Grapevine

June 2024

Punch and Judy Show

Whatever is happening between Chief Minister KPK Ali Amin Gandapur and Governor Faisal Karim Kundi reminds us of the most popular Punch and Judy Show. However, the ongoing tussle between the topmost leaders of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, one of the country’s most backward regions, is even more entertaining and hilarious yet tragic at the same time. One wonders if it is some street fight between underage ruffians or if there is actually a burning issue of national significance that merits such relentless altercation between the CM and Governor. More than a clash of inflated egos, both Ali Amin Gandapur and Faisal Karim Kundi have yet again proven the grim reality that when it comes to good governance, our politicians are not only short of good ideas but also lack the most basic thing called common sense.

Jack of All Trades

The appointment of Ishaq Dar as Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister has surprised many. However, given the unpredictable ebb and flow of politics in this part of the world, Dar’s ascendancy as prime minister’s deputy tells a lot about the high priority given by the present government to matters of their vested interests. Considering his consistently poor show at the Ministry of Finance, Ishaq Dar can frankly be referred to as the jack of all trades but master of none. One has to ask where Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stands in the current power equation and what’s next for Dar, someone who does not want anything lesser than prime minister. Caveat emptor!

Best of Luck, Babar!

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 is around the corner. Pakistan Cricket Team, the runner-up of the previous T20 World Cup edition, is all set to start its campaign in its opening match against the United States, literally the minnows of international cricket at this moment in time. The skipper, Babar Azam, looks hopeful about performing well in the high-octane tournament. However, considering the squad picked for the mega event at the last moment, it would take more than prayers and wishful thinking for Team Pakistan to fare well throughout the event. Best of luck, Babar!