Adil Najam
Despite some reservations, there are many benefits to flying PIA. One is that you travel with other Pakistanis and invariably run into old friends and new acquantances. Last time I was flying to Islamabad I bumped into Imran Khan. This time flying in the same cabin to Karachi was tennis star Aisam-ul-Haq.
I did not know him from before, but thanks to the post ATP had carried on him – plus his over-sized tennis bag – I was able to recognize him. I went over and congratulated him on his recent performances and told him how proud we felt on his achievements. We also spoke briefly about his performance in the US Open. Which is where he was returning from.
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Darwaish
Former Prime Minister and exiled PML(N) leader, Nawaz Sharif, announced his return plans today in a press conference in London. He along with his brother, Shahbaz Sharif, will return to Pakistan on 10th September. He announced his return when media is reporting news about the Benazir and Musharraf Deal and the possible settlement on the Wardi (uniform) issue. A private plane has been chartered for approximately 85,000+ pounds (now that’s a lot of money) to bring Sharif family to Pakistan, Islamabad airport to be precise.
A large number of western, middle-eastern and Pakistani journalists and PML(N) party leaders are also expected to accompany Sharif brothers. I was not expecting the Sharifs to land in Islamabad but I guess its a symbolic thing and they want to send a message to Mr. Musharraf’s regime whose days are numbered according to most political observers. President Musharraf’s spokesman, however, has claimed that Nawaz and Shahbaz will NOT return despite the announcement and the Saudi Officials have assured President to stop them from returning to Pakistan.
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Owais Mughal
The Confederate Battle Flag (commonly called the Southern Cross) was first designed during the American Civil War (in 1861) by the Army of Northern Virginia. The 13 stars on the flag symbolize the original 11 US confederate states plus Kentucky and Missouri. 146 years later, the flag has found a new home. It is being used as decoration in a village fruit shop outside Islamabad. Wonder if the shopkeeper knows about the flag?
Photo is courtesy of Aurangzeb Khan
