As an instinctive phenomenon, the focus of power politics shifts from sitting parliaments to some other places when new elections approach. Perhaps it happens everywhere in the world or at least in the third world where 'behind the scene' powers did play the role in the whole course they themselves chose for them.
In any case, however, the game is played inside the geographical limits of a country. But in case of Pakistan's intricate politics where these inexplicable powers have over the years gathered so much strength as their 'legacy' now seem incontestable, all centres that guide the political process lie thousands of miles away from the country's frontiers. And like in the past, it is not symbolic this time around. Rather, it is so physical as the leadership of two top entities is in exile.
As the general elections approaching next year, the National Assembly and Senate seem to have lost warmth in their proceedings as their members now look interested in retaining their seats more than anything else.
It was detectable the way both the houses resumed business Monday evening after the weekend. Most of the chairs on both sides of the aisle were empty in the National Assembly right from the word go.
However, few members did amuse spectators. One was Khuda Bux Nizamani, who frightened the opposition of 'wrath of God' for their attempts to impeach Musharraf or vote out Shaukat.
"Last year when you announced to launch a movement, earthquake hit the country. Now again as you planning a no-confidence motion, floods are playing havoc," the MNA said.
"God gives someone honour and if one is honoured by God you, too, must have respect for one," Nizamani taught the opposition a new lesson.
Another amusing 'battle of words' was fought between PML-N Khawaja Asif and PML minority member M.P. Bhandara.
"If you don't have courage, lend some from me, but for God sake, don't tell lies," Asif attacked Bhandara when they clashed over who (out of military and politicians) cost more to the nation.
And in the Senate proceedings were also of an unexciting affair despite opposition members' token walkout against interior minister Aftab Sherpao's helplessness to respond to points they raised during the three-day debate on the Balochistan imbroglio.
Sherpao shared the 'good news' with the house that the government has finally been able to establish its writ in the restive province by wiping out 'miscreants'.
However, the minister did not mention how the 'mission' was accomplished. Perhaps it was difficult for him to admit that a bombardment of three years on 'innocent civilians' was behind this 'achievement'.
"Except for a small portion in Kohlu and Mand things have normalised. Miscreants there are surrounded and are being flushed out," he said with a clear 'illusion' of proud in his tone.
But opposition members appeared least enthusiastic in whether the government had any writ in Balochistan or elsewhere or the otherwise. They demanded answers to questions they raised during the debate so mentioned by Raza Rabbani.
Raza Rabbani, who got the floor even after Sherpao, said during the debate opposition members had raised at least six important points, including disappearances of more than 30 persons but the minister made no mention of them.
Immediately after Balochistan episode is over, Rabbani was once again in the limelight. This time he questioned the authenticity of a media report suggesting the government proposed plan of bifurcating and then privatising the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
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