BBC launches Afghanistan political debate show

MUMBAI: BBC and Radio Television Afghanistan (RTA) have joined forces to launch a new political debate and discussion show, Open Jirga.

The series, which is the first of its kind in Afghanistan, is presented by popular BBC journalist Daud Junbish.

    Open Jirga gives Afghans a chance to question politicians on country?s future
    Political debate show attracts panellists including government ministers
    Presented by BBC journalist Daud Junbish

It is produced by Radio Television Afghanistan (RTA) with the BBC?s service for Afghanistan in Pashto and Dari, and BBC Media Action, the BBC?s international development charity.

Recorded in Dari and Pashto, Open Jirga (jirga means ?assembly? in Afghan languages) has a broad reach. The show provides people from across Afghanistan?s diverse communities with a platform to share their opinions with national leaders on the country?s future.

BBC?s service for Afghanistan editor Lutfullah Latif said, ?Afghanistan is undergoing major transitions linked to the drawdown of international forces and the presidential elections in 2014. Audiences have a lot of questions to ask, and this series of debate shows will provide an opportunity to air their views, hopes and fears.?

?Open Jirga? launched on RTA on 10 December and on the BBC?s service for Afghanistan in Pashto and Dari.

The studio audience from across the country took part in an animated discussion in the first episode, which tackled both the impact of the military withdrawal in 2014 on Afghanistan?s future, and the capacity and strength of the country?s security services.

A panel responded to questions from the audience. The panel included the Minster of the Interior, the Chief of Staff for Operations at the Defence Ministry, a female MP, Shukria Barakzai, the former Afghan Intelligence Chief, and former Deputy Interior Minister.

One audience member from Kabul asked: "The country?s borders are open to Iran and Pakistan. When these modern weapons are taken away [in 2014], how can the Afghan people be confident that the national borders are secure?"

When Junbish started to wrap up the show, many in the audience stood up and called out: ?The debate has just begun!?

BBC Media Action?s Afghanistan country director Shirazuddin Siddiqi said, ?This programme is the result of a decade-long aspiration. It will play an important role in Afghanistan?s media landscape by bringing ordinary Afghans together with state officials.?

RTA deputy DG Jalal Mahmoodi said, ?Our country has reached a critical moment in its history. ?Open Jirga? provides our nation with the platform to debate and explore the choices we are faced with?.

Five more episodes tackling issues including the country?s economy will broadcast over the coming months.

In preparation for the debates, in-depth audience research was undertaken by BBC Media Action in seven provinces to ensure the programme?s focus on the issues that count to people across the country.