Deeda-i-Beena

They are happening everyday but receive attention only as news of the day. Next day there is a new bombing and another report. Here is a sampling of headlines:

“…..(number).. died.” “Head of the suicide Bomber found.” “President – PM (and other “notable Leaders”) condemn the dastardly attack.” “President – PM issue strict orders to catch and punish the culprit/s (he is already dead and they have his head to identity him!) “Government shall pay one Lakh Rupees for each dead and fifty thousand for each injured (thereby admitting liability, its guilt and negligence.Whose money is being used?)” “Law enforcement agencies targeted.” “Bystanders, women and children also killed.” “Agencies report…(number)…… suicide bombers entering / entered …xyz…. city. (They know when, where and how many are coming so why can’t they be caught?) ”

Adil Najam

This has to be an April Fool’s Day joke. Or is it?

Like so many others, the three Metroblogs in Pakistan – Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad – are my daily visiting haunts. Today, however, I find this notice there from Sean Bonner from the “Metroblogging Headquarters.”

KMB taking a break
By Sean Bonner

Dear Readers of Karachi Metblogs,

It is with a sorry heart that we at the Metroblogging headquarters in Los Angeles have to announce that Karachi Metblogs will be shutting down for a while while we decide what is the best future for it. While I could certainly try to sugar coat this and blame corporate restructuring, the truth is we are just sick of the constand bitter rivalry within the ranks of the authors which has lead to absolute chaos on the site.

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Adil Najam

I am in Islamabad for a short trip right now and all that anyone can talk about is the new Prime Minister and his new cabinet. Indeed, the place is abuzz with talk of the “new” politics of Pakistan. But, in typical Islamabad style, mixed with the unending cynicism about just how “new” this newness might be. One hears (or sees on TV) very little of Gen. Musharraf right now but the place is also abuzz about the “new” Asif Ali Zardari and he “new” Nawaz Sharif.

This is Pakistan, so there is no dearth at all of varied opinions on all of the above. Does the new cabinet represent a spirit of experience and reconciliation? Or is it old wine in new bottles? Will the chumminess between Nawaz Sharif and Asif Zardari last? Or is it simply a common enemy that brings them together? Will Gen. Musharraf leave himself? Or will he be made to leave? If so, by whom? What is the meaning of the unanimous vote of confidence for Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gillani? Just how revolutionary is his plan for his first 100 days? These are some of the many – too many – questions that abound. The conversations go on and on and on. Much of what one hears is rumor, gossip, and even slander. There is more sloganeering than analysis. Maybe even a denial of the gravity of the multiple crises the country faces. Sometimes I wonder if we are a bit too interested in politics!