Pilgrimage
These are trying times and The Man of Steel’s trip to Tajikistan is not only an official visit but one to seek succour at the shrine of the great Shah-e-Hamdan, the 14th century Suhrawardy sufi who converted most of the population of Kashmir to Islam. The Shah’s tomb is in the town of Kolab, beyond Dushanbe and The Man’s itinerary includes a pilgrimage to the place. Accompanying The Man of Steel on this sojourn is a fellow Kashmiri and member of the inner sanctum, Khawaja Sahab, titular head of Defence.
Red rag
We hear The Man of Steel has decided to reinstate one of his most vociferous Senators and bring him back to his cabinet. The gent’s biggest claim to fame is his volubility and the ferocity with which he defends his boss when the need arises. And as we well know, the need seems to have arisen again. But the problem with the Senator’s reinstatement as spokesman is that he will be a red rag to the bull.
Change of heart
Rumour has it that the late lamented Big Ben’s Hubby was of a mind to help The Man of Steel out of the sticky terrain that is Panamagate. But then The Man went on and on about his family’s suffering at the hands of the Bhuttos and Hubby had a change of heart. Apparently, it’s then that he decided to let young Bill have his say – and encouraged him to lay into the ruling party with full force.
Mea culpa
The mind-bogglingly corrupt government official, whose home in Quetta was awash with cash and corruption, has made more startling admissions. Apart from his own mea culpa, he has named many powerful officials who were hand in glove with him. He has also admitted to having stashed away property worth at least Rs 1 billion, and many foreign bank accounts. He’s still singing – who knows what else he’ll reveal before he’s done.