The anticipated debate arranged by The Oxford Union between the Indian representative (known as J Sai Deepak) and a Pakistani contingent was cancelled on Sunday when the Pakistani team were not present at the site of the debate. The lack of attendance resulted in questions, comments and diplomatic embarrassment.
Several individuals, including students and organisers present at the debate, informed reporters that the Pakistani representatives remained in their hotel due to concerns over security. As a result, the Oxford Union was forced to cancel the session just prior to its start time.
Pakistan Refers Its Team to Attend the Event but Evades Due to Unspecific Security Issues
The Oxford Union bills itself as a leading venue for free expression and strong debate, and the month-long planning for the India/Pakistan debate was completed well before the day of the debate. And security arrangements, travel logistics and guidelines for speakers had been confirmed by both the Union and the delegates.
On the day of the event, the Pakistani delegates raised concerns about their safety. Although Oxford is one of the safest universities in the world, the Pakistani delegates insisted they did not feel comfortable leaving their hotel. The Oxford Union offered assurances to the delegates and even offered to have them escorted from their hotel, but the delegation refused to do so.
Students at the Union called the entire situation “confusing” and commented that the reasoning provided by the delegation “did not match what was happening on the ground.”
J Sai Deepak’s Revelation: “They Didn’t Want the Debate”
Following the cancellation of the planned debate, Attorney J. Sai Deepak stated that the Pakistani team has shown a reluctance to engage in this debate from its inception. He said that the speakers had failed to attend any of the preliminary meetings and avoided any communication with each other or with him, and that the speakers were not willing to participate in any of the formats of the debate that required factual clarity. “The weight of the facts was too much for them to handle,” stated J. Sai Deepak, adding that their refusal to attend the debate in person demonstrated their lack of preparation for an open and intellectual dialogue.
Perspective vs. Reality: Pakistan’s PR Strategy Fails to Deliver
While the Pakistani side promoted the event aggressively online as a significant opportunity to take on India on an international platform, the failure of the speakers to attend the debate has completely reversed this narrative.
According to observers, this outcome demonstrates Pakistan’s attempt to obtain visibility on the international stage without any substantive basis. Instead of having a robust and factual discussion, this episode will result in a significant diplomatic embarrassment for Pakistan.
Academic Communities Comment on Pakistan’s Delegation’s Appalling Conduct toward the Oxford Union
In response to the news of the cancellation, many students at the Oxford Union have called for rescheduling the debate with a Pakistani panel that is willing to participate or conducting a session that discusses India’s position only.
