"So the President is in charge of the nuclear..."
"Yes and the armed forces are also part of the chain of command, including the new Chief of Army Staff, his naval and air force counterparts and..."
"So the popularly elected prime minister will have no say in the matter."
"One vote only. And then maybe the ministers of defence, finance and interior will side with her/him..."
"I can't believe that. You actually think BB is going to win irrespective of the infamous deal."
"Yes, because the deal is dead but what gave me away?"
"The fact that you said if the three ministers who are also designated members of the National Command Authority will side with 'her' before you said 'him'. I mean in our country that is a no, no - imagine a 'her' coming before 'him'."
"Don't be facetious."
"So now what?"
"So now the president gave himself this power too."
"This is in spite of the recent poll which gives him a non-existent approval rating and wants him out of power?"
"Probably because of it..."
"Ah yes."
"But tell me how long would it take a joint opposition to make this ordinance invalid?"
"Not long. If the opposition can work together..."
"If they can't the people should boycott the elections."
"Ah, that won't work. Politicians are notorious about being happy with only 100 votes in a constituency with 20,000 votes if that puts them even one vote ahead of their rival."
"Ah yes, it's to get the seat even if the public is disenchanted with the electoral process and the policies of the candidates."
"They have no policies just lots of promises."
"See that is because democracy never took hold and we are still living in the shadow of the 1970s. Remember Bhutto promising the people Roti, Kapra Aur Makaan."
"With no expenditure strategy to make people believe that he will be able to deliver on this promise."
"Right. And so the games continue."