Environmentally unfriendly
We’ve just heard that the government is thinking of installing chair lifts and other such eyesores and encumbrances at the centuries old Katas Raj Hindu temples in Kalar Kahar. These temples are situated in Chakwal district. Dedicated to Shiva, the temple has, according to Hindu legend existed since the days of the Mahabharata (more than 5000 years ago) and the Pandava brothers are said to have spent part of their exile at the site. Legend also has it that Krishna laid the foundation of the temple and installed his handmade Shiv lingam there. While the previous government was thinking of nominating the temple as a World Heritage Site, the current one plans to “modernise” it in line with their fetish for transportation projects. Thus is an ugly chair lift system going to be installed, with not a thought for the degradation of this unique site from time immemorial.
His better half
Our mole has reported that the Red Maulana’s recent declaration of forgiveness for all those who mounted the attack on his facility and his comrades in July 2007, Mush included, is an inspired one. We hear his handlers have coaxed and cajoled him into making the declaration in view of the mounting pressure on them to “do something” about the vituperative and violent Maulana. But while convincing the gent to do the needful may have been accomplished, it’s proving to be far more difficult to persuade his better half to see reason. They say she’s determined to continue with their belligerent stance, and has refused to obey the handlers. Lest we forget, the real hero of the 2007 battle was SSG commander Lt Col Haroon ul Islam, who was wounded in the gunfight and died in hospital two days later. And lest we also forget, our “all weather friend” backed Mush in his stand and their minister of Public Security referred explicitly to the Maulana & Co as “terrorists” and demanded that Pakistan act more forcefully to protect our friend’s nationals working in the country.
Does the Maulana’s chastened peace and forgiveness declaration have anything to do with our “all weather friend’s” new investments and future plans?