Cat race

‘Unfolding drama’ – how lucky we are to watch a high profile ‘unfolding drama’ on our TV screens this Tuesday afternoon. Shahbaz Taseer got released after being captive for more than four years – so far so good but soon after this news break there was an unprecedented race among law enforcing and intelligence agencies and paramilitary forces to claim the credit for Shahbaz release. TV screens were filled with tall claims of an intelligence based joint operation to recover Shahbaz safe and sound. After few hours, ISPR brushed aside all the parties and took over the communication re Taseer release. Photos showing Taseer sitting, smiling, walking and talking were released with insignia of ISPR. Interior minister also made a statement in National Assembly wherein he saluted the bravery of LEAs and intelligence agencies for such a successful operation.

Now what to do with that Al-Saleem hotel whose in-charge dared to inform TV channels that Shahbaz entered his hotel that afternoon in a poor condition, ordered roosh (Baluchi meat dish), after the meal, he went out to make a call (probably by borrowing a phone). Apparently he called his family in Lahore who alerted the LEAs and that triggered FC to reach Al-Saleem hotel in Kuchlak to escort Shahbaz to Quetta cantonment.

It looks he was released under a deal – either ransom was paid or kidnappers’ (read TTP, AQ etc) some other demands were met. One may presume not all agencies would be aware of any such deal but then why they started an embarrassing race to take the credit. That makes their other claims also doubtful. Till yesterday we were tired of a rating race among TV channels, now this disease has infected others as well. Why can’t we do any job without creating embarrassing situation, letting others to laugh upon?

MASOOD KHAN

Jubail, Saudi Arabia