Simmering beneath
While on the surface things look hunky dory in various political dynasties, the reality is very different. Simmering just beneath the surface are rivalries and turf wars. While The Brothers Sharifov have agreed on a separation of powers for the moment, it has not been without its share of hand-wringing. The old heir apparent, whom The Man of Steel had once anointed, given his courageous role in facing down the trials and tribulations of the 2000s, is still MIA, with his glamorous cousin taking center stage.
At Bunny Gala, there’s a whole new line-up of favourites, given The Mystic’s preferences. She rules the roost, we hear, not just The Great Khan’s heart. And his closest and most generous comrade of the recent past has fallen out of favour. Also conspicuous by their absence at The Khans’ valima were SMQ and Shafto. It was a small, private affair - all the more reason to be surprised that some life-long friends were missing, especially those from the salad days!
Blackmailers
Following the resounding success of the PSL, some perennial blackmailers are lining up to extract their pound of flesh. Amongst them is an “illustrious public representative” who hails from the City of Lights, and belongs to an outlawed Party that has recently splintered into factions. He has demanded that the regional cricket association be handed over to him so that he can ply his trade by rigging elections. Since the PCB bigwigs are disinclined to defer to his blackmail, he has embarked on a plan to undermine the PSL and its management. Towards that end, he has entreated the Patron, NAB and FIA, alleging this, that & the other, demanding that enquiries be held. He is now using the good offices of a public committee to put pressure on the authorities to carry out special audits of PCB/PSL, despite the fact that the same authorities have only recently concluded a special audit, and not found any wrongdoing by the current administration. All this while PSL 3 is bringing joy to fans all over the world, and the detractor’s city is destined to host the final. It’s people like these, with ulterior motives, who undermine sincere efforts to build international brands and showcase Roshan Pakistan.