The rule of thumb in Punjabs killjoy administration is that if you enjoy it, its illegal. The incumbents have banned basant. They have banned smoking sheesha in Lahore. They have closed down Lahores tourist-magnet Food Street, though on political grounds, this time. They have banned any wedding ceremony that takes place after ten at night. Then there is banning sugar from government offices, the hapless babus being forced to bring the stuff from home.
Whats next? Ban of sugar in homes as well? Ban on street-cricket? Walks in the park? Naughty jokes? Jokes of any kind?
An emulation of the ideology of the middle-eastern state that the Punjab government loves so much: All Is Forbidden!
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THe was the Nawab of Kalabagh, not the Nawab of Kalabagh Dam. Allama Iqbal Town was not born on the 9th of November, Allama Iqbal was. Such innocent mistakes might draw chuckles in casual company. Not so much when one is meeting foreign dignitaries.
Apparently, while arguing with visiting US Senator John Kerry, PML(N) supremo Nawaz Sharif is said to have referred to him as Mr Kerry Lugar. That it was an inadvertent faux pas is the best spin on it. Nobody is ruling out the possibility that Mr. Sharif actually didnt know that Kerry and Lugar are two different people.
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Hes like a tractor, he is! The wonderful contraption that can be used for ploughing fields, harvesting them, freighting produce, taking the engine out to make electricity for the tube-well.
Our very own interior minister, far, far more charismatic than a mere tractor, well have you know, has the same diversity of usage. There is a problem with the intelligence agencies? No problem! The MQM is upset and needs for its hand to be held, ever so lovingly? Hes there! The PIAs unions are up in arms at BB International? To the airport! Raymond Davis immunity? Move over, will you FO types, Mr Malik shall speak now!
There really isnt any need for the other ministers, either. A wonderful Tractor. A wonderful tractor with a fabulous collection of neck-ties.
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