Cross border infiltration: ‘Media panders more to political than public opinion’

Visiting team and Pakistani counterparts urge for easier visa regime.

HYDERABAD: The media gives more space to ‘political opinion’ than the ‘public opinion’, said Jay Prakash, an Indian journalist who was a part of the 22-member delegation visiting Hyderabad on Wednesday.

“The wishes of the ordinary people are overshadowed by the interest of the states,” he added while speaking at the press club.

Ali Hassan, a local journalist, agreed with his Indian counterparts that media on both sides of the border needs to play a more positive role in giving out information to the people.

The journalists also urged both governments to ease visa policies to increase people-to-people contact, especially with reference to media personnel. Jatin Desai of the Indian delegation praised the culture and language of Sindh and the influence of Sufism in the region. “We crave the spirit of harmony to strengthen relations between India and Pakistan,” said Desai, recalling his pleasure at witnessing Muslims in Sindh celebrating Holi with Hindus during his last visit.

Members of the Mumbai Press Club later visited Hyderabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry where they chatted with the business community. They also visited Kotri barrage on the Indus River, the Hasnat Mohani Library, Sindh Museum and Sindhi Language Authority.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 18^th,  2011.