Fazal was born in Lahore, Pakistan, a big city in the eastern part of Pakistan, next to the Indian border. He studied mechanical engineering & technology at the University of Lahore. After he finished, Fazal got the opportunity to go abroad for the first time and for a master's program in mechatronics at the University of Hamburg, Germany. Upon completion of the program, he grabbed the opportunity to work and study at the University of Twente, an institution that he values greatly because of its opportunities and facilities. He learned a little bit of Dutch, but not too much. `I found out that almost everyone here speaks English fluently. I do know a bit of the basics of the Dutch language though; my favorite word is goedemorgen.'
After three years at the UT, Fazal now is in his final year and will be defending his thesis in November. He has already published two papers and is currently working on a new design. He is busy, but not too busy to make plans to set up an organization that will enable the Dutch to get to know the Pakistani culture and vice versa. `Since 9-11, there have been a lot of false impressions about Muslim countries. I want the people here to get to know the real Pakistan, with its rich culture and kind people, not the instable and undeveloped Pakistan that is often portrayed by the media.' Through the years, more and more educated, knowledgeable Pakistani have come to the UT for education and research. According to Fazal, there enough Pakistani students to start an organization: the Pakistani Students Association. `Now there are nine of us, we have decided to go for it'.
Through his organization, Fazal hopes to inform Dutch students about Pakistani culture through organizing events,, such as food festivals and cricket matches, Pakistan's national sport. Through these events he hopes to create opportunities for Pakistani students to feel more welcome to study here, and also let Dutch people get to know the country even better. `We want to catch the attention of the Pakistani government and set up an exchange program between the two countries.'
Because this is his final year, Fazal himself won't be able to enjoy his organization very long. But to him, that doesn't matter. `I want to make a contribution by setting up this organization. Someone has to take the initiative, so why not?'
On a personal level, Fazal has been quite occupied as well. Four months ago, his wife gave birth to their son: Hussain. He will be raised bilingually, because Fazal and his wife consider it important for their son to understand both the culture of his country of residence and the culture of his parents' homeland. After earning his doctorate, Fazal plans to work in the Netherlands. `I have learned so much here, it would be very nice to utilize that knowledge in industry. Eventually, we might go back to Pakistan, but let's see how things go.'
FAVORITES:
Favorite food: `I love Dutch bread and cheese.'
Favorite TV show: Prison Break
Favorite place in the Netherlands: Enschede
Best part about living in the Netherlands: The friendly people
Worst part about living in the Netherlands: `Being away from my homeland.'
Favorite sports: `Cycling, running and cricket.'
Favorite film: Braveheart
What do you miss most about Pakistan: The culture
