Christopher Alam

Christopher Alam was born in Pakistan on March 29, 1954, the son of an Indian mother and Pakistani army general whose family came from Jordan. Alam family members were known by the honored title shareef, given to those directly descended from Muhammad, the founder of Islam. Because they were direct descendants of Muhammad, the Alams were a "holy" family and thought to be superior to others.

Raised in an upper-class home, Alam went to the best schools and had many servants. But his comfortable life was turned upside down after his parents divorced when he was 8 years old.

Alam went to live with his father, where he says one of his family members beat him. He also was unable to see his mother until he was 17 years old.

When he was 13, Alam escaped his home life to become a Pakistan Air Force cadet, enabling him to receive educational and military training. "I was very unhappy during the time I was there," Alam says.

"I was relieved to be away from my family, but I felt rejection. Inside I was a child, but outside I was in a uniform. I wanted to commit suicide, but Islam says that if you commit suicide you'll go to hell."