The Grapevine December 2013

Hamza Shahbaz was always thought to be the heir-apparent and now he is increasingly calling the shots from the throne of Lahore. Part of the reason, word on the Grapevine, is the ailing health of Shahbaz Sharif. But some in the family and inner Sharif circle aren't very pleased with Hamza's eminence. There are always palace intrigues and contenders for the coveted position. Hamza will feel challenged.

“The family of Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry went to India and London for shopping of his daughter's wedding. When it comes to the high-life, everyone is the same in the power elite."

Some people are expressing surprise that Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif recently visited Sialkot district in the absence of Ahsan Iqbal. CM Sharif also snubbed people during the political rally who shouted slogans for Ahsan Iqbal. Is there something more than meets the eye?

A reason why Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif spends so little time in Islamabad is that he feels extremely uncomfortable in the PM House. PM Sharif has been quoted as saying that he has disturbing memories from the 1999 coup days and therefore feels more at home and at ease in Lahore -- and abroad.