"So how is democracy defined in the Land of the Pure?"

"Pakistani society has become extremely divisive..."

"How does that answer my question?"

"A divisive society means each component defines it differently. Take Nawaz Sharif's party, for them democracy is to give due weight to the highest office held previously, so a three-time prime minister needs to be dealt with differently from...from..."

"From someone who hasn't held such a high office charged with the same crime?"

"Well, not charged but convicted."

"I see, so Zardari sb, a former president, currently being investigated though not yet convicted, should be treated differently from Nawaz Sharif?"

"Of course! Zardari sahib is a one-time president! The key is the number of times..."

"Don't be facetious; anyway for the Zardis democracy is to charge someone in the same jurisdiction as the crime committed so Zardari sahib should be tried in Karachi where he committed the crime that he is accused of."

"Or else charge him with a crime he committed outside Sindh!"

"Precisely, but the investigating agencies are committed to charging opposition leaders with a crime that was hitherto not associated with them - Rana Sanaullah and drugs and..."

"See they like a challenge...anyway in Sindh democracy is of Zardari sahib, for Zardari sahib and by Zardari sahib and so..."

"I see you are a Khanzadeh!"

"Absolutely, and wait I am not finished - Maryam Nawaz, convicted with the sentence suspended, is treated differently from Faryal Talpur who is not yet convicted."

"There is a difference!"

"Sorry?"

"A Former First Daughter versus Former President's sister."

"So once the Khan is no longer in power there could be a Former First Lady..."

"Nope, Bushra Bibi is in a different category; don't forget all our party leaders, national and regional, not only respect pirs (spiritual leaders) and their female counterparts but also fear them..."

"That's true and democracy a la Khan is to do the same o same o, but with infinitely more panache and..."

"One question: Mian sahib has Gullu Butt's, who are only active when law enforcement agencies are on their side, while jiyalas turned Zardis are playing on the forefront in Sindh where they rule so what about Khanzadehs?"

"Khanzadehs are from the educated youth and therefore capable of informed decisions and..."

"Dear me!"

Copyright Business Recorder, 2019