Political developments talk of town

Islamabad : The grand Iftar-dinner hosted at Monal marquee by Sheikh Luqman Ali Afzal Monal Wednesday evening here proved to be the biggest ‘iftar’ activity of the federal capital so far.

Federal ministers, political leaders, senior diplomats, distinguished businessmen, senior bureaucrats and intellectuals attended it in large numbers.

The guests kept on discussing political developments taking place in the country especially with reference to case being heard in accountability court where former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif gave his statement that has flabbergasted everyone. “Nawaz Sharif has offered the reply by himself that he had been posing since his ouster from the office on July 28 last year. The query is why he had been ousted?” the guests termed Nawaz Sharif’s explanation as logical.

Former foreign secretary and Pakistan’s ambassador to the United States Syed Jalil Abbas Jilani was also sitting among the guests on main table who has been tipped among the potential nominee as caretaker prime minister. He turned up along-with his spouse who was encircled by the lady guests. Jalil Abbasi Jilani was in his usual and kept smiling throughout the discussions. He made it clear that he hasn’t been contacted by anyone for the slot as he has yet to make assessment that why his name has been brought in. Jalil Abbas termed proposal of his name for the slot as sheer kite-flying. Former state minister for Interior Dr. Shehzad Waseem was telling fellow guests that he would not contest the polls from Islamabad instead he would be trying his luck as candidate for the provincial assembly under Imran Khan who will be his candidate for the National Assembly. Dr. Waseem Shehzad is among the senior leaders of the PTI and he had earlier contested from Islamabad.

FPSC Chairman Naveed Akram Cheema, former Naval Chief Muhammad Asif Sandila, Federal Ombudsman Syed Tahir Shahbaz, Federal Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain, Serena CEO Aziz Boolani, Tehzeeb’s chief executive Chaudhary Muhammad Khalil and Inspector General Police Islamabad Dr Sultan Azam Khan Temuri were among the distinguished guests. Few guests were suspicious about the holding of the polls according to schedule. They were apprehensive that the delay in picking up caretaker prime minister is taking place due to efforts for finding ‘suitable’ caretaker who could subsequently work as facilitator and pawn for delay in the election. The multi-dish reception was thoroughly enjoyed by the guests as Sheikh Luqman Afzal Monal provided personal care every guest of the evening.