On May 2, 2023, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the foreign minister of Pakistan, sat down for an exclusive interview with Rajdeep Sardesai on India Today. The interview was significant, as tensions between the two countries have been high and it was a rare opportunity for Pakistani leadership to address the Indian public directly. Despite Rajdeep's somewhat aggressive approach, Bilawal handled himself with poise and grace, effectively conveying Pakistan's position and efforts in the fight against terrorism.
Bilawal began by expressing his commitment to peace between India and Pakistan, stating that his country has been a consistent advocate of peace talks and dialogue. He highlighted how Pakistan had taken significant steps to combat terrorism, including the successful operation against terrorists in the Swat Valley and the North Waziristan region.
From the outset, it was clear that Rajdeep's approach was combative. He began the interview by pressing Bilawal on Pakistan's role in the Kashmir conflict, which has been a source of tension between the two countries for decades. Rather than getting defensive or confrontational, Bilawal took a measured approach, stating that Pakistan has always advocated for a peaceful resolution to the conflict and that India should come to the negotiating table. He went on to stress that Pakistan has taken significant steps in the fight against terrorism and has been a leader in the region in terms of counterterrorism efforts.
Bilawal's response was not only factually accurate, but it was also delivered with a calm and authoritative demeanour that immediately diffused Rajdeep's aggressive tone. He was able to effectively shift the focus of the interview away from the Kashmir conflict and towards Pakistan's efforts in the fight against terrorism. Bilawal also took the opportunity to highlight the fact that Pakistan has been a victim of terrorism itself, with thousands of innocent lives lost in attacks across the country.
During the interview, Rajdeep Sardesai attempted to steer the conversation towards his own personal experiences of losing friends to terrorism, in what appeared to be an attempt to elicit sympathy from the viewers in order to show Pakistan in a poor image, however, Bilawal deftly steered the conversation back to the issues at hand, and his own personal experiences of dealing with the impact of terrorism on his family and his country. He spoke in detail about how his mother had been a victim of terrorism, not just as an individual, but as a representative of the Pakistani people and their commitment to democracy and pluralism. By referencing his mother in the context of terrorism, Bilawal humanised his emotions on the topic and his deep personal commitment to the fight against violent extremism, and at the same time ensured that Rajdeep attempt to belittle the efforts of Pakistan were set straight.
One of the most impressive aspects of Bilawal's interview was his ability to stay on point and deliver his message succinctly and effectively. Even when Rajdeep tried to derail the conversation by asking leading questions or making provocative statements, Bilawal stayed focused and refused to be drawn into an argument. He was also able to use his knowledge of the subject matter to effectively counter Rajdeep's arguments, which helped to reinforce his credibility and authority as a spokesperson for Pakistan.
Another important point that Bilawal made during the interview was the need for India and Pakistan to work together in the fight against terrorism. He stressed that terrorism is a global threat that affects both countries and that cooperation is essential if they are to effectively address the issue instead of just trying to use terrorism as a leverage point for political gains. This was a significant point, as it demonstrated Pakistan's willingness to engage in dialogue and work towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Overall, Bilawal's interview with Rajdeep Sardesai was a masterclass in how to handle the media effectively. He effectively communicated Pakistan's position on a range of issues, including the Kashmir conflict and the fight against terrorism, and was able to shift the focus of the interview towards Pakistan's positive contributions to the region. Despite the Indian journalist's attempts to provoke him, Bilawal remained calm, composed, and focused on the issues that matter. He eloquently defended Pakistan's record on terrorism, highlighted the need for peace and dialogue between India and Pakistan, and showed that he is a leader who is committed to promoting stability and prosperity in the region.
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari's interview with Rajdeep Sardesai on India Today was a significant moment in the tense relationship between India and Pakistan. Bilawal's poise and grace under pressure were commendable, and he effectively conveyed Pakistan's position on a range of issues while highlighting the positive contributions that Pakistan has made to the fight against terrorism. In contrast, Rajdeep's confrontational and unprofessional behavior was disappointing and only served to reinforce the already strained relations between India and Pakistan and demonstrated a lack of journalistic integrity. His performance was a reminder that, even in the face of hostility and aggression, diplomacy and statesmanship can still triumph.
Overall, Bilawal's performance during the interview was impressive. He demonstrated his ability to handle difficult questions and remain calm under pressure, even when confronted with a negative tone from the interviewer. He showed his knowledge of the issues facing the region and presented Pakistan's position in a positive and constructive manner. While the conduct of the Indian journalist during the interview may have been questionable, Bilawal's conduct was exemplary and should be praised.
Owais Shaikh is the CEO and Founder global tech startup Miletap. All facts and information are the sole responsibility of the writer