Articles of the year 2021

The decisions of Imran Khan creates doubts about his wisdom. The major obvious flaw is his inability to pick good persons as his ministers.

A few comparisons should be studied. Ronald Reagan was a a Hollywood actor in most forgettable B grade films.
However he had the knack of surrounding himself with brilliant advisors(ministers).

His presidency was remembered as the best in US history, of course the talent available to him was huge with the business and academic sector offers a vast pool of successful people.
For Imran Khan the pool is limited, more so by the corrosive legacy of the Nawaz/Zardari leftovers.

Hafeez Sheikh was this exception untainted by four regimes : General Musharraf, Benezir Bhutto, Zardari and Nawaz Sharif. He counselled them and managed to retain his reputation for honesty amongst the most corrupt looters that Pakistan suffered.

When he was chosen by Imran Khan we were fearful that Hafeez Sheikh would be coerced by the US through his IMF links to bend to US dictates.

Even this was resolutely resisted by Hafeez Sheikh who was too smart to be so trapped. When Hafeez Sheikh was picked for the Chairman Senate, a few of us were fearful of Hafeez stepping into this notorious nest of vipers, and defeat at the hands of Zardari was a foregone conclusion.

Zardari succeeded in defeating a super clean Hafeez and made his candidate a known jewel thief win. A remarkable win for Zardari considering the huge negative baggage carried by Gillani.

Hafeez may not have been able to survive with the sharks infested Senate. However the IK cabinet is no less a danger, while the rules may be different but the environment is more toxic. However Hafeez is a survivor who has been weaned amongst such poisonous fellowships. Survival is second nature.
The removal of Hafeez Sheikh is a loss to Imran Khan as he is woefully short on management.
The scams are too frequent and Hafeez Sheikh will be missed as a tested lieutenant

The trust factor is a huge plus in the politics of Pakistan and Imran Khan is lacking in this crucial sector. It will be a loss for Pakistan.

Especially in Pakistani politics where support is available for cash, it can be used in the opposite direction.

No government in Pakistan is safe and the main reason is that loyalty has such a premium in Pakistani politics that governments can be brought down for a price.
When Imran Khan took over as Prime Minister we cheered his honesty.
However it seems that honesty is considered a liability nowadays.
And the latest victim is Hafeez Sheikh.