Meet a true multitasker! Faizan Cheema has redefined the meaning of busy, a forensic scientist by profession, he also knows a thing or two about TV and radio hosting. Read more to learn about his interesting experiences working in the field of forensics and also how he got the chance to embark on the media scene.

PIC

Give us some background on where you grew up, your family and education

I grew up and spent over 15 years in Kuwait; witnessing all ups and downs Kuwait went thru, from catastrophic devastation to amazing development. My dad had been serving in the Ministry of Health of Kuwait as a scientist. My first 12 years of education were catered by schools in Kuwait and rest in Pakistan, where I graduated with a D.V.M (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine) and an M.Phil in Molecular Genetics, working on the genetically deaf and mute population of Pakistan. Presently, I’m engaged with my doctorate by researching and working in the field of Forensic DNA Typing.

You are a forensic scientist by profession, how did you go about choosing this line of work?

Trust me, CSI has always been an inspiration. However, I didn’t always know I wanted to become a forensic scientist, but it’s interesting how the time and fortune that you live in compel you towards your occupation.

"I remain busy all day long with these jobs, it seems remarkable at times. I’m a forensic scientist in the morning and a media man by evening. I can’t say how I find time in fact, time probably finds me!"

What has been your most memorable experience while working in this field?

Forensic science allows you to experience new things every day. There was a case of paternity dispute, where a politician father (a well-known politician, wouldn’t name him) doubted the paternity of his own kid. Briefly, I should say that he was the actual father of that kid, but our tests showed negative results and the case became the talk of the town. While researching his samples, we found a strange genetic picture that we had never been seen before. While testing him for the male sex determining XY chromosomes, he carried the female sex determining XX chromosomes instead due to some chromosomal crossing over malfunction. Although, he was the real father with absolute male characteristics and perfect reproducibility, it took us months and extreme nerves to resolve a simple looking case. It was all over the news!

Besides Forensics, you are also working in the media, doing shows on TV. What kind of shows you host and what you are currently working on?

I started off on TV with some LIVE religious shows such as Understanding Islam & Interfaith Harmony on Aaj TV. I have also worked on some political shows focusing on current affairs analysis with political analysts. Currently, I am designing some special shows on forensic science in Pakistan in order to educate people regarding the ongoing terrorisms in Pakistan and the high level of involvement of forensic science. Moreover, I always focus on taking up shows where we can scientifically educate people with entertainment. I repeat, scientifically!

"One thing I feel that is great about the media is that politicians are now very conscious and are held accountable in front of the people every now and then. "

What do you think of the media in Pakistan? Where do you see it headed in the next ten years?

Media in Pakistan has flourished incredibly in last five years; it has played a big role in making people aware and well informed. Certainly, there have been some biased depictions at times, but competition in the field of media shall rectify or at least minimize those existing problems within the next ten years. One thing I feel that is great about the media is that politicians are now very conscious and are held accountable in front of the people every now and then.

Is there any thing else you do in addition to all these activities.

I also do professional voice-overs for the TV & radio documentaries, advertisements and occasionally deliver lectures on radio journalism to the masters students studying mass communication at various universities.

You were recently in Kuwait hosting a show with some big names of the Pakistani media, how was that experience?

I have previously worked with the big names in Pakistan media, but going international was definitely very exciting and pleasant.

Would you recommend forensics as a line of work that more people should get into? If so, why?

TV shows like CSI & FIR have made forensic science an exciting profession. However, it requires a lot of effort, time and hard work and not many people opt or succeed in becoming such a professional. Nevertheless, it is an innovative science that assures you a dignified future. Above all, it helps mankind receive justice.

Lastly, your message to the readers of The Saturday Post?

I always appeal to Pakistanis to give adequate respect to our country. People living abroad have an even greater responsibility in promoting our country’s image. Give your kids a better impression of Pakistan and recognize your identity! God bless us all and Pakistan. Amen!