Media Star In Pakistan Returns To Native Britain
NPR
Host Melissa Block interviews George Fulton, an Englishman who moved to Pakistan in 2002 and became a prominent TV personality there along with his Pakistani wife. Last week, Fulton moved back to the UK in light of what he describes as the spreading cancer of extremism and intolerance.
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BLOCK: How do you explain that your show, “George Ka Pakistan,” got to be so popular, that it was – so captured the imagination?
Mr. FULTON: I mean remember it came out in a sort of post 9/11, post-Daniel Pearl world, and obviously Pakistan had been vilified. And here was this white guy, this gora, throwing his hands up, saying I don’t anything about the country – teach me. There was no sort of haughtiness or arrogance, I think on my part. I think there’s an element of humility, I hope. And also, I was…
(Soundbite of laughter)
Mr. FULTON: We did some very silly things, which appealed. I mean, whilst the underlying themes of the show were very serious. You know, it’s always quite fun to see a fish out of water or an Englishman, you know, doing stupid things; so whether it be me riding a donkey cart or wrestling with some naked men in Lahore, that makes quite fun television.
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George ka khuda hafiz — I or George’s good bye
by GEORGE FULTON
For the past nine years, I have been in a dysfunctional relationship. My liaison started somewhat unexpectedly, quickly becoming an all-consuming passionate love affair. My partner reciprocated strongly, bestowing deep affection and adoration upon me. Blinded by love, I was naive to her failings. Yes, at times she was self-destructive, irrational and grossly irresponsible, but I hoped by appealing to her nature’s better angles she could change. Instead, as the years progressed, and, supported by her ‘friends’ in the media, she corroded, simultaneously displaying signs of megalomania and paranoia. Once the relationship turned abusive and I feared for my life, I decide to call it quits. Today, the divorce comes through. Her name is Pakistan. And today, I am leaving her for good.
The Express Tribune for more
George ka khuda hafiz — II
by GEORGE FULTON
From the moment I arrived in Pakistan nine years ago, the omnipotence of the military apparatus was self-evident. Yet, as I leave, it’s apparent it will be this institution, more than any other, that will be the catalyst of this country’s eventual downfall. As Pervez Hoodbhoy recently pointed out, rather than acting as a factor for détente in the region, our acquiring the nuclear bomb in 1998 exacerbated our military arrogance. Kargil, the attack on India’s Parliament and, more recently, Mumbai have all occurred since we got the bomb — attacks that couldn’t have been carried out without some military/intelligence involvement.
And yet, ironically, the military’s regional self-importance belies our chronic servitude to the US. In addition to being the largest landowner in Pakistan, the Pakistani Army is the world’s largest mercenary army. Look at the media storm created over the Kerry-Lugar Bill for it’s supposed slight to Pakistani sovereignty. Yet it is the army’s reliance on US military aid that has made Pakistan a client state of the US. This inherent contradiction is not disseminated in the media. Instead, the established narrative for our acquiescence to the US is laid firmly at the weakness of our political class. As if it was the politicians — and not the military leadership — who somehow control Pakistan’s foreign policy.
The Express Tribune for more
(Thanks to reader)