Dr. Farooq Abdullah, a distinguished academician and literary scholar from Muzaffarpur, Mianwali, represents a story of unyielding determination, academic brilliance, and inspirational teaching. From teaching English to first-year students in rural Punjab to delivering lectures at Dartmouth College, USA, his journey is a testament to the transformative power of education and perseverance.
Early Life and Educational Background
In 2021, he commenced his PhD in English Literature at the University of Haripur, a journey marked by intense scholarship and academic distinction. His dissertation was not only successfully defended but also earned admiration from renowned international scholars, including Dr. Vinh Nguyen (University of Waterloo, Canada) and Dr. Asantha U. (PennState University, USA). His primary supervisor, Dr. Imran Ali, along with his foreign advisor Dr. Donald E. Pease of Dartmouth College, played a pivotal role in shaping the intellectual rigor of his research. He also acknowledges the academic mentorship of Dr. Tariq Usman from the University of Mianwali.
Professional Career and Academic Contributions
Dr. Abdullah began his teaching career at Superior College Piplan in March 2018, where he eventually rose to the position of Vice Principal. He also served as the Head of the English Department at Superior Group of Colleges, Mianwali, where he was admired not only for his expertise but for his mentorship and ability to inspire students from modest backgrounds.
In September 2022, he was appointed as a Senior Lecturer in the Department of English Language and Literature (DELL) at Riphah International University, Islamabad, a position he continues to hold. His contributions to the academic life at Riphah have been widely recognized, and he remains thankful to the DELL administration and senior faculty for their continued support.
In January 2025, Dr. Abdullah reached a significant milestone in his academic journey when he was appointed as a Research Fellow and Visiting Lecturer at Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA—an Ivy League institution consistently ranked among the world’s top 150 universities. This prestigious appointment marked a dream come true:
“سپیریئر کالج پپلاں میں فرسٹ ایئر کے بچوں کو انگریزی پڑھاتے ہوئے میں کہتا تھا کہ میرا خواب ہے کہ میں انگریزوں کے ملک میں انگریزوں کی یونیورسٹی میں انگریزوں کے بچوں کو انگریزی پڑھاؤں۔”
(While teaching English to first-year students at Superior College Piplan, I used to say that my dream is to one day teach English to native English speakers in their own universities.)
Today, that dream stands fulfilled.
Online Education and Public Service
In addition to his academic appointments, Dr. Farooq Abdullah is deeply committed to spreading English language skills in Pakistan. He regularly conducts Online Spoken English Courses, helping students across the country, especially from underprivileged regions, improve their communication skills. His online sessions are particularly popular among young learners aiming for academic or professional advancement.
A Pride of Mianwali
Dr. Abdullah’s achievements are a source of pride for his hometown of Muzaffarpur, a village in the district of Mianwali known for its fertile soil and resilient spirit. With his PhD, he has not only added to the growing number of highly educated individuals from the region but has also set a standard for future scholars to aspire toward.
Returning from America after the successful completion of his PhD, Dr. Abdullah is often hailed as “another PhD doctor’s gift to Mianwali”. His journey reflects the intellectual depth and academic potential embedded in the heart of rural Pakistan.
Dr. Farooq Abdullah’s life is an inspiring narrative of how dreams rooted in humble beginnings can reach the heights of global academia. As a scholar, teacher, mentor, and public intellectual, he continues to shape lives both in Pakistan and abroad. His contributions to the field of English literature and language education ensure that his name will remain etched in the academic annals of both Mianwali and Dartmouth. His research has been published celebrated national and international research journals.
