Hi! I’m an applied macroeconomist with over 16 years of experience in research and teaching. My work focuses on macroeconomic modeling, econometrics, and policy analysis, particularly in areas such as development, energy, tourism, and environmental economics.
Alongside my academic work, I have always been passionate about traveling and learning from different cultures. Within Pakistan, I have visited many cities and regions, which helped me understand the diversity of people, traditions, and perspectives across the country.
Recently, I decided to take this curiosity further and explore the world more actively. My goal is to visit around 50 countries over the next 10 years, meeting people from different cultures and learning from their experiences.
To align this journey with my academic work, I plan to participate in social science conferences in different countries. These conferences give me an opportunity not only to present research but also to meet people, understand new cultures, and learn how societies think, live, and organize their economies.
I am particularly interested in crowdsourcing ideas and perspectives through conversations with people from different backgrounds, because I believe the best way to understand a country is through the experiences of its people.
During my travels, I keep a notebook of reflections, stories, and lessons from the people and places I encounter. One day I hope to turn these experiences into articles and books about cultures, ideas, and human connections across countries.
I enjoy thoughtful conversations about economics, culture, travel, and global issues, and I always appreciate meeting open-minded people who like exchanging ideas and stories.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I’m on Couchsurfing because I believe the best way to understand a country is through its people. Traveling is not just about seeing places for me; it’s about learning how people live, think, and experience the world.
As an academic and traveler, I often visit different places for conferences and research collaborations. During these travels, I enjoy meeting locals, sharing ideas, and hearing personal stories that you can never learn from books or hotels.
My long-term goal is to visit around 50 countries in the next 10 years, and along the way I want to learn from different cultures and perspectives. I keep notes of my experiences and conversations, which I hope to turn into articles and eventually a book about cultures, ideas, and human connections across countries.
Couchsurfing feels like a great way to experience places more authentically and meet thoughtful people who enjoy exchanging ideas and stories.

Interests

Traveling, discovering new cultures, meeting people from different parts of the world, long conversations about global issues, exploring cities on foot, local food and street markets, history and geopolitics, academic conferences, learning how different societies think and live, writing travel reflections, and exchanging ideas with curious minds.
I also enjoy hearing people’s life stories, understanding local traditions, and learning small everyday things that make each culture unique.
My goal is to visit 50 countries in the next 10 years, meeting people along the way and documenting what I learn through conversations, experiences, and observations.

• culture
• traveling
• life
• stories
• people's stories

Music, Movies, and Books

Earlier in my life I enjoyed classical music and even learned to play the mouth organ. Over time, as my understanding of my religious beliefs deepened, I decided to move away from music and movies. For many years now I have tried to avoid them and focus more on reading, learning, and meaningful conversations.
I enjoy reading books about economics, human behavior, global development, and institutions. Some books that influenced my thinking include Freakonomics, How to Win Friends and Influence People, Rich Dad Poor Dad, and Why Nations Fail.
These days I prefer spending time in discussions, reading, traveling, and learning about different cultures and societies.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

One amazing thing I’ve done is decide to explore the world through people and conversations, not just places. My goal is to visit 50 countries, attend academic conferences, and learn how different societies think and live—documenting these experiences in a notebook that may one day become a book.

Teach, Learn, Share

Teach:
I can share insights about economics, global development, and how different economies work. I also enjoy discussing research methods, data analysis, and academic life. Beyond that, I can share stories from my travels across Pakistan and my experiences in international academic conferences.
Learn:
I love learning about different cultures, traditions, and ways of thinking. I’m especially interested in how people live their everyday lives in different countries, local history, and the perspectives people have about their society and the world.
Share:
Good conversations, curiosity about the world, travel experiences, ideas about economics and global issues, and hopefully a few interesting stories from the places I’ve visited and the people I’ve met.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I enjoy meaningful conversations and exchanging ideas about economics, cultures, global issues, and travel experiences. I can share insights about Pakistan, its society, traditions, and economic challenges, as well as my experiences from academic research and international conferences.
I’m also happy to listen and learn about your culture, local perspectives, and daily life. I respect people’s homes and spaces, and I try to be a thoughtful and considerate guest.
If you enjoy discussions about the world, ideas, and cultures, I’m always glad to share stories, perspectives, and good conversations.

Countries I’ve Visited

Saudi Arabia