So it took a while, but Yousaf Gillani finally had to surrender the Turkish necklace. Mrs Erdoğan must have been appalled, if nobody else. Here she was, thinking innocently of all the joy those diamonds would’ve brought those flood victims, only to find out it was just another welcome addition to Pir sb’s collection. The missus, at least, liked it enough to keep it. But don’t count on the political elite to find much fault. Turns out all are the same. One former PM had built himself quite a reputation actually. Suave banker-politician Shaukat Aziz. Scarves, watches, ties; you name it. Some say he took away as many as 750 gifts. But, like he said, it’s not like he broke any law, is it?
*****
It’s hard to tell whether Bilawal’s arrival kicks up a bigger storm than his (usually sudden) departure. But both did this time around. Even those who like to tell tall tales about their closeness to the PPP elite had no idea what went on. Suddenly he was gone again. And just as suddenly he was back. Apparently only Rehman Malik knew, maybe because someone had to pick him up. Made those journos and political big-wigs eat some words. But rather than admit they were wrong, they’re now spinning anew – Bilawal defied his father to return. But now that Zardari senior is on his way back, what will they say?