"So what's the latest?"
"Asif Zardari says Musharraf is a relic."
"You know after you reach retirement then many people say that you have become a relic."
"Is it retirement age or is it retirement?"
"If you are trying to tell me the difference in Pakistan between the two and especially with reference to Musharraf's actual retirement age as opposed to natural retirement age then you are not being very subtle."
"I had no intention of being subtle, my friend."
"I see, it shows the mighty have indeed fallen."
"Anyway, Musharraf is a relic, so said Zardari, and this must have got Musharraf and his Lotas reeling."
"Apparently not, 'cause the Chaudhry said that the Lota party will support the PPP if Nawaz Sharif backs out of that coalition."
"Right but when did the Chaudhry say that? Before or after the Zardari statement?"
"That I am not sure of."
"That is relevant you know. Anyway, why did Zardari say what he did say? I mean all this time he has been so careful of what he says to the Press, and the deal between Benazir Bhutto and Musharraf is now well-known amongst all and sundry."
"Maybe, because Zardari's popularity chart was on the decline."
"Let's be honest, Zardari never won any popularity contests within the PPP or outside the PPP for that matter."
"Which explains why many of BB Jiyalas have been sidelined."
"Not advisable, they will form a forward bloc and bide their time. Once the chips are down for Zardari they will strike."
"I guess the key is when the chips are down. But then why are the Lotas supporting Musharraf still. I mean the chips seem to be down for him."
"The Americans are confusing them. As was Zardari, let's be honest. The only one unambiguous of what he wants Musharraf to do is Nawaz Sharif."
"There is certainly that."