I remember vividly, it was about twenty-five years ago. I had recently joined the University of Karachi as a faculty member. One late night around 1am, a senior colleague was giving me a ride back from a wedding when our car was stopped near a police mobile. One of the car's headlights was dim, so we were pulled over. The officers began their routine inspection, questioning us rather brusquely.

After a few minutes of tension and waiting, a voice came from the police van: "Master hain, janay do."(He's a teacher, let them go.)There was a moment of relief - no case was made, no bribe demanded. But it came with a sting. The word "Master" wasn't used with respect; it had a sneering tone, a dismissive familiarity, as if we were harmless, low-ranking public servants, insignificant enough to be waved off. We left feeling small, exposed to the casual disregard society often shows to teachers in our part of the world. It was a release, yes - but it didn't feel........

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