A very well-educated friend once described Islamabad as "five miles from Pakistan."

What a brilliant guest Shahzad, hats off to you for roping in a person who despite being an outsider understands the complexities and dynamics of Pakistani elite

Brilliant podcast. While talking about these elites, it almost felt like some other world was being discussed. That's how much the difference is between these people and the common Pakistani. They claim to be working for us, yet they have never for a second of their life lived in our shoes and felt what we feel.

This guy and the podcasts are criminally underrated

This guy is undiscovered diamond!!! Love from 🇮🇳 great conversationalist ❤️❤️

This is the very first time am listening to any Pakistani podcast as i hated influencers culture here . Who talk from the privileged position and absolutely disconnected with ground reality no matter how hard they try. But this guy had right questions to ask and guest did such tremendously informative work and both recognised the right patterns and context to this conversation. Absolutely enjoyed how professional and well rounded her conversation was .

Everyone you interview Shehzad is a heavy weight in their area of expertise, but you match them intellectually and the conversation that flows is genuinely intelligent and ground-breaking. I especially appreciate, how you started the interview by reminding her of her own privilege, as a young white woman with access to these elite spaces. You're doing some of your best work!

Some of feudals in Sindh have big residences up to 40 acres . Even in big cities they have banglows spread on acres . Where as economists say Pakistan has 50% poor population but in Sindh that ratio is 85% . God bless Pakistani generals who want feudals but not masses ,living gracefully in Sindh .

I am a British born Pakistani woman. I first went to Pakistan when I was forty and I felt so upset to see what poverty most people live in. I hated seeing rich people living in mansions but round no infrastructure. I just again went recently for a few weeks where I got to see more insight all I could see is bribe and who you know. If I was rich I would help out and develop some areas for the poor people instead of filling my pockets and my families. These elites have no Islam in them.

A British born Pakistani here who's not yet visited my parents ancestral homeland. This is a surprising good interview. JazakhAlllah

Dr. Rosita Armytage was very cordial and diplomatic at first and then the truth started coming out once she realized she is among friends. Many thanks to both of you for staying balanced and voicing our concerns and speaking our fears of being eternal vassals of the state and the super wealthy.

In awe of the guest's research and your courage in bringing her on board. More power to you

❤️ From 🇮🇳. Thanks for keeping the intellectual perspective all through.

This was spot on, precise, and brilliantly done! I'm amazed at how accurately Dr. Armytage understands the entire elite structure here. Bravo!

What I do really like about this podcast is the quality of guests !!! 👍👍👍

Pakistan is not a poor country it's a poorly run country, may Allah protect our brothers and sisters there

Doing great work Shehzad! Your method of covering various topics and engaging with guests is truly unique and refreshing within the Pakistani podcast space! 👏

Bro, you are inspiring others more than you can appreciate. Well done, and keep up the great work.

Although we know how immoral and corrupt of Elite is but it is always an eye opener hearing the new account of their blatant shameless and actually thinking that they are reformers and actually giving guidance to Pakistanis. I hope she have touched the Military Elite also but she has done enough already Thanks to Dr Rosita and you Shehzad for letting us hear all this. Good Work

Very good ,keep it up man. Efforts like these for sure are going to help your country grow and solve its problems,as knowledge and awareness are the real power

This was so fun , I loved it . I started to listen to “thought behind things “ and then came across your podcast, I love how your questions are raw and not sugar-coated. I want to lastly add that the first thing that anyone does after increasing their wealth is to get the validation and the company of the elite. I SAW PEOPLE GO TO GREAT LENGTHS FOR IT.

I'm a British Pakistani and this podcast was amazing to see. I've always wondered how the wealth situation In Pakistan can be changed. The truth is, no one has the answer, not even Dr Rosita. The truth is that you have to remove these wealthy families and that's just not possible. I do hope pakistan can fix itself but honeslty it's a complete shambles.

Watching this resulted in my inner Gora complex satisfied. Finally Shehzad bhai, now even your family will recognise "Podcasting" as a real job.

I love the way you ask the questions, the relevance and delivery. it's so engaging

The connection of different families , political parties and military people is already known and obvious, but a good research on them makes it a record.

Probably best episode after atif mian's podcast . Hope your channel cross 1 million soon. Love from india

The podcast was done in a really light mood, all the laughter, but the entire content is depressing, as you say, you feel outraged at those military, bureaucratic and financial ELITE. But the thing is now we are at the inflection point, this cannot continue anymore, Pakistan has no more blood in her veins anymore for those parasites to suck.

So Pakistan is basically a crime thriller XD btw this was a mind-blowing episode yar... Loved every minute of it! ❤️❤️

43:30 That’s correct. British continued supporting the landed elite from Mughal era. Heck the last emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar was on British pension. British were not here to upset the cart. They wanted to just manage the cart by keeping top elite (both Hindu and Muslim) happy.

So basically The Elite of Pakistan is a collection of families of feudal lords, business tycoons, army personnel, journalists and politicians who form social connections through marriage, schooling system and social clubs. The fueds came into power by supporting British Raj, Business tycoons were sponsored by Jinnah and Ayub. All of these Pakistanis in general and the elite in general tend to keep a piety based social discourse to remain popular.

These podcasts should be a part of the school systems of these elite schools here... Give the younger generation the opportunity to know better and eventually do better than their predecessors

By far the best podcast platform in Pakistan ! Good luck and well wishes from Melbourne.

There are few conversations which change your perspective.... This was one of them for me

Excellent. Very frank, interesting chat. Even among the elite there are also levels, the rich elite, the political elite, the miliestablishment elite, the english speaking elite. Do we have a middle elite. Let's continue watching the rest of the podcast.

How disgusting to be part of the elite group.

She is amazing and was candid during whole conversation.

Well done shahzad..... Full of knowledge podcast uploading nowadays

Oh what an enjoyable conversation. Good humor on both sides. Thankyou for having Rosita who so beautifully articulated her insights. Will definitely get a hold of the book!

Excellent podcast. I learnt a lot. Respect from India.

TPE hands down is the most intellectually developed podcast coming out of Pakistan . Shahzad is brilliant at what he does and I am sure his personal privileged background helps him in getting all these extremely interesting individuals to this podcast but he does a fantastic job ! Apart from a certain drift towards his own political and ethnic leanings ( no one is perfect ) he stays rational and unbiased . Keep it up , and continue to shine and educate ! Not sure why this podcast doesn’t get more hype which it truly deserves .

How proud can financial hyper-elites be rendering their country a failing state that attracts the pity and contempt of the region and the world?

Thank You for your efforts, both of you ♥️

Keep doing the good work bro...100k is soon and then one million

It's really sad that in a country where everyone is starving, the rich will not only *not* pay what's due on them, but also make more people starve through these mafias. Sickening. And none of us can do anything about it.

Excellent interview. She knows more about Pakistan than most Pakistanis.

I was longing for a KZfaq channel in Pakistan that contains this kind of content, and finally, I have found it. I just subscribed to your channel, and I will definitely recommend it to my friends. Please make sure that the content is as truthful and informative as possible like this video, and continue to raise awareness about the topics you cover. Thank you, and God bless.

Why the hell this podcast not even have 100k followers...this is the best Pakistani podcast i ve ever heard..

Thanks for never disappointing us🤜

This episode in the middle was like that scene in the God Father by AL Pacino "Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in!'. Your episodes are easy to watch till the end. This one had a slight dip in the middle where I was about to leave it for later, but then you pulled it back! Amazing work mate. One day, this will pay off.

Glad I discovered you long time ago.... your podcasts are becoming better and better....

A brilliant episode.. conducted beautifully and in a crispy way.. Thoughtful and Provocative..

Interesting discussion on current and historical realities of Pakistan.

Interesting conversation. Found parallels in India, where in some states the politicians & elite behave exactly in the same manner as Pakistani elites are treating the state & country like their fief & the masses as there for serving them. This is the crux of the problem the reason for the animosity to certain political parties because they stand in the way for such a kind of aggrandisement by the few over the many.

what an enrichig and candid podcast!

Very correct evaluation of ground realities about the origins of Pakistani elites tracing it back to colonial era in fact stooges ( traitors) of the Britishers. She says it’s top 1% or ones with income of 100 million dollars a year which 100-200 families

This came on my KZfaq feed and I am glad I listened through the whole interview. Brilliant interviewer & great topic of research by the interviewee too. Learned a lot - especially found the part about luring certain families across newly formed nations back in the days.

This is such a great podcast😍 I saw her session in KLF & really really got inspired with her. Thank you for having guests like these♥️

I am the son of Indian immigrants living in UK. Your channel is awesome. This is a great video.

wow wow and wow. I loved every second of it. I was so submerged and focused in the discussion that did not even notice, how long was I sitting for. I have watched many many podcast most of which are not led by Pakistanis but this one is a Diamond in the rough(Pakistan). Keep it up, Loved your style of doing it.

1st reason, One of the main fundamental reason why Pakistan going back ward - - Most of the people of Pakistan don't know that The colonial system of jaghirdar / jamindar was abolished during land reforms in former East Bengal / East Pakistan now (Bangladesh) in 1950,India in 1951 but still it is totally absence in Pakistan. Still Pakistan protecting the colonial system of jaghirdar and General's and establishments. When 1% ( jaghirdar and Punjabi Ruling Elite and Army Establishment ) of pakistan controls 99 % Pakistan then Nothing will be OK.That 1% was a gift of colonial British mindset. People of East Bengal realized that colonial mindset from 1st day but still people of Pakistan living in Denial mindset of colonialism.2ND Reason why Pakistan going back ward that is majority people of Pakistan are not serious about their country. 3rd reason is that people of Pakistan are sleeping last 75 years but don't want to wake up and those people of East Bengal did wake up and fight for equal rights & justice from first day to 1971 they're now one of the fastest growing nation in the world. 4th fundamental reason pakistan and the people of pakistan systematically destroy own identical roots , language ,traditional values and heritage of ethnicity and diversity. Another reason is that people of Pakistan always take short cut policy and their is no long-term futuristic Sustainable development program or plan for future - No Educational & Socioeconomically plan but still waiting for next Sultan or kind of Leader to Grow. Last 75 years Pakistan made a lollypop mindset in Pakistan that Pakistan and people of Pakistan are only greatest and Rightful but rest of the world fake & false . It's a multi organ failure of Pakistan.It's too late to make changes in course correction after 75 years in the DNA of Pakistan.it's a martial race nation and its not a country for the people but it's a country for jaghirdar and General's with colonial setup of mindset and still living in confused Denial mindset and conspiracy mentality and it became self-destructive nation. 1% ( jaghirdar and Punjabi Ruling Elite and Army Establishment ) use Pakistan as a strategic depth to sell own land and sovereignty to the foreign power and create different types of Armed Terror group for Billion USD and destroying neighbor's but when you keeping snake in your backyard and expect them to only bite your neighbor's but that snake bite you too . Pakistan became as a garrison state with colonial setup. Pakistan is an over Militarilise state. It's neither a Islamic nor a democratic country.Socially- Politically - Economically and Mentally Pakistan became Black Hole and still Pakistan is existing part of colonial legacy . If the Grass look greener on the other side of the world. Stop comparing, Stop complaining and Start watering the grass you are standing on.*PAKISTAN SE ZINDA BAAGH *🙈🙉🙊

Thoroughly enjoyed this episode. It was really very very informative and interesting. Hats off to you and Rosita. And btw there's another netflix movie plot for the future.

imagine if this podcast was in Urdu. and was broadcast to the general population of pakistan.

Shahzad, thank you for an excellent podcast on the elite..and thank you Dr. Rosita for your discussion. Didn't quite the title of the book at the end, but I'm sure the bookshops will find through author name search.

So much rationality and patriotism you have for Pakistan... I enjoy your podcasts and keep doing the good work that you do❤

After listening to what she had to say about how the Pakistani "Elite" cannot even make their own decisions when it comes to marrying, or even the amount of mental gymnastics involved to keep the 'guilt" at bay for exploiting and abusing the systems of the country to pat themselves on the back and say to themselves that they're the good guys, frankly, I don't envy these people. I think they deserve each other. The pursuit of wealth through prouductive means without exploitation is an obligation, America and the EU has achieved it. It can be done, although it is a high watermark. These aren't "Businesspeople" you've been interviewing in your naivete Dr. Rosita, these are Kleptocrats. 90% of them have a foreign passport in their backpockets as an easy getaway ticket if things take a turn for the worst.

Well done mate.. keep growing.

KZfaq played this video randomly there is this new Shorts-like feature that does that now. You came off witty and smart I like the whole tone of the interview man. She is such soft spoken and articulate person I was instantly drawed in just couldn't scroll past it. You have done it again man 🙌 I'm sure you had just as much fun doing it as we did watching it. Take care man

The Catwoman quote was priceless. Very insightful discussion.

The gujerati elite ran pakistan and even if they were waived to pay tax for first 10 years pakistan progressed only in those 10 years. The actual problem was Punjabi and Sindhi politicians.

Great podcast. Thanks for the brilliant work😊🙌

I have to be very honest *** Simply amazing *** this was a very very interesting conversation, I was glued to it. Well done. Best wishes.

Agree,this is when it was the Durani empire that my ancestors served the English and lead into battles their armies and when the British left,our ancestors inherited from them good deal of land and the all was destroyed,they also led the mutual armies into the field of battle,but then it finished then all.

The part when she said , they are sitting on each other's laps and arms around each other , laughing and giggling ,had me fall out of my chair laughing only to realize that those parties are the same ones in the movie eyes wide shut. Edit: Why is it abnormal to hear people with power misuse it , they have been doing it for the last 4000 years.The Greeks , Romans , you name it they all did it , the british PM was hosting Bunga bunga parties during lockdown.A lot of people at high up places used to visit epstien Island .This is nothing new.As a common person our job should be to be sincere , honest and help one another rather than to constantly whine and moan.

100 to 200 ELITE families🤔🤔 How many from these are army or politicians??

Hey ! This is a brilliant podcast brother. Sincerely loved the smooth operator in you. Almost felt you folks were in my living room.

I wish interview was conducted by a more seasoned interviewer. Shahzad was repeatedly putting across his own subjective opinions n biases within the questions rather than asking objective questions... this naturally prompted interviewee to respond and comment more within those lines. On the other hand the Lady was quite diplomatic and careful in making her statements and comments. Her chuckles, umms, aahs showed she was very deliberate in choosing words that wouldn't create any complications between her and her Pakistani elite'friends'.

Thank you for making this podcast!

Somewhere an elite kid must be listening to this podcast and very much possible that he/she will just regard the points discussed in this podcast as sham or will say that this is targeted against their families. But know this that if this doesn't give you an idea of a possible coming civil war then you are living in a fool's paradise.

As long as the elite is getting along as they have been, Pakistan will keep bumbling through, no matter how many forecasters predict its downfall and default

This is amazing show. I heard him for the first time and I just love this man. Great work

Listening to this after the Zaman Park incident, things become much clearer about the Army generals & why they see Imran Khan as, perhaps an existential threat. Imran Khan is not just disrupting, he is upending the very idea Pakistani generals work their lives off for. Money, power & more money.

Nawaz Sharif had zero sugar mill before came in power. During power, Sharif family has developed 20 sugar Mills now.

Not naming names? Then what's the point? We all know these stories. It's the names that would help us make the right decisions.

Just Waooooooooooo carry on. 👌

The only Pakistani KZfaq channel which I can share to somebody for getting knowledge..... Hats off to you brother, you are doing an amazing job...

very interesting podcast. Thank you for this podcast

This was a lot of fun.

I LOVE THE DYNAMICS OF THIS PODCAST. A FOREIGNER TEACHING PAKISTANIS WHAT'S WRONG WITH PAKISTAN.

Excellent discussion

Great podcast. Love from India

Thank you very much for your very informative and very interesting program Looking forward to hear more such programmes

Nice work. God bless Pakistani public.

Ali Riaz's hilltop villa in Bahria Town Karachi has the same thing. Tables will be full of English liquor but when theres a press conference or meeting or something, they remove that super fast & go all "Allah Allah, bismillah" on camera

I'm a member of Landhi group !! 😎

Lack of land reforms in Pakistan is one of the major reasons of wide gap between rich and poor in that country.

What’s her opinion about British monarchy where loads of money and wealth is just passed on within one family without any questions asked or the fact that the current PM of UK is richer than King Charles ? Top 1% elites exist all over the world and they have enormous power and influence. Pakistan is no exception.

Pretty mature and insightful

I admire the guest for her work. I would feel v toxic just being around the `elite` she was.

Excellent podcast. Now this is the type of content I want from your channel, Shehzad.

Excellent. Job well done. Very interesting topic and probably very important one. Again very good choice. Probably number 1 problem in our society. You have my sub. Looking forward for more serious topics to come.