan’s rights, detained until 1978. In 1984, he was jailed for a month under General Zia-ul-Haq for publishing a critical book. Most notably, in 1999, he was arrested by the Nawaz Sharif government on charges of treason after planning a BBC interview on government corruption. The Supreme Court released him due to insufficient evidence, and international organizations like Amnesty International supported him, designating him a prisoner of conscience.
The “35 Punctures” Allegation
The most prominent controversy was the “35 punctures” allegation by PTI leader Imran Khan, who claimed Sethi rigged the 2013 elections in 35 constituencies for PML-N (Najam Sethi PTI). The accusation, based on hearsay, lacked evidence, and PTI’s Arif Alvi later apologized, admitting it was based on rumors. However, Imran Khan and others persisted, escalating claims to “70 punctures.” Sethi denied the allegations, threatening defamation lawsuits, and the controversy highlighted the political tensions surrounding his public roles.
Tehmina Durrani Dispute
In 1999, author Tehmina Durrani accused Sethi of misappropriating royalties from her book My Feudal Lord, published by Vanguard Books. Durrani claimed Sethi and his wife Jugnu Mohsin withheld her earnings, leading to a legal dispute that was settled out of court in 1992. The controversy resurfaced during Sethi’s 1999 arrest, adding to his public challenges.
Sethi’s Response
Sethi has consistently defended himself against criticisms, emphasizing his commitment to truth and fairness. He has dismissed allegations like the “35 punctures” as politically motivated and maintained his integrity in the face of legal and personal attacks, often leveraging his platform to counter misinformation.
Awards and Recognition
Najam Sethi’s contributions to journalism and public service have earned him numerous accolades (Najam Sethi awards):
| Award | Year | Organization | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| International Press Freedom Award | 1999 | Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) | Awarded to Sethi and Jugnu Mohsin for defending press freedom under threat. |
| Journalism Under Threat Award | 1999 | Amnesty International | Recognized Sethi’s courage in journalism despite persecution. |
| Golden Pen of Freedom Award | 2009 | World Association of Newspapers | Honored his contributions to press freedom globally. |
| Hilal-i-Imtiaz | 2011 | President of Pakistan | Pakistan’s second-highest civilian award for journalism and public service. |
These awards highlight Sethi’s resilience and impact, making him a celebrated figure in global journalism (Najam Sethi achievements).
Personal Life
Najam Sethi is married to Jugnu Mohsin, a distinguished journalist and publisher of The Friday Times (Najam Sethi wife). Their partnership extends beyond personal life, as they have collaborated on numerous professional ventures, including their media enterprises. They have two children: Ali Sethi, a celebrated singer and author of The Wish Maker, and Mira Sethi, an actress and journalist who has worked with The Wall Street Journal (Najam Sethi family).
Sethi’s personal values reflect his professional ethos—commitment to democracy, free speech, and social justice. His willingness to face arrests, threats, and controversies underscores his dedication to these principles, making him a role model for aspiring journalists and activists.
Najam Sethi on Social Media
Najam Sethi maintains a robust presence on Twitter, with over 3.2 million followers (@najamsethi) (Najam Sethi Twitter). His tweets cover politics, cricket, and social issues, often generating significant engagement. For instance, in June 2023, he announced his withdrawal from the PCB chairmanship race via Twitter, citing political instability. His Najam Sethi latest tweets continue to spark discussions, reflecting his influence in shaping public discourse.