TV THOUGHTS: Sherry Rehman's advice to media, civil society; Animals rights, Filmfare Awards, US diplomats

In a way, one feels that the private TV channels have begun returning to their infotainment and entertainment programes, as the political weather changes, and they perceive that there are some signs of change, and an enduring scenario. And that these will blossom and bloom, as spring is in the air, after the 18th February mandate.
There are signs that a new government is coming, even though the caretaker government is taking some decisions like raising fuel and energy costs, without consulting the major political players in the field that have emerged after the polls.
But to mention spring time is not to ignore the brutal reality of what is happening in the world of the suicide bombers - whose attacks at different places in the country have continued. The recent attacks in Darra Adamkhel, on the Navy War College in Lahore, and other places have compelled political observers to believe that there is a change in the way the terrorists are targeting people and places in the land. As one TV channel (Aaj) asked if the militants were trying to put pressure on the new government, which is in the pipeline.
One does wonder about the political set-up that would be in place later this month, when yet another Pakistan Day comes into our lives. What will be the shape of the government on 23rd March 2008? What of the Pakistan Day parade? What of the deposed Chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry and the judiciary? What of the government's actions of November 3, 2007 and the lawyers movement? Pending issues. What of them?
SHERRY REHMAN ON EXPRESS NEWS:
The Urdu columnist Javed Chaudhry who also appears on Express News has an unusual and imaginative style of doing his programmes, and evidently makes efforts to bring in facts and incidents from history to enrich the programme. It can be rewarding to stay on and watch his shows until the end, though it is almost impossible given the temptation there always is to switch channels.
He was talking in detail with Sherry Rehman, the PPP central information secretary, on a wide variety of issues with regard to the on-going talks between the PPP and the PML-N and ANP, the options available, the shape of things to follow, as the major political parties make headway, and the opposition parties take their stance.
Sherry Rehman was cautious as she spoke, when Javed Chaudhry attempted to ask shrewd questions. She spoke coolly and carefully and suggested that a time was soon coming when the media in this country should help shape people's minds, and the media and civil society should together play a responsible role. The people of Pakistan need economic help, and they are expecting this as well from the new government.
To a question about PPP stretching out its hands for any sort of affiliation with the PML-Q (the King's party) she responded thus: "We don't think that they are a political party". And PML-Q had its own party in Islamabad, which the TV channels focused upon, somewhat generously?
FORMER US ENVOYS ON WAQT TV:
On Tuesday (4th March) on Waqt TV there was a very absorbing and even unusual interview with two former US ambassadors, and the broad based canvas was focussed upon Pakistan's ties with the United States of America in a historical perspective, with an emphasis on the present. They were Howard B Schaffer and his wife Teresita C Schaffer. The two former diplomats, who were based in Pakistan in the seventies, in the days of former Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, said that Pakistan had a special place in their lives as their son was born in this country.
The interviewer was Nawaz Malik and the conversation obviously was in English, except that towards the end the husband and wife team spoke briefly in Urdu, and surprisingly they were fairly fluent. The subject of the interview was engaging, particularly keeping in view the recent news stories and statements that have come from the Caretaker Federal Interior Minister, Lieutenant General Hamid Nawaz (Retd), the American ambassador to Pakistan, and a spokesman of the Federal Interior Ministry. Keep in mind the news reports, which said that "US is uneasy about political developments in Pakistan".
Nawaz Malik's fluency with English could have been better, but he certainly did ask the right questions which reflected the public perceptions about Pakistan-US ties, from 1947 through the Seventh Fleet aspect when East Pakistan was breaking away, to the recent movements and meetings of the present American ambassador which has raised some eyebrows. Both the Schaffers said that the US envoy was within diplomatic norms in doing what she was doing, and that the Pakistani ambassador to the USA was equally free to contact American politicians so as to keep himself fully informed, which obviously was his job.
The cynicism and suspicions that at times cloud the Pakistani citizen's perceptions of American interests in Pakistan were reflected in Nawaz Malik's attitude, and which did the two seasoned former diplomats very patiently and effectively answer. It was an interview that had details and perspective and ensured that the viewers understood the challenges that confront the bilateral ties between the two countries.
DAWN NEWS ON ANIMAL RIGHTS:
I am of the view that for reasons that may be possible to comprehend, not enough attention is paid to the subject of motivating people to show love and kindness towards animals. To protect animals from people who want to hurt them for inexplicable reasons. A love of plants or better still, a love of nature, are themes that are desirable, excellent propositions for TV channels to consider, to promote.
But let me return to an informative and welcome programme that I saw recently on a Sunday morning on Dawn News in Equinox with an emphasis on Animal Rights. I assume it was repeat telecast, and that there will be more programmes on this subject in the days ahead.
The programme focused on the cruelty to animals, which included dogs, camels, horses, donkeys, birds, parrots, and monkeys. Interestingly and even somewhat disappointingly there was no mention of cats, which made one wonder why there was no mention of cats. I have repeatedly seen children chasing away cats or throwing stones at them - and all this when the adults in the family are amused spectators.
It is pertinent to mention here that there was a Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in Karachi, which was fairly active under the leadership of the late Lady Constantine. There must have been other team members also. SPCA is unheard of now. Interestingly, there are now regular dog shows and occasional cat shows at the Expo Centre for instance. It shows that pets are a part of our lives. Yet we countenance this indifference, which often is demonstrated in the form of cruelty to animals.
This TV documentary was absorbing for the opinion and information that it carried. It was good to see that Dr Ismaa, a local popular veterinary surgeon, underlined the need for the people being made to realise that animals are also Allah's creation and that they needed to be protected and loved.
Garbage on the streets, which is often regarded as a civic problem, that reflects upon the local government and its efficiency, was mentioned by some of the experts as a source of food for dogs. Stray dogs are a problem for the risk that they may have in case of dog bite - the rabies risk, and the terrible deadly threat that it carries.
But on the point of garbage on the streets, let me bring in the fact that it is the only option for food for cats and dogs. And also, that it makes me wonder about the helpless, impoverished urchins for instance, whom, I see looking for left overs in various residential and commercial areas in Karachi. I would like to believe that this is what is happening in other urban centres also. These are depressing provocative faces of poverty, and images of deprivation and denial from Pakistani society.
This television focus on animals made one reflect on the subject. There was Dr Ghulam Akbar from the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Ms Veronica, a zoological advisor, Mahboob Alam Ansari, Secretary, wildlife, Sindh, and Dr Ismaa who were all quoted on the multiple dimensions. There were also disturbing visuals of how animals are ill treated and how it is done for sport or as a source of income for the low income groups. Then there is also the theft of animals (pets as well) and how these animals are then sold at places like the Empress Market, in Karachi. Or the cruel manner in which donkeys are made to carry weight beyond their capacity.
And the brutal cockfights (outlawed) that are held in various places in Karachi even now. It is all for fun, and there are victory dances by the men who watch, while the specially bred roosters fight to death at times. The relevant authorities need to be made to act on this score is stating the obvious.
53RD FILMFARE AWARDS:
Before one talks of the 53rd Filmfare Awards that were distributed recently and a telecast of that ceremony that Geo TV did last Sunday, it is relevant to mention for younger readers what Filmfare is. It is an authentic publication on the Indian cinema and has been appearing regularly for 53 years.
And it has been available in Pakistan through unofficial means for half a century almost? Isn't that strange and a poor reflection on the enigmatic nature of India-Pakistan ties.
Neither has Filmfare remained the same, nor is Indian cinema sedate and graceful, as it was in the fifties, sixties and the seventies. But then I am being subjective, and am conditioned by the times I have lived in. Indian cinema publications now reflect and are a part of the sensuality, glamour, and the technological advance plus that Bollywood personifies. And this is mirrored in its award distribution ceremonies, which are duly commercially sponsored and where the stage is imaginative to say the least. Each time one sees a show biz award distribution ceremony (IIFA, Stardust, Screen and others) the stage creation is particularly strong in visual terms.
I was able to see atleast half of the 53rd Filmfare awards distribution last weekend at the expense of giving up on the news and current affairs and other programmes that come within the domain of what is now called as Infotainment. Shahrukh Khan and Saif Ali Khan were the two comperes of the show and they were as trendy as required by modern audiences.
Which makes it necessary to mention the fact that the large mixed audiences in these special glamorised shows are invariably responsive, and participate so wholeheartedly that it is amazing. It is hard to find such audiences in our own shows, and it makes one contemplate on the issues of culture and tradition in the two neighbouring countries. What is it that makes Pakistani audiences inhibited, and dwarfed as against Indian audiences that participate and decently so?
For TV viewers who are regular in their watching of Indian cinema the Filmfare awards must have been a treat, but even for those who are sketchily aware of what is happening in Indian cinema it was well worth putting the remote control aside and watching the awards being distributed, and catching fleeting glimpses of glamour expressed in a variety of ways. The close-up of the familiar stars is always attractive, and I often wonder why the camera shows us Reach so often in such award distribution ceremonies. It is welcome, though.
Now that both the Indian film industry and the award giving organisations have become matured and added decades to their status, it is common to see that awards for life long contribution to cinema are being presented to the veterans and the stalwarts. The one for this award ceremony included Rich Kapok, son of RJ Kapok and the grand son of Prithviraj Kapok.
Almost like yesterday, Rich Kapok stormed the scene with his films, and his teaming up with Neetu Singh whom he later married also. She gave up cinema completely to become a housewife, and be the woman behind his success. Neetu was present at the ceremony, looked graceful in her saree, and came on stage when an overjoyed Rich got the award from his screen heroine and friend of yesteryears, the fabulous looking heroine Dimple Kapadia. She looked dignified. Both Neetu and Dimple have been the two important women in his life.
The show was interesting right till the end, and afforded one an opportunity to update oneself on the new world of Indian films, and the familiar and new faces who rule Bollywood today, and will probably do so in the years to follow. Such a show also reminds cinema buffs of the new award winning films they will need to see in the weeks ahead.
KESC CHIEF TALKS LOADSHEDDING:
As a TV viewer I am one of those who have had his TV viewing impaired by power failures and load shedding (whatever the name). There is no knowing when the electricity system that KESC provides will go off, and alternatives (when available) will have to be relied upon.
(In such a context the interview of the KESC CEO, Lieutenant General Mohammad Amjad (Retd), on the Business Plus in.)