The media plays a crucial role in glorifying the 'war' between Pak-Indo, even if its just sports
KARACHI: This refers to Aakar Patel’s article titled “Subcontinental contests” published on June 19th. I am an avid reader of Aakar Patel’s columns published in this newspaper. I deeply value his nuanced and highly objective analysis of assorted socio political issues affecting Indo-Pak subcontinent.
I am at pains to explain my sense of sheer disappointment the way cricket has been turned into a gladiators contest between our two countries. I am not belittling the share of Pakistani media in this mad race but feel a more advanced progressive Indian media has played a more negative role in turning this beautiful sport into a war of life and death. I think people like him with a compassionate heart and love for humanity should have played a more proactive role in soothing the ruffled feathers on both sides of the border. For how long will we continue to behave like this?
I sometimes feel happy to know that if Gujarat can produce the vitriol spewing Narendra Modi and Amit Shah it is also your birthplace. You are a gentle soul who only sings the song of love and humanity. If Mr Patel ever happens to visit Karachi I will be more than happy to serve him a fine cup of doodh patti with vegetarian samosas.
Khalid Malik
Published in The Express Tribune, June 22nd, 2017.
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