"The year 2006 is to be declared visit Pakistan year."
"Why? In commemoration of the fact that charges against and/or arrests of men of Pakistani origin were commonplace after any terrorist act that took place in 2005."
"Don't be facetious."
"But this is not an auspicious timing to celebrate visit Pakistan year if you know what I mean."
"There is this poor tourism minister who just sits there doing nothing. I mean all these bomb blasts around the world are certainly not making his life easier. And then you know if nothing is happening in your ministry you don't get any airtime, your picture does not get published, life gets dull. I mean there is only so much you can do in a flagged car living in a minister's house."
"Poor fellow, who ever he is! But this is not an auspicious..."
"Don't parrot that dismal statement. One has to start somewhere and next year is as good a year as any."
"What if our PM has changed by then?"
"I don't think Musharraf is that unhappy with him! I mean the guy is very respectful to Musharraf, reports everything to him, maintains a respectful one seat distance between them if sitting on a three seater sofa..."
"What in the world are you talking about?"
"About this latest photograph where the Chosen One is sitting one seat away on a three seater sofa from Musharraf."
"Ah yes - gotta maintain a respectful distance I agree. One never knows what will irk the President at any time."
"Anyway, the rumour doing the rounds in World Bank Washington is that the Chosen One is not only the chosen one of Musharraf but of yet another man."
"Who?"
"Paul Wolfowitz and that the guy has offered him a job as his MD in the World Bank."
"The Chosen One was friends with Wolfowitz the neo-conservative!"
"The job PM is high profile though and you get to meet those with real power."
"Ah yes, but then no power to do anything and I hear the pay is not that good."
"But the savings are great - there is no expenditure on anything if you know what I mean."
"That certainly is true."