Saw or rather bumped into the great politician, diplomat and and political journalist Miss Sherry Rehman (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sherry_Rehman) at a book store in Islamabad - Saeed Book Bank.
Of course I recognized her and not the other way around as I dont come from a family of generals, landowners, politicians, gangsters, smugglers or the land mafia. But of course the rich and famous in Pakistan have their own claim to fame - from Presidents and Prime Ministers who have made gazillions at the expense of the public exchequer and their politician goons who ensure that the loot stays in their hands.
Back to the story - was the bookstore with my wife and kids when we saw this grand lady sauntering about as if she owned the place. Such attitude and such pride - only the stuff that the rulers show to the downtrodden ruled. Well I was definitely feeling ruled that day.
The "sherry-woman" then went on to place her books on the sales counter with such force and made a face/half-sneer indicating that she wasnt too happy with all the other books on display there and also exhibiting contempt for the people in the line there. She then walked off again as 2 burly bodyguards - more loyal than dogs themselves watched everyone with complete suspicion as if she was Public Enemy No. 1 - we wish...
As we walked out in disgust and realizing that all is definitely not well we were greeted to some 3-4 cars outside with a further 8-10 security men strategically placed to prevent a grand ambush on the Great-Sherry Rehman - the leader of a leaderless people perhaps. Two 4WD vehicles and 2 other cars - bodyguards in the shop, armed men in close formation outside - all for a woman who came to a book-shop @ the public and taxpayers expense to buy a book guide on Turkey.
These are the leaders of a country where justice is all-evasive and the common man languishes in a sea of misery - created thanks to the crooked institutions that surround him - the gun toting army, the waistcoat coated politician and the all-powerful landlord.
All is definitely not well in the not so Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
May Allah SWT Guide us and protect us from all harm.
Amen/Ameen.
Of course I recognized her and not the other way around as I dont come from a family of generals, landowners, politicians, gangsters, smugglers or the land mafia. But of course the rich and famous in Pakistan have their own claim to fame - from Presidents and Prime Ministers who have made gazillions at the expense of the public exchequer and their politician goons who ensure that the loot stays in their hands.
Back to the story - was the bookstore with my wife and kids when we saw this grand lady sauntering about as if she owned the place. Such attitude and such pride - only the stuff that the rulers show to the downtrodden ruled. Well I was definitely feeling ruled that day.
The "sherry-woman" then went on to place her books on the sales counter with such force and made a face/half-sneer indicating that she wasnt too happy with all the other books on display there and also exhibiting contempt for the people in the line there. She then walked off again as 2 burly bodyguards - more loyal than dogs themselves watched everyone with complete suspicion as if she was Public Enemy No. 1 - we wish...
As we walked out in disgust and realizing that all is definitely not well we were greeted to some 3-4 cars outside with a further 8-10 security men strategically placed to prevent a grand ambush on the Great-Sherry Rehman - the leader of a leaderless people perhaps. Two 4WD vehicles and 2 other cars - bodyguards in the shop, armed men in close formation outside - all for a woman who came to a book-shop @ the public and taxpayers expense to buy a book guide on Turkey.
These are the leaders of a country where justice is all-evasive and the common man languishes in a sea of misery - created thanks to the crooked institutions that surround him - the gun toting army, the waistcoat coated politician and the all-powerful landlord.
All is definitely not well in the not so Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
May Allah SWT Guide us and protect us from all harm.
Amen/Ameen.
