Friday, March 25, 2011

The Fantasy of Cricket Diplomacy

Pakistani Team arrives in Chandigarh. The players are required to give four hour prior notice if they want to go out of Taj Hotel where they are staying.


If you had questions on your mind such as what can a game of cricket do for two countries that are not friends and have been so insecure about each other’s intentions that they chose to become nuclear powers and have never had smooth diplomatic ties, then here is the answer: Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is to watch the 30 March Pakistan India ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 Semi Final match. And that is not all. World leaders observe complicated diplomatic protocol to meet one another but Manmohan Singh has invited Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani to come to the stadium and watch.

The two countries who have never played each other in India since 26/11 attacks in Mumbai will surely attribute the outcome as a diplomatic victory or defeat for themselves. The frustrations that both have developed towards each other eversince they separated in 1947 are often vented through cricket matches and so its not just a game of cricket that fans from both sides enjoy.
How Shiv Sena killed the astrologer parrot who had predicted Pakistan’s victory is just a recent example of what a Pakistan India clash means.

India might earn some more money by selling tickets, issuing around 5000 visas to Pakistanis and generating economic activity for hotels but then that’s the best this match can achieve. I doubt if Mr. Singh and Mr. Gilani might be able to persuade each other of their point of views on human rights violations in Kashmir.

Security concerns for Pakistani cricketers and the visiting fans remain very real ahead of the match on Wednesday. The fact that cricket fans on both sides celebrate each other’s defeat with no less happiness than they cheer their triumphs gives an impression there is another Pakistan India war in Mohali on the 30th.

I wonder what was it that led Shahid Afridi to fantasize about Pak India relations improving as a result of this match because both countries would have to play cricket almost everyday before they can sit down and tackle issues crucial to the security and survival of their people.

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Don't Ask Don't Tell!

A hurried attempt to answer the questions on fb page.....

Sara Rehman so you could be followed by those who r not journalist! tell us something about your family background, your hobbies! and would you like to suggest any special courses for those who are keen to join JOURNALISM but they are not journalist, have you done any such type of course or diploma to switch over journalism? waiting for your answer!

WR: I come from a Kashmiri family. I was born in Islamabad and studied there mostly. I always like to visit Islamabad. My hobbies? Well, In high school, I was the President of the hobbies' club. Every thursday ( last working day of the week in those times), all students who were members of that club used to gather in the last two periods and would exchange things about their hobbies. Some brought their stamp collection, others brought coins. Some decided to subject us to their singing. I have a personal collection of over 2000 postage stamps. In those days, I used to sit and admire my stamps for hours all by myself. The ritual also included counting and exchanging stamps.At the same time I liked to play the flute and so was a member of the college band!
Later, I became interested in news and so was lucky enough to get a chance on Pakistan Television. That was not an easy hobby to persue at all. There was a pressure of studies and training on the side. But I feel i kkind of grew up in those days. Learnt so much. Not only about this world but also got to know about myself. News was a hobby for which I would have to wake up at 5 am and report for call.

Hobbies keep on evolving. These days I like to read but I don't think I am doing much of that.

Sarah Munir have u ever felt like holding back your tears while reading any dreadful news?? if yes then when was it??

WR: There is nothing wrong in crying. Every human being is capable biologically of crying. When and where is it appropriate to cry, is a vast debate. For example, many would say its inappropriate to cry in public or that boys should not cry for its a sign of weakness.
I have been heart wrenched by many news items while on air. Frequent terror strikes , human rights violations such as a surge in child rape cases are all stories I wish wouldn't happen. How people lost so much in last year's floods was something that made me really sad when I reported from some of those areas.

A newsanchor is supoosed to be above emotions when on air. I guess, that trend is changing now.

Sara Rehman and would you like to suggest any special courses for those who are keen to join JOURNALISM but they are not journalist, have you done any such type of course or diploma to switch over journalism? waiting for your answer!
Hassan Hakeem so you have no formal degree in journalism?
March 8 at 10:12pm · LikeUnlike

WR:This is a FAQ. See, its very important to complete first what you are studying already. I mean if anyone wants to join journalism , I would never say that you leave your Master in Math degree incomplete and join journalism. Complete what you have started. Then see if you can get enrolled for a related subject. There is so much to choose from in social sciences. Mass communication is something that so many people study. Short courses is something more easily available abroad than in Pakistan. Independant institutions offering training journalists is something that is not easy to come across. I will get you more specific details if I come across them. Yes, I donot have a formal degree in journalism .

Aisha Zahid Khan how do people know so much about you???? do they stalk you or something????
March 8 at 10:21pm · LikeUnlike

WR:Do they know much about me? Really? What gave you that impression?

Mahnoor Sundas w0w gud chance for us to ask you you anithing ....many of question pple ve alredy asked you anihow....waqs tell me wot r da key elements to b gud friend of y0u:)??????nad did ever perform in dramas??

WR: You are all good friends already. I donot like to lie and don't want others to lie to me. Never, performed in dramas but did have an offer at one time!

Maroof Hussain Sabri I always wonder, why do girls ask so many perosnal questions???
March 11 at 5:13p
WR: This is for girls to answer..but may be because they are born journalists!!