How real is your politik? Re: # 69

Aameen

May the best 'man' win.

Invitation also includes Abu Dhabi.

How real is your politik? Re: # 67

HP Saeen

Thats a pity, we would have arranged for Nihari, Paan and kheer for our esteemed guest.

Passed there one night at about 2 AM? Saeen, must be something very important given the late night travels or was it job related?

As for the great Pir, he is a good student always willing to learn from the best, now he has the 6 (0) Million dollar man to guide him. Asif/Atlaf dosthi zindabad

How real is your politik? Re: # 65

HP Saeen

Since we are all in a very congenial mood, allow me to forward an invitation to our humble abode in 90 Azizabad, Karachi, close to Muka Chowk.

How real is your politik? Re: # 51

Nebukadresar

{The 'real' Bhuttos i.e. Sanam Bhutto was offered but refused, Mumtaz Bhutto was not in PPP, Fatima and Zulfiqar Jr or their cousins (Shanawaz's kids) are not in politics, and the choice was between Ghinwa and Zardari. Ghinwa is no Bhutto either, not even a Sindhi nor even Pakistani, and the sympathy wave had to be capitalized upon, so actually no choice.}

Like you correctly stated, PPP is Bhutto. Once power was transferred to Benazir, Murtaza could only crib and cringe to no avail, center of power was Benazir, there was no room or tolerance for another claimant (Murtaza). Zardari is protecting the same lineage, Benazir's heritage and power structure, in that process he has become a beneficiary.

Fatima Bhutto has been very impressive as a social and political activist and appears to be a much better option when compared to her cousins and uncle zardari. Sadly real world is very different and will not allow Fatima to be part of the current PPP structure. My first choice is Aitezaz to lead PPP with Fatima as his protege, can that ever happen, highly improbable. One can only hope and pray.

How real is your politik? Re: # 44

Nebuakdresar

peek a boo...Zeemax?

All "political" parties have and are supposed to have differing opinions, thats called healthy politics.

As for BB's Will, whether its fake or not is speculative and is being used as a propaganda instrument by critics of Zardari.

How real is your politik? Dear writer

{embroiled in serious economic, political and ideological crises}

Any state can have serious economic and political crises but 'ideological', that is Pakistan's bane. We have yet to establish Pakistan's ideology, atleast that is my observation, ask any Talib or right wing supporter and for them the ideology is very clear. Pakistan ka muthlab kia? La Illah Illalah. Unfortunately, this mantra is the main cause of all ills, that is a personal opinion which can be substantiated by looking back over the last fifty years of our existence.

Musharraf failed and has for all practical purposes faded away into oblivion while Zia's legacy lives to this day. What does this tell us, the state of Pakistan or its establishment will not allow any change in their basic philosophy, Pakistan is a fundamentalist state that can mutate itself for short term gains but will eventually revert to its true form, Islamic republic.

Is Zardari capable of changing these dynamics? The accidental party leader who has the asheerwarth (blessings) of the high and mighty (Army & Amreeka), has demonstrated some excellent skills in 'realpolitik' and his nine years in prison have transformed his personality into a acceptable party leader. Mr. Zardari has certainly managed to post some positive gains but these short term gains do not guarantee success where others have failed. Ideological crises require an alternative solution, we have yet to see an alternative being offered. Yes, there is the talk of roti kapra aur makaan but that matters very little to those who are willing to die for their beliefs.

Then again what choice do we have? For the majority, it will always be the same no matter who comes and goes.

Time for Medals Dear Sukhera Sabib

Very well written article, thoroughly enjoyed your writings.

Although I agree with your medal distribution, there is but one participant that seems to be missing, The Exploding Taliban's (Mango's).

Writings on the Wall Dear writer

In order to avoid confusion and chaos, try no to think too much, it shows in your writings.

Musharraf\'s Resignation and Beyond Re: # 226

Zeemax

{Benazir and PPP were more in contact with Bin Ladin than Nawaz Sharif during the Afghan Jihad. You're aware of Naseerullah Babar's role of-course}

According to Rehmat Shah Afridi, NS recieved millions of dollars in the name of jihad directly from OBL. That money was supposed to be distributed to the Afghan Jihadis but was never delivered. BB had also accused NS and OBL for engineering moves against her Govt.

{PML-N had a seat adjustment with PPP in SIND and didn't field any candidates opposite PPP. The question of not getting any seats in Sind doesn't arise.}

Post BB murder, Interior or rual Sindh offered little room for NS to contest any election or that matter any other political party with no strong grass root support.

Musharraf\'s Resignation and Beyond Re: # 135

Ijaz Sahib

Any suggestions on what the Pak Govt can do to reduce this 40% cost disadvantage? Thanking you

Arif

Musharraf\'s Resignation and Beyond Re: # 130

Ijaz Gul Sahib

{Its just three months that I shifted the manufacturing from Gujranwala to China.}

What was the journey like? I know quite a few business groups from Karachi who have made the decision to call quits and moved their business to China or Dubai. What will make u guys come back?

Musharraf\'s Resignation and Beyond Re: # 128

bubba Jee

There is nothing wrong in being a Punjabi, problem arises when people like NS exploit their numbers by blackmailing and coercing others. GONGLU (NS) refused to play politics of mutual respect and was intent upon revenge, now that they have achieved their narrow objective they have nothing to offer. Give some time to the people of Pakistan, they will jettison this bag of trash back to where it came from.

Musharraf\'s Resignation and Beyond Re: # 118

bamidm2

I am afraid your decent banker gave you very poor advise, many bankers that I know of had advised the opposite.

Pakistan needs stability desperately, assuming this government finds some legs then funds will flow back. I have said this b4 on this forum, Pakistan still has friends but their patience is waning and these friends can make a BIG difference provided there interest and principle is protected.

I agree with Zee, short term can bring a lot of uncertainty but I disagree on the long term. The Leader of Punjab (NS) has played a very dangerous game and is pushing the country to the brink of asking the ultimate question, Pakistan Khappay ya naa khappay.

Long Live the King: Musharraf’s Controversial Legacy Mr. Ghori

In all your articles that I had the misfortune to read, there is one thing in common, you come across as a bitter, unhappy person and it would not be unfair to say a cry baby.

17 August 1988 Agha Amin Sahib

Why the pot shot at BCCI and Agha Hasan Abedi? Assuming Zia had the CIA in his pocket then why deal with small fry (BCCI)? Can you kindly elaborate. Thanks

My Dear President Musharraf Re: # 41

Bulleya jee

{....voters in pakistan base their votes on two factors: defiance and a longing for a a prevoius time (which they conclude was better)....}

Interesting observation but seems to be based on short term or immediate events that may have a different dimension. Voters in Pakistan have rarely been given a chance to express their pleasure or displeasure thus its incorrect to use the phrase 'voters' to describe the current state of affairs.

Having said that, your observation is interesting and needs to be further tested. Unfortunately, the downside to this phenomena is the impact on Pakistani politics and society, particularly in the current charged atmosphere. It is most likely that 'other' political parties will also use the same tactics to gain popular support which defies basic prinicples of a civil society and will impede any chance of political evolution.

Interesting but needs further intospection.