"So the PML (N) has finally accepted that Nawaz Sharif's popularity isn't going to translate into a heavy mandak."
"Right, but that's not what is so interesting on our political map."
"Is the fact that the PML (N) is now ready to do business with the MQM interesting?"
"No, not quite."
"Don't tell me let me guess: the hot bed of political activity is not in Islamabad but in London."
"There I agree with you but only partly."
"Why is it that all political activity takes place in London? I mean it's not as if any of the players are in forced exile - well OK, Altaf Bhai is in London but that is self imposed exile. And don't forget the parliament may decide to bar those with dual nationality from standing for elections and..."
"Ain't gonna happen..."
"Because the PPP wants to bring the MQM back into the coalition?"
"No, because that would mean many a PPP leader would be out of parliament."
"Ah yes, a much more cogent reason but anyway to me the political activity was where it's always been: in Islamabad and London."
"Who is in Islamabad?"
"Babar Awan who I reckon is giving Rehman Malik a run for his money."
"I thought he was giving the PML (N) leadership a run for their money."
"No, it's Malik."
"If you are referring to some cases involving embezzlement or misuse then let me tell you that Awan is a lawyer and is always ready to go into litigation and..."
"Heavens no! By run for his money I meant he is competing with Malik for the President's affections."
"Ah OK, that's fine then."
"Anyway Awan took Rana Sanaullah to court for saying that Awan is liable to murder."
"That's a rather frivolous case given that the country is facing a severe energy crisis, law and order issues and now a political firework display is on the horizon and..."
"Awan is a lawyer not an economist or an interior minister or indeed the minister for water and power. And need I add neither is Rana sahib."
"I guess and besides the two do provide us the poor people of this country some comic relief."