Australian broadcaster calls out Indian officials for evading tough questions on Pak conflict

Australian Broadcaster Yalda Hakim has criticized Indian officials for evading questions in media interviews, comparing them unfavourably with their Pakistani counterparts who, she claims, are more open to facing the camera even during tense situations.

In a recent appearance on CNN-News18 with anchor Zakka Jacob, Hakim shared her experiences interviewing officials from India and Pakistan. Noting her recent televised discussions with officials amidst escalating Indo-Pak tensions, she remarked, “We typically don't hear Indian officials addressing these matters—not only during moments of heightened tension but at other times too. To be fair to Pakistan, they are willing to send their defense minister or interior minister to face the cameras, regardless of how the interviews unfold, to tackle accusations, answer tough questions, and engage with the dialogue.”

Hakim suggested that this may indicate a broader cultural difference concerning media openness between the two nations.

Her comments followed a series of interviews she conducted with Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, and BJP spokesperson Jaiveer Shergill. These interviews were held during a period of increasing tensions between India and Pakistan. Hakim’s interview with Khawaja Asif stirred criticism on social media, where some users felt her tone resembled an interrogation. One comment read, “I suggest people check out the entire interview on YouTube. It was nothing short of an interrogation on live TV by this Afghanistan-born Australian anchor.”

Following the interview, Pakistani users also found old photos of Hakim with BJP spokesperson Jaiveer Shergill, posting them on X with accusations of bias. One widely shared post stated: “Sky News aired false claims about Pakistan. Yalda Hakim (@SkyYaldaHakim) allowed her Indian guests, whom she often socializes with, to spread misinformation and target Pakistan in front of British & international audience. Why is @SkyNews being used for these friendly, fixed matches?”

The differing reactions were prominently noted by viewers online, many of whom commended Hakim’s recent statements. A user remarked, “Even though she has shown bias from the beginning, hearing these words from her? She deserves praise.” Another commented, “Is this even real? It’s astonishing to see her articulate such a clear statement.”

However, some users questioned Hakim’s motives. One comment stated, “She is known to be one of the strongest anti-Pakistan voices, but after losing her credibility when many pointed out her bias, she’s now attempting to clear her image.” Others pushed back, saying, “She really seems unbiased now.”