Gunning for Greg

This needs to be considered as we assess the controversial documentary, attempt to analyse its allegations logically.

For reasons possibly rooted in our psyche, negative news seems always to inspire special delight in our country. The investigative programme, “60 minutes” by CBS, which alleges that many of Greg Mortenson’s claims about the schools he set up in Pakistan and Afghanistan are falsified or exaggerated, has immediately created a stir in the country. Opinion seems to be sharply divided, almost down the middle, with some arguing that Mortenson did at least attempt to help powerless villagers — something most of us in the country have never worked towards — and others accusing him of downright fraud.

The affair highlights several issues. Persons engaged in philanthropy are often targets of all kinds of accusations. Even Abdul Sattar Edhi has not escaped them entirely. But, at the same time, this also highlights the need for a better mechanism in the country to keep a check on philanthropic work in order to establish credibility. There seems little doubt that much of what Greg Mortenson has done is good. It is also true that his heart is in the right place. But for all this, the concoction of events alleged in the documentary cannot be condoned. It should also be noted that well before the CBS cameras began to roll, there were accounts within the country of schools and hostels being run in an unprofessional manner or contracted to outside parties. Talk of other roles played by Mortenson in the key northern areas along the Pakistan-Afghanistan frontier abounded. There were accusations alleging that Mortenson was perhaps more than an educator. These add to the CBS allegations. But it is important to keep balance, not to jump to any conclusions and give time for the mists to clear.

It is also important not to condemn too quickly and, instead, give time for the story to unfold. The Mortenson story has inspired millions. We know a significant portion of his work is factual. Children — who once had no schools to go to — can today read, write and aspire to a better future. All this needs to be considered as we assess the controversial documentary and attempt to analyse its allegations logically and dispassionately.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 21^st, 2011.