It seems that the Bin Ladens are not just in the demolition business, they are huge in the construction business as well. The late Osama bin Laden demolished the twin towers, once the tallest and, till their disappearance, New York’s most iconic building.
But guess who is now building the tallest building in the world and where? Apparently Jeddah is to have a tower that rises a mile into the sky, the most ambitious skyscraper to date, a modern wonder of the world and one that will put the cash-strapped Dubai Emirate in its place. As for the builder. Of course it is the Bin Laden construction company, started by Osama’s late father, which is also responsible for the elaborate reconstruction of Mecca. Wonders never cease.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Opposites attract and there is no better example of the idiom than the odd couple, the seemingly mild Speaker Fehmida Mirza and her fiery husband Zulfiqar Mirza. The lady speaker is coiffured in the style of the late BB while her husband supports the rough and ready look of a toughie.
We hear that Mrs Mirza takes time off regularly to visit her constituency in Badin where she runs free medical clinics. Here, she sits at the doctor’s desk, examines patients and dispenses free medicines. Not surprisingly, she gets elected on a direct seat at the end of the day.
Her husband on the other hand roars, screams, yells and threatens and in a parallel activity makes good money, not great money, in lucrative partnerships with the powers that be. It is a success story. That is if you like such a story.
For feedback, comments, suggestions and, most importantly, tips, contact us at whitelies@pakistantoday.com.pk