Some say Asif Zardari lost interest in politics soon after the implementation of the grand reconciliation process. But his friends tell a different tale. They say there are two simple reasons why the recent widower retreated to Dubai last week. One, he has made a pre-new year resolution that he will see his daughters every week even if it means hopping off to Dubai each time. Two, as a heart patient he feels the strain of Pakistani politics is taxing his health and, as a single parent, he has double the responsibility to take good care of himself. So these are really affairs of the heart. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * How does Mian Nawaz Sharif spend his time, that is, when he is not making his views clear on the future of President Musharraf (sorry just Musharraf) and the Judges Issue? Having decided not to enter the Parliament, apparently he fills the day playing with his grandchildren, watching vintage movies and listening to golden oldies. He has also acquired green fingers and is quite a handyman in the garden. Now that sounds like a perfect retirement plan. Retirement from politics, maybe, but not till the two objectives are met. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Rumour has it that Mian Shahbaz Sharif and Co have drawn up three lists or categories of bureaucrats. The Undesirables, who are adherents of the last regime and are unlikely to get any major responsibility, the new IG being the sole exception however The Acceptable, who have no clear party affiliation but are known to be competent professionals. These can look forward to responsibility and upward mobility. And last but not least The Favourites, whose loyalty and competence has been tried and tested in the last Sharif administration. These will rule the roost, in Punjab at least. Meanwhile the interviews continue.