Indo-Pak Talks: Comedy and Controversy

Two 'unembeded journalists' in Sharm-el-Shaikh

The highlight of our week in Sharm-el-Shaikh, Egypt was indeed the meeting between the Indian and Pakistani premiers and, the media hysteria surrounding it. Generally speaking, the classic tit-for-tat between the Pakistani and Indian media, the segregated briefings, and the venomous patriotism was rather comical.

It will be less than honest if I do not state upfront that this experience was not new- I covered Musharaf-Singh meetings in New York in the same frenzy. Actually, last week I saw some glimmer of hope. A journalist from Pakistan, Khalid Hameed Farooqi of Geo and two of our counterparts from India freely shared information, schedule of country specific briefings, footage and most importantly, a passion for freedom of the media.

When Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gillani arrived at Boran Resort with his delegation and embedded Pakistani media, a few of us were already there. SAMAA, Geo, and two from an Indian TV. We were the only South Asian journalists who were not embedded in their respective government’s delegation and that’s why we had arrived days in advance to cover Non-Aligned Movement.

First the Prime Minister’s limousine pulled in front of the hotel. But after some debate and confusion, they decided to go to the back of the hotel. We of course ran as fast as we could to assume our position before Mr. Gillani entered the hotel. To our surprise a large group of Indian journalists had already staked-out at the back entrance.

From everything that I have read in history, biographies of successful leaders, and theory of effective communication, it was a ‘God send’ opportunity for Mr. Gillani to establish himself as a leader of the region. I understand that the Indian media was unruly, hysterical and trying to provoke him to say something controversial. However, it is in situations like these one demonstrates their innate leadership qualities.

Mr. Gillani, unfortunately, missed this opportunity. He spoke hesitantly, without eloquence or cadence. In fact, his demeanor was that of a politician in training.

In that frenzy I had captured a few minutes of footage that I needed to send to our news desk in Karachi. I went to the media center setup at Baron Resort by the Pakistani embassy in Egypt to park my equipment and upload. Soon I saw Geo and two of his Indian counterparts also enter the room. Indian journalists were asked to leave within minutes. Again it is not new or unilateral. Several times in past I have been stopped from entering Indian media centers in New York and Washington DC.

Based on my experiences in New York and DC I was discouraging Khalid Hameed Farooqi from sharing anything with Indians. I had told him that he was fool for letting them know when Pakistani PM was arriving or the timings of media briefings. When we were subsequently not invited (allowed) in the India media center, I was sure to rub it in his face.

Media briefings and back and forth between Indian and Pakistani media centers continued for the next two days. Not surprisingly, the majority of Indian and Pakistani journalist did not file any story on Non-Aligned Movement. This second largest multi-lateral Summit was a non-event for them. While India had fully participated the entire week, Pakistan was not adequately represented in the first four days of the summit.

Both sides used their media as negotiating tools. A Pakistani journalist (English print media) was fed a story of ‘deadlock’ to adjust Indian diplomatic temperature. It worked… Indians had toned down their rhetoric after this story emerged on the web.

The day when two South Asian Prime Minister’s were to meet was total chaos. We had to go through three separate sets of security clearance – first Hotel security and, than Egyptian security cleared us and finally Indian security. Bunch of Indians and Pakistanis had pretty much taken over the lobby of this five star resort. Pushing and shoving just to get a glimpse — Indians had one question: TERRORISM. It is such an important question but these tactless journalists were throwing very funny one-liners. Like a broken record they would just repeat it over and over again. I wonder if these journalists hide their lack of skills and creativity behind show of patriotism.

After almost three hours of anxiety, when the Indian official brought a written joint statement, a tiniest camera person who was probably 5’ tall and must not have weighed more than 100 lbs, snatched all of it and tried to run. God knows why he did that – but I found it hilarious. What was even more funny that the Indian Secretary who was embarrassed for losing his joint statements wanted to get physical and rough-up this poor fellow.

Well, the joint statement was encouraging for Pakistani journalists who immediately reported to their outlets… it was important that two Prime Minister’s had agreed that terrorism – not each other’s country – is the main threat to each nation, and they will cooperate in fighting it. The joint statement said that “action on terror should not be linked to the composite dialogue process and these should not be bracketed” and that “terrorism is the main threat to both countries.” In theory, at least, that should allow talks to resume regardless of what’s happening on the ground.

It was a great outcome- when Prime Minister Gillani emerged from the meeting he had another chance to establish himself as a voice of reason, as a representative of a country that wants peace in the region. Indian journalists of course kept throwing single liners: “how are you going to stop terrorism,” “can you guarantee no more terrorism” etc.

Some advice for the Pakistani Prime Minister going forward: Don’t walk and talk at the same time- that puts you in a weak position as if you are running away from media; Respond in loud and clear voice – even if your response is circular; Take few questions- and clearly say: Thank You, No More Questions; Walk away and don’t look back; some simple rules of the road

It was a chaotic event- but the outcome was decent. As per the media collaboration across the border- I am still of two minds. I am not sure if my friend Khalid’s collaboration with Indian journalists will yield result in near future. What do you think? My personal experience tells me otherwise- but I would rather be wrong.