Adil Najam

A friend sent me the link to this video and I just love it. How can a song go wrong with doodh malai and sooji ka halwa.

Adil Najam

Basant is around the corner. And so are Basant controversies. Actually, let me change that. Basant controversies are already upon us.

First it was the Punjab government announcing that they would set up a body to ensure safe kite-flying. Then there was the proclamation that Basant WILL be celebrated in Lahore with traditional ‘fervor.’ And now there is news that the Supreme Court has called in the Punjab government to explain why they would defy a stay order that had been issued.  

Just to keep the record straight, let me first say what this story is NOT about. This is not, yet, a story about whether Basant is ‘Islamic’ or not (as if kites have religion!). At least, it is not about that YET. I have a feeling that it soon will be.

Just to keep the record straight: this is NOT about religion (as if kites have religion!). At least, it is not about that YET. I have a feeling that it soon will be.

I use the picture above (originally from Zakintosh’s currently dormant blog), partly because I find it both silly and funny, but also because it reminds me to point out that the Supreme Court that has just questioned the Punjab government on why it is going ahead with Basant plans despite its (the Supreme Court’s) orders is currently lead by Acting Chief Justice Rana Bhagwandas, a Hindu (see picture on left). The layers of meaning – most of them uncalled for, and unimportant – that can and will be derived from this are legion.

Adil Najam

It is news galore today. As if news and newsmakers have awakened from the meat-induced slumber of Baqra Eid, and done so with a vengeance.

First I thought of doing a post on Benazir Bhutto saying that PPP was ready for elections under Musharraf but the opposition would resign if the President tried to get himself re-elected by the current Assemblies (see related, here). Then, I was the news about Qazi Hussain Ahmad thinking of quitting as MMA President (see related, here). But then I read the details of this amazingly undiplomatic press conference in Kabul where Hamid Karzai, the Afghan President, pretty much told Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz that these ceremonial summit visits were of no use (see distantly related, here). While still in shock from that reading I saw Dr. Shamshad Akhtar, the Governor of the State Bank, essentially confirming what we have been saying here for a while: inflation is real, and rising (also see here).

What should one write about. Each of these deserves a post. When in doubt, do all.