This front-page advertisement, published on the front page of my former organization, Dawn, caught my attention amidst the chaotic political situation of state assertion versus political desertions.
Hilariously, it reminds me of my own favorite, the honorable Sheikh Rashid, the former all-powerful Interior Minister who has survived the ongoing political witch hunt and emerged as strong as the Sheikho Steel, as advertised on the front page of Dawn today.
Surprisingly, the honorable Sheikh Rashid, despite being one of the most hated political figures by the leadership of all political parties, particularly PML Nawaz, is nowhere in the news. Except for a glimpse I saw of him on Facebook, riding a horse in his farmhouse. What a change of events for the cigar-puffing, bulky honorable Sheikh Rashid, to have let go of his political mount that is nearly on its deathbed due to his overstatements and oily-tongued statements, appeasing all in the corridors of power, with little regard for the destruction it will result in. The establishment was made to believe that it is the one that calls the shots, wielding the stick, as opposed to the PTI, which thought it enjoyed popular public support, while the honorable, wise, and wily Sheikh slipped away, no longer visible in the entire scenario to the people in whose favor he boasted.
It is heartening that the steel-nerved PTI supremo, the honorable Imran Khan, though realizing belatedly, opted for political parlays as opposed to confrontation. His reorganization of the party cadre is a welcoming sign, with Omar Ayub as his Secretary General, and a few others.
Knowing Omar Ayub as a family and a person, dignified and with values, one can hope Imran Khan shows vision by taking his advice, rather than being carried away by the sycophancy that has so far taken him away from his desired destination. Honourable Rauf Hasan as the Information Secretary of the party is yet another sensible choice, as I knew him back since the 2000s when we were launching Dawn from Islamabad, and he was running an advertising agency. I found him principled and a perfectionist to the core professionally.
As a panic-stricken, confused citizen who has lost his voice in saying “Zindabad” for any political entity or individual, having lost faith in their fairness, there is only one choice left—Sheikho Steel and its durability to survive in all weathers. Long live Pakistan in the hands of fair-weather friends ! 🇵🇰
