He was a regular at the presidency back when Asif Ali Zardari was living there. But things haven’t been going all too well for Pir Ijaz of late. Things sort of soured between the former presidential Pir and his disciple ever since the latter left office.
But the Pir has his eyes on a new potential mureed of late: Imran Khan. The Pir, who is reported to have predicted Zardari’s victory in ’08, has been telling Imran that he’s going to be the next prime minister. Quite a plan to get Imran Khan’s ear.
As mothers have been telling their daughters over the centuries: the way to a man’s heart is by telling him he will be prime minister soon.
The prime minister is expected to be back soon. He’s made two things clear. One, he doesn’t want a show or a party; just a no-frills arrival.
Second, he wants to go to Karachi first, not Islamabad. There, he will condole with the Sabri family. He was an admirer of the late qawwal. Then, he will call on Abdus Sattar Edhi and ensure about his health. Then, a meeting or two, where he will express his concern at the law and order condition in Karachi.
All this will look very prime-ministerial. Which is the point.
