In the ongoing propaganda war between Pakistan and India over Kashmir the airwaves and the hearts and minds are the
battle ground. The following is a transcript of a recent Pakistan TV special report concerning an Indian TV special. -
Scoop Editor
True to its traditions of baseless and allegations and false reporting, the Indian Television channel "Zee News" aired a
misleading report, in which it was alleged that the recent press conference of Supreme Commander of Hizbul Mujahideen,
Syed Salahuddin, was conducted under the supervision of three officers of ISI. Who are the individuals highlighted by
Zee TV as ISI Officers? What is there real identity? Here is a report by Mati Ullah Jan.
Zee News without mentioning the name of this individual has reported that he is an Indonesian Militant. Infact this
gentleman is Sheikh Muhammad Talha, who is a Karachi based businessman.
Sheikh Muhammad Talha:
" My name is Sheikh Muhammad Talha, I belong to Karachi where I am doing business for the last eighteen years. I am
running a travel agency for the last four years in Karachi; here is my visiting card and my passport, which clearly
shows that I am a businessman. A few days ago I had come to Islamabad and learnt through newspapers that the Supreme
Commander of Hizbul Mujahideen, Syed Salahuddin is holding a press conference. I was very anxious to attend the same. I
was shocked to hear that Zee News has declared me as an Indonesian national. This clearly shows the truth about India's
involvement in baseless propaganda against Pakistan."
This individual has been reported as Major Tariq of ISI, although he is the Senior News Producer of International News
Agency APTN, Dilshad Khan.
Dilshad Khan:
"Last night I saw a programme on Zee TV that was about ISI. I was horrified to see that I was identified as one Major
Tariq of ISI, though I am a working as a journalist for the last fourteen years and currently am the correspondent of
American News Agency, APTN, which is the largest News Agency in the world. "
Question: What were you doing there when this picture was taken?
Answer: "It is obvious (that) I am a journalist like you and it is our job to cover such events. It was a big story, the
world was waiting for it and I was there to cover it. I was following Mr. Salahuddin as he entered (the Conference
area), I was shocked to see that the frame, freezed (at my face) and I posed as Major Tariq of ISI."
The poor fellow mentioned as the Brigadier of ISI is actually a waiter of the hotel where Syed Salahuddin held the press
conference.
Aslam is serving the hotel for a long time and it is his duty to make the guests comfortable.
Muhammad Aslam:
"Muhammad Aslam is my name, I work here as a senior waiter, I have been working here for the last eleven years. When Mr.
Salahuddin arrived (for the press conference) I helped him to take his seat, placed water in front of him and then left
the stage.
Question: What are your duties when a function is held or a guest arrives?
Answer: I welcome the guests, look after their needs, help them to take their seats and ask for any other assistance."
So this is Zee's Inside Story on ISI. Infact, this is a part of crude and baseless propaganda campaign directed towards
Pakistan. This is pack of lies and baseless allegations. This is a sequel to Indian Media's unsuccessful propaganda
campaign, which it started against Pakistan when Indian Airlines aircraft was hijacked. The Facts, Truth and Lies lay
bare before you and you are the better judge.
Mati Ullah Jan, Pakistan Television News, Islamabad.