E-Paper
Sign In
The proof lies in the pudding
The proof of pudding is in the eating as the proverb goes. And it was proved beyond any doubt by Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani who visited the MQM headquarters in Karachi, last week to insist that the PPP's best product still is the coalition pudding. Isn't it true? I asked Mr Right.
- PUBLISHED: Thu 13 Jan 2011, 9:11 PM UPDATED: Tue 7 Apr 2015, 9:47 AM
“Pudding or no pudding, leaders of both parties had a lavish lunch and ate everything that has a strong binding effect,” Mr Right grinned. “The delicious gum-like paya was especially ordered from Karachi’s best food market for Prime Minister Gilani and the finest sticky chicken Haleem was brought to tickle the taste buds of Interior Minister Rehman Malik.”
Recommended For You
“The midday feast provided a sense of relief to both parties,” I said. “The PPP was able to repair the dwindling strength of the treasury benches by winning back estranged allies, and the MQM proved the point that it knows how to remain in demand.”
“Nawaz Sharif and other PML-N leaders felt a bitter taste in the mouth after the PPP guests were treated to an unusually warm reception at Nine Zero,” Mr Right observed. “They took the display of exclusive culinary delights at the reconciliatory lunch as an ‘indigestible’ interpretation of Altaf Bhai’s impending revolution.”
“It was quite meaningful to make eating the focal point of the meeting which was meant to consider the future responsibilities of the government,” I pointed out. “The PPP is under pressure to remove corruption and reduce prices of food.”
“It is easy to guess,” Mr Right said. “Corruption is the biggest culprit. Termites have to be stopped at every level if you don’t want them to continue ‘eating’ into the country’s foundation.”
“But how it can be stopped?” I asked.
“By telling them to eat the best food but stop taking bribes, kickbacks and illegal funds, the MQM has asked its partners to take a firm stand in this regard,” Mr Right said.
“The MQM and even the other opposition parties have also demanded good governance and improved food supply,” I said. “The people think that Bhutto’s party which had promised Roti, Kapda and Makan (food, clothing and shelter) will not like to see them eating grass due to poverty.”
“That’s why it is always advisable to have a few rich people in the party,” Mr Right remarked. “I know a business tycoon who was very helpful. Once he was driving past a residential area when he saw a humble man eating grass by the roadside.
“He told his chauffer to stop and asked the man why he was eating grass?”
“Because, Sir, we don’t have the money to buy food,” he replied.
“Then come with me,” the rich man offered.
“But, Sir, I have a wife and six children.”
“Never mind,” he said. “Bring them too.”
“The poor family climbed gratefully into the rich man’s limo.”
“Sir, you are so kind. How can I ever thank you for taking all of us with you, offering us a new home?”
“In fact, the grass at my home is four feet high and no lawn mower can cut it,” the rich man said.
“But the opposition parties, including the PML-N want the rulers to stop taking revenge from the poor of Pakistan,” I said. “Nawaz has even given an ultimatum.”
“But the party remains unnerved either by the tantrums of its unhappy friends or the ultimatums of sworn enemies,” Mr Right pointed out. “Its only concern is promotion of democracy.”
“Maybe because democracy ensures open opportunities to progress and earn a good fortune,” I said. “I hope opportunities are open to everybody.”
“That I don’t know. I do, however, know that another steaming bowl of democracy has been served to us. And the proof of pudding is in the …,” Mr Right smiled and did not complete his sentence.
Najmul Hasan Rizvi is a former Assistant Editor of Khaleej Times