Friends,

Until recently no one could have imagined a debate on any of Pakistan’s TV channels on the pros and cons of Pakistan recognizing the state of Israel. When I worked as a producer in PTV in the 1970s, we were not permitted to use the word Israel, let alone discuss the subject of establishing diplomatic relations. Israel was the ultimate taboo.

This is why, when a young activist from Pakistan, Hassan Shabbir sent me the link to the debate between a Pakistan academic and a member of the Jamaat-e-Islami discussing Pakistan-Israel relations, I was taken aback.

It is a pity the entire discussion is in the Urdu language, but I am sure this will be translated at some stage by someone in Israel to understand what is being discussed about their country in Pakistan.

Here are the four episodes.

Tarek