"So what's up?"
"Grand opposition or the same old same old?"
"Well, the MQM says they will wait for the call from PML (N)."
"And the PML (N) says they will wait for a call from the MQM?"
"We will see, but between you and me that's where the situation appears to be different now. The PML (N) leader Nawaz Sharif has welcomed the MQM as a member of the opposition and the Prime Minister has given the much-beloved MQM portfolio of Ports and Shipping to Dr Asim Hussain which, to many, implies the government is not going to woo the MQM back this time around."
"Or, it may imply that the MQM is not going to go back?"
"Whatever the split appears final."
"But you know what indicates that the split is irrevocable this time around to me?"
"What?"
"Rehman Malik..."
"Before you say anything the guy apologised to the MQM for any transgression on his part, sort of a blanket apology as only Malik can give, and besides he is in Saudi Arabia..."
"Why?"
"Well, the MQM did say that he requested the party does not field a candidate for the Karachi seat in AJK and..."
"I want to know why he is in Saudi Arabia. From what I know the Saudis are not being too friendly with the Zardari government, they have refused to give us a deferred payment facility, besides President Zardari likes return visits, you may call them follow ups but to the best of my knowledge he has been to Saudi Arabia just the once..."
"Not true - President Zardari has been to Libya only once as well."
"Don't be facetious."
"I am not being facetious - he has been there only once."
"Hey it's kinda hot there these days and..."
"Now who is being facetious?"
"Well, the President doesn't need to go to Libya: he goes to countries where economic ties can be strengthened or where his children are studying and last I heard Libya doesn't fall in either of those two categories..."
"Besides he has personally bought Qadhafi's gifted bullet proof cars."
"Our President is loyal to his friends: the FO did not support Western action against Libya, I recall."