Speaking at the book launching of "Reporting Pakistan", independent journalist and former Pakistan correspondent of The Hindu Meena Menon spoke about the many similarities and differences between India and Pakistan. The event, held at Mumbai Press Club on Wednesday (June 14), also saw a discussion on the bilateral relationship between the two neighbouring countries.

The book is an exploration of her nine month stint as The Hindu’s foreign correspondent in Pakistan and covers issues like terrorism, bilateral ties, Balochistan and the influence of the Pakistani army. Speaking on the constraints of being a journalist with a one city Visa, she said that innovation was necessary to find interesting stories.

The audience was treated to a reading of excerpts from the book. While one excerpt detailed the environment of Pakistan’s capital Islamabad and how it was named, another one spoke of the ‘overwhelming goodness’ that she received from the people of the country. Another thrilling excerpt was about the government spooks who followed her everywhere, whom Menon nicknamed “Beard” and “Chubby”.

Also present at the book launch were journalists Jatin Desai, Kumar Ketkar, Bachi Kakaria, Naresh Fernandes and Gurbir Singh. Speaking on the occasion, they were of the opinion that while citizens of both the countries did not want a war, the political and military institutions in both countries had a lot to gain from the climate of fear.

The role of media, especially the "jingoistic media", in creating this climate and hatred was also acknowledged. The speakers suggested exchange programs between journalists of the countries as a counter measure to the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan.

Naresh Fernandes’ evocative recollection of his family’s migration from Karachi was well received. He said that while he felt smug that his ancestors had made the better decision than those relatives, who had decided to stay back in Pakistan, recent events troubled him. He wondered if India too was under the threat of theocracy. A Pakistani relative of his had termed the present as “India’s Zia years”, he said.

Book Details: Reporting Pakistan by Meena Menon

Publisher: Penguin India, Rs 599.