Faisal Qureshi & Wife, Mixing Facts & Opinions

What is wrong with this picture ?. Faisal Qureshi is the co-host of the show Karvan, on News One channel with his wife. They had four guests on this particular show. A reporter, a retired Brigadier, a Baloch leader and a PPP representative, N.D. Khan. The topic was Balochistan.



When Faisal Qureshi raised Bhutto's role in the dismemberment of Pakistan in 1971, N.D. Khan the PPP loyalist, of course jumped to defend him. What happened next, you can follow in the video. What Faisal is alleging, may have merit behind it. What N.D. Khan is demanding --that there be a separate panel, with independent guest of stature who should argue Bhutto's role in East Pakistan's secession-- also seems fair. So why does this exchange appear so unseemly ?.

Because N.D. Khan in his advanced age is right, however, he gets clobbered by a young husband-wife duo, who are better actors with larger lungs.

Faisal Qureshi & wife are the hosts, conducting the show. They can ask questions, "Sir! I have the right to ask questions [in a democracy]" as Faisal contends. But as N.D. Khan points out later, Faisal cannot become partisan and fling accusations. Especially, when he loses it and starts casting absolute allegations in the guise of facts. "This is my future which you have ruined!... you have categorically ruined the future of this country...".

These are not opinions. They are stated as facts. Categorical facts.

His wife (bless her heart), hammers the final nail into the coffin. She starts accusing N.D. Khan of not having a "democratic mindset!", since what Faisal just finished saying was "just an opinion!... everybody has an opinion!". When cornered at the end, for flinging accusations, Faisal again retreats behind the safety glass of democracy. "Democracy means I have the right to question!", finger digging into the table and looking around for approval.

Democracy, is not some chador you use to cover up personal bad behavior.

Yes, you can question. But that, is not what you did. You flung personal accusations. You badgered him, slammed your fist onto the glass table, pointed and wagged your finger into the face of an elderly gentleman. All the while wearing that smug, self-satisfied, oh-I-am-so-clever look. You were not only wrong in principle, but also in appearance, manner and tone. And what it did was, shift any sympathies from you, to your guest.

That's why there is only one Talat Hussain in Pakistan. A man who has the gift of weighing situations and intentions. Who can negotiate his way through dangerous waters, political static, baits and rhetoric to arrive at a thoughtful resolution. That not only requires brains (which Faisal has too), but an emotional IQ tuned at the highest frequency.

Faisal & Co. has a lot of work to do, starting with learning how to differentiate fact from opinions. Journalism 101.

Faisal Qureshi... Come On Down!*

At this time, "Bang-e-Dara", the program hosted by Faisal Qureshi, is just more of the same. Political conflict and controversy are tossed back and forth, disguised as current affairs and to what end ?. What possible good could come of it ?. We expect this fare from a hack, but not from a highly educated, erudite young man.

In my humble capacity as a viewer, I would like to suggest that Bang-e-Dara be the fountainhead of knowledge that informs and inspires the future generations of Pakistanis.

For instance, invite Dr. Samar Mubarikmand or Dr. Ata-ur-Rehman for in-depth discussions on the various (green) energy resources in Pakistan and how we can best tap them. Dr. Hoodbhoy for how best to institute educational reforms. Sen. Khwaja Asif on the pitfalls of the Rental Power 'Scheme'. There are plenty of experts who could discuss the engineering aspects of infrastructure programs which have become political footballs, like Kalabagh Dam. Similarly, we can discuss Health, Economics, Ecology, Consumer Affairs, etc armed with graphs, charts, maps and Power Point presentations.

These thorny issues and challenges should be explored with experts in the field, one-on-one, with conclusions based upon facts and merit of their arguments. Not political wrestlers who try to showcase the strength of their vocal chords and paucity of grey cells.

In short, you can continue to try and compete with the talking (shouting?) heads, or shift the paradigm of discourse to something meaningful. Something of real value and not just more fluff and static. And who best to do it, than a fellow who is comfortable with science and technology, is aware of his surroundings and has the gift of communication ?.

You are the right man, at the right time and in the right place to play your unique part. Question is, will you do it ?.

(*) "... Come On Down!", is a phrase made popular by Bob Barker

on his longest-running game show on CBS called "The Price Is Right".