"So? The Prime Minister welcomes President Zardari in his own home while he goes to visit Imran Khan in his."
"Oh for Pete's sake surely you are not making anything of that!"
"Yes I am, and the difference my friend between the PPP and the PTI is ten seats or so in the national assembly."
"Welcoming someone in your home is not a notch above gracing someone with a visit."
"But sending a helicopter to pick up the guest maybe."
"Helicopter travel may be a wish for you stuck in traffic every day, but let me assure you that our former President Zardari has enough resources to not only buy the helicopter with his petty cash but also pay for the fuel."
"Fuel prices are down and..."
"Don't be facetious and if you recall even former French President Sarkozy allowed Zardari sahib the use of a helicopter to tour his estate in France."
"And you reckon Imran Khan doesn't have such a large estate? Let me tell you the land surrounding Khan's Islamabad residence may actually match former President Zardari's French estate!"
"OK but you have to admit that all our politicians, be they from the two major parties or the new emerging party PTI do like to use resources that are extended to them as protocol. I mean Zardari sahib was probably happy when the helicopter was made available to him and Khan also has the use of planes and helicopters of one wealthy party member."
"Indeed but anyway I noticed a major difference between Sharif and Zardari in the photograph."
"The dress code - one is in a Western suit and the other in shalwar kameez."
"Oh there is a practical reason for that!"
"What?"
"Mian sahib prefers the national dress just before a meal, knowing his favourite dishes are being prepared - there is more maneuverability - while Zardari sahib has never been known for love of food, yes he has some favourite dishes but I doubt if Mian sahib is going to be that obliging where food is concerned."
"Don't be facetious, besides it is no skin off Mian sahib's nose if the cook prepares Zardari sahib's favourite dishes as well."
"Maybe, the table may not be big enough but the waiters serve each dish and do not leave it on the table."