David Page: From Edwardes College Peshawar to BBC

PESHAWAR: Dr. David Page, a distinguished historian, media expert, and former editor of BBC, passed away recently in London on October 10 after suffering from unexpected heart complications after recent cancer treatment. He was 80.

According to Ali Jan, a noted cultural expert and historian from Peshawar, Dr. David Page was fondly remembered for his time in Peshawar, where he taught English at Edwardes College from 1966 to 67 as a VSO volunteer during his gap year.

His colleagues at Edwardes, including Professor M.S. Zakki, joined the college faculty simultaneously, recalling him as a humble, good-natured, and knowledgeable man.

Prof Zakki reminisced about their joint excursions in younger years to Thandiani, horse-riding lessons, and David’s enjoyment of the simple pleasures of Peshawar’s Walled City and Qissa Khwani Bazaar.

Page’s friendships with M. Rafi (the older brother of Prof Zakki), Ziaul Qamar, and Shareef Sahib, among others, cemented his deep connection to Peshawar, a city he returned to every few years.

During his time in Peshawar, David wrote a book titled ‘Page by Page’, addressing the challenges local students faced in learning English as a second language. Although little known today, it is possible that a copy of it may still be found in the Edwardes College library.

After his time at Edwardes, David returned to the UK to complete his doctoral thesis at Oxford University, focusing on the constitutional origins of the Partition of India. His career led him to the BBC World Service, where he worked for over 20 years. He served as the Editor of the BBC Urdu Service from 1977 to 1985 and later became the first Editor of the BBC Pashto Service, which he helped establish in 1981.

David Page’s colleagues, including Mark Tully, held him in high regard for his deep understanding of South Asia’s media landscape, as well as his fluency in Urdu and familiarity with Pashto.

His influence extended beyond broadcasting. He was a Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies and a respected author contributing to works such as ‘Prelude to Partition’ and ‘Satellites over South Asia’. His research and consultancy on media law and policy impacted journalism in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.

David’s caring and hospitable nature shone in his relationships. When M. Rafi visited London, David warmly insisted that Rafi stays at his apartment, showing the same generosity that characterised his lifelong friendships. David’s last visit to Peshawar was in February 2019, during which he attended dinners and gatherings arranged by his former students and colleagues.

“David Page’s passing marks the loss of a gentle, thoughtful and scholarly man whose contributions to media and academia left an indelible mark on South Asia. He will be dearly missed by his colleagues, especially his close friends in Peshawar, who cherished his warmth and enduring friendship,” said Ali Jan.