Lahore - Speech bloopers are something global and they have the power to stir laughter even in grave situations. Saens making them can be found in all kinds of human organisation, though a political Saen, like our Saen Qaim Ali Shah, is likely to receive broader ‘appreciation’.
But bloopers can have serious consequences sometimes, as in the case of Saen Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe – who yesterday read out the wrong speech at the opening of parliament the other day.
Speech bloopers usually involve slip of tongue, but President Mugabe, the only ruler the southern African nation has known since it was recognised in 1980, delivered in full the same speech he gave on August 25, pinning his hopes on China to help revive his country’s struggling economy.
The main opposition was quick to question whether Africa’s oldest leader was still of a sound mind and fit for continuing as president at the age of 91.
Mugabe finished the speech without interruption and his spokesman blamed officials for “mix up” of his speeches, adding the president would read the correct speech at a later date.

Here are some other world-famous political speech bloopers with a dash of humour on the side:
“With the additional steps I ordered last month, we’re speeding up training of ISIL forces.” —US President Barack Obama (July 2015)
“I stand by all the misstatements.” — Dan Quayle, defending himself against criticism for making verbal gaffes
“China is a big country, inhabited by many Chinese.” —Charles de Gaulle, ex-French president
“I want to make sure everybody who has a job wants a job” —George Bush, during his first presidential campaign
“This is a great day for France!” —Richard Nixon, while attending Charles De Gaulle’s funeral
“I am honored today to begin my first term as the Governor of Baltimore-that is Maryland.” —William Donald Schaefer, first inaugural address
“My fellow Americans, I’ve signed legislation that will outlaw Russia forever. We begin bombing in five minutes.” —Ronald Reagan
“During my service in the US Congress, I took the initiative in creating the Internet.’’ — Al Gore