the presence of the federal minister for textile industry who had come especially to attend the meeting. He was apparently more interested in his own voice, blurted off his vision on agriculture which was largely Toba Tek Singh-specific. With additional embellishment at humour he dished out critically derogatory commentary on the style and substance of this government, questioning the ability of the prime minister to take a decision. This sort of uncalled for public display of his judgemental perspective on this government’s performance left a bad taste. It also spoke volumes about the decency, morality and sense of loyalty of this man.
His dalliance invites a barrage of questions. The biggest question is: who is this man? The journey from Toba Tek Singh to the British parliament is no doubt amazing, but he had reached the cul de sac of his political career in Britain. And it was his ambitious nature that made him shake off his British loyalty. He always wanted to jump into the political ring in Pakistan but kept his sights high, waiting for the right time to occupy the captain’s seat.
The gubernatorial position was an ideal opportunity to be used as a spring board for his future political plans. It bolstered Sarwar’s importance, polished up his resume and allowed him free auditioning on the political stage. Basking in the gratis media attention, his blowing hot and cold against the sitting government in public and private appearances added glitz and glamour to his self-appointed persona of being a man of the people.
Chaudhry Sarwar’s so-called resignation speech was nothing noteworthy. Riddled with non-sequiturs, the address was a ride of clichés. If he had decided to resign because of the poor ‘state of the union’ and on moral grounds then why this public crying? Leaving the gilded pagodas of the Governor’s House was not so easy a task. The fact is that the Cabinet Division was initially instructed to issue a dismissal order. Later, on review the prime minister took back the dismissal order and Sarwar was asked to leave peacefully.
This is also a very sad commentary on the ability of the Sharifs to have insights into people’s character. Once upon a time they near-worshipped the man called Tahirul Qadri. The prime minister’s nobility is unquestionable but his ability to pick up the right people for the right job leaves much to be desired. One thing stands established: sycophancy pays off on the Sharifs’ watch. The prime minister has a lot of soul-searching to do.
The writer is a former information minister at the Pakistan embassy in Washington DC.