Senior journalist and analyst Najam Sethi - during an appearance on the Samaa podcast - shared personal stories and reflections on Pakistan's political and social evolution.

From quitting cigarettes during a life-altering encounter to debunking rumours about Nawaz Sharif spread by Imran Khan, Sethi delved into intriguing details that offered a glimpse into his experiences and observations.

How army helped Sethi quit smoking

Responding to a question about smoking from host Syeda Ayesha Naz, Sethi revealed a significant turning point in his life. He recounted that he began smoking at the age of 35, driven by stress after moving to Lahore. "I smoked for 20 years," he said.

Sethi shared that during his detention, uniformed officers conducted a medical examination, revealing high blood pressure. When he admitted to being a smoker, an officer offered to bring a carton of cigarettes. "Something clicked in my mind," Sethi recalled. "I told them if you're offering a carton, it means I might be here for a while. But I decided then and there to quit smoking. I haven’t touched a cigarette since.”

Sethi noted that he had initially smoked cigars before transitioning to cigarettes, but his resolve to quit was final, underscoring the life-altering nature of the experience.

Story behind the ‘Chidiya’

Sethi also addressed the origins of his famous metaphorical news source, the "Chidiya" (bird). Drawing from the English idiom "a little bird told me," Sethi explained that he coined the term to signify an anonymous but reliable source of information.

He humorously remarked that the term gained immense popularity, even inspiring people to associate it with literal birds. “When I started using the phrase, people brought pigeons and other birds to me, thinking it was linked to them," he said.

Pakistan’s changing social fabric

Reflecting on societal changes, Sethi expressed disappointment over the growing divisions in Pakistan. "The Pakistan I grew up in was different. Back then, we didn’t know who was Sunni or Shia," he said, lamenting the erosion of liberal values and respect for elders.

He noted that the current political climate has created widespread disillusionment, starkly contrasting with the more optimistic environment of his youth.

Debunking Imran Khan’s claims about Nawaz Sharif

In a notable revelation, Sethi debunked Imran Khan's claims about Nawaz Sharif allegedly influencing cricket umpires. According to Sethi, Khan had shared the anecdote as a joke, implying that Nawaz Sharif benefited from favourable umpiring during cricket matches.

Sethi dismissed the rumour, asserting that Nawaz Sharif was a serious cricketer who played first-class matches. "If he weren’t in politics, he could have been a prominent cricketer," Sethi said, adding that Sharif’s cover drive was his favourite shot.

Sethi, who attended an English-medium school despite his Punjabi-speaking household, shared that he never went to Aitchison College, unlike other family members. He reflected on the inclusive and progressive environment of his formative years, which he contrasted with contemporary realities.