There is definitely the feeling of ‘the old order changeth’ in the air. As we move into a brand new year, political activity, too, has come on to the fast-track. There is hope again of things, somehow, changing for the better. Imran Khan is most definitely the new political flavour. The PTI jalsa in Karachi on Quaid-i-Azam’s birthday, and in the backdrop of his mausoleum, has added to that feeling. Another thing that has become most fashionable is to speak of politics in the cricket parlance and, thus, it is all about limited overs, test matches, neutral umpires, fall of wickets, match-fixing, in short, level playing fields.
Most of us are glad to see the last of 2011, as there was very little about it which can be viewed as redeeming or positive for the country, barring perhaps, the APC and its unanimous message. The most difficult job, in the current scenario, is probably being Pakistan’s Ambassador to other countries. It is, perhaps, still easier than being the American Ambassador to Pakistan, but that’s an aside! There is just so much that one can put a diplomatic spin on. Sherry Rehman and Hussain Haroon are in, as compared to Hussain Haqqani and Wajid Shamsul Hasan. It is considered in to cry in front of TV cameras when under pressure like HH and Firdaus Ashiq Awan, but out to behave like Babar Awan at a press conference.
Despite losing many a battle for public image throughout this year, the Army Chief and DG ISI are currently in again because of the memogate, but martial law remains distinctly out. The Supreme Court is also in a positive light, despite not being adhered to by the executive and the NRO is out. The MQM Chief hit an all-time low by resorting to melodramatics and singing horribly to boot. However, he has gained a few points back by not obstructing the PTI jalsa in Karachi.
The next generation of political offspring is definitely out, but it is in to present your message through revolutionary music and Shahzad Roy, the Baighairat Brigade and the Strings are in.
The Prime Minister is really out, while Secretary Defence is in. Sheikh Rashid Ahmed is in, while Hanif Abbasi is out. Shahbaz Sharif is still in, but Raisani is not.
Being mugged is a status symbol, but being drugged is out. Hair transplants are in, while wigs are passé. Out of the two Fauzias, Kasuri is in, but Wahab is out. Mansoor Ijaz is in, but General James Jones is out. Generators and oil heaters are in, and electricity and gas cylinders in vehicles are out. It is in to declare one’s assets and out to be a dual nationality parliamentarian. It is considered in to be on more than one talk show at prime time simultaneously and behind times to be non-aggressive in front of TV cameras. It is really in to be a TV talk show host and be more opinionated than your invited guests. It is uncool, on the other hand, not to own a luxury vehicle if you are a known media or a political figure.
The fashion industry is in and so are fashion weeks. Reema continues to be in, while Meera is not. Political parody on TV is really in, while morning shows are out. Deputy Commissioners are back and local government is out. Our TV dramas remain in and our films remain out. Speculation is in and talk of term-completion is out. Zulfiqar Mirza is in and Mustafa Kamal is out. Huge weddings are in and other events are out. It is in to abuse America, but equally in to run a USAID supported NGO. Tennis is in, while boxing is out. Gymming is in and overweight is out. Community centres are in and restaurants are out. The only thing permanent in life is change as they say!
Postscript: An interesting development has happened recently. Sources in the know have disclosed that as an offshoot of the perceived ISI bashing and the memogate scandal, a group of senior officers from all the three arms of the armed forces have decided to band together as a pressure group. This group of retired servicemen, including two, three and four star generals, disclosed that they did not harbour political ambitions and were neither aligned to any political party. They wanted a level playing for all politicians, including General (retd) Musharraf and security for him when he returns. Totalling over a 100, this group plans to hold a press briefing in Islamabad in the first week of January, followed by more briefings in other cities. The group includes many who have held coveted positions during Musharraf’s tenure and who believe that he can still play a role in the future of Pakistan. In the ultimate analysis, it will be for the people to decide if this wish can ever translate into reality.
Signing off with a wish and a prayer for peace and prosperity for Pakistan and all its citizens, because it is a dream that refuses to die. A very happy new year!
The writer is a public relations and event management professional based in Islamabad.
Email: tallatazim@yahoo.com