The Surrey Palace Saga never dies. It was serialised in newspapers; it was even included in a TV documentary “The Princess and the Playboy” and it was there among the many NAB charges against you–know-who. Several journalists visited and wrote about it. And then it was sold by an “offshore company” to an English billionaire for 15 million pounds or so, going cheap because of the controversy tag. One would have thought the subject was finally laid to rest. But not quite.
Recently a British journalist, who regularly interviewed the late BB in her Barbican flat in London, revisited this rambling property and met the new owner. He found the décor very similar to the Barbican flat, almost like going back in time or going into a house haunted by its past. And haunted it is but not by ghosts. Here is what the new owner complained to the scribe. He said he was browned off by a constant flow of Pakistanis who come and stare at the Surrey Mansion. Apparently, the estate attracts a fair amount of tourists of Pakistani origin and the new owner who thought he would find peace and tranquility in this acreage is not pleased. Well if you live in a tourist attraction you either put up or shut up.
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One of Imran Khan’s pet phrases is “Amreekano ke joote polish karna bund karo” (stop polishing American’s shoes) but it does seem that this hostility is nor reciprocated by the American community. Last week, The Khan was the chief guest at the graduation ceremony of Lahore American School. He was cheered and eulogized by both the American administration and the students and seemed quite comfortable among those he loves to criticize. However he made a captivating speech in which there was no hint of negativity for his hosts. However there was interesting advice for the students. He said one learns from failure and that every time you rise after a fall you are a stronger person. Does that mean that this election time we are going to see a more formidable Khan rising from the ashes of past failures?
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An SMS being circulated that could be the writing on the wall.
WANTED: Civilians required for security of Armed Forces. Attractive salary with extra benefits. Plots in DHA also included. All Pakistanis are invited to protect our beloved armed forces and to enable them to take full interest in their business enterprises, property, petrol pumps, bakeries, departmental stores, marriage halls, printing presses and toll tax contracts. Submit your CVs at www.savethearmedforces.com. We, the people of Pakistan, are proud of our armed forces and would never turn our backs on them in such difficult times.
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