"I can't understand the allegations made in the Indian press that Praful Patel, World Bank vice-president for the South Asian region, was replaced from the panel reviewing Islamabad's complaint on the Baglihar Hydroelectric Project in occupied Kashmir."
"Well, they accuse Pakistan of carrying on a witch hunt and..."
"But it is OK for Pakistan to be concerned about his Indian origin. I mean you know and I know that the panel must be independent. Besides the World Bank does operate under the principle that any conflict of interest, perceived or real, must be taken into account while instituting a panel. So why would Pakistan accept someone considered to have a bias in favour of India?"
"The Pakistan Embassy denied it and said it was fabricated."
"I don't think there was a need for the denial. I mean so what if Pakistan thinks that Patel would have a bias in favour of India? His Ugandan nationality need not be considered pertinent. There is a lot at stake here for us and we need to be absolutely sure that the panel takes unbiased decisions."
"Maybe, it was a sponsored story? The guy obviously had contacts with the Indian press and therefore his replacement makes all the more sense."
"Do you think there is a need for Musharraf to call the Embassy and tell them to shut up?"
"Musharraf is a bit high for a direct contact."
"What about his chief Lota or the Cousin?"
"Chaudhry is dealing with Balochistan, whether effectively or not, is not relevant, and the cousin is too junior in the hierarchy."
"What about his deputy?"
"Is that Mushahid or Sheikh Sahib?"
"They hold a joint position right now but if I know Mushahid he will be the sole occupier of that position in a few months."
"He is a good and dedicated Lota, indeed."
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