The Grapevine March 2014

The “Baghi” Hashmi from Multan is suffering from an identity crisis in Khan’s PTI nowadays. According to party insiders Hashmi’s first speech in the National Assembly when he spoke in an “emotiona-holic” manner declaring, “Nawaz was still his leader,” has earned him nothing but unpleasantness. His words provided Qureshi and Tareen space in the much-sought-after area around the obstinate Pakhtoon/Punjabi Imran from Mianwali.

During his recent but very delayed-cum-reluctant appearance before the special court, former ‘strongman’ Pervez Musharraf was provided unprecedented security on the road leading to the court in the Capital. Sources in the interior ministry claim that according to intelligence reports he had been receiving threats from furious and fearsome Taliban. Presumably ‘some foreign spy masters’ are also behind their erstwhile ally apparently to create further chaos in the terror-hit State.

Since the few-men rule started in the country, not only members from the opposition benches but the lawmakers, even the Nawaz cabinet members, are complaining of isolation and powerlessness in the days of their own government. Thanks to the power- concentration culture of the proud N-Leaguers. Recently, PML-N parliamentarians held an interactive session for input on talks with the Taliban. Suddenly frenzied Rana Shamim (MNA) began speaking his mind in front of the party “Sheriff” Nawaz Sharif against the arrogance and unacceptable attitude of the federal ministers towards party MNAs. “If they cannot address our issues, at least they should treat us as human beings,” Rana said in a loud aggressive tone.

There seems no doubt about the government’s intention to talk to the Taliban and make some sort of headway in the efforts to come to an agreement for peace. But the chances seem dull and dim. The PM, during his recent visit to Bahawalpur spent a night around a campfire at Whispering Hill, Lal Sohanra National Park with his party workers. Expressing his feelings about the talks he said in a light mood, “I have asked the government committee to ask the Taliban committee whether they are able to contact the Taliban leaders, otherwise they are no different than us.”