In our country the Art of Politics has come to be defined as an art that enables one to seldom say what one means, and to seldom mean what one says.
Whether politics is more of an art or more of a science isn’t my subject of discussion here. Some of its practitioners will say it is an art. And the other will declare it is a science.
Rahman Malik will not think twice before declaring it to be a science, because be was only recently awarded an honory Ph.D degree. His degree may be honory but is genuine. This claim, Dr Babar Awan will not able to make with any degree of confidence.
Khan Asfandyar Wali Khan doesn’t hold any degree that can catapult him to a scientist’s stature. Yet not many days back he came on record with a statement that ” there is no room for finality in politics. Nor is politics a fixed thing that truth can’t be mended and made to bend to suit a given situation.”
He was trying to sound like a true politician—one who values his interests and loyalties more than his principles and honour. Though he did say that the honour of a Pathan consisted in staying on the side of his friends ( Zardari and company on the one hand in this case, and Uncle Sam and company on the other hand).
Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani does not need a degree to be regarded as a scientist of politics, nor any testimony to be declared an artist. He is a walking embodiment of all that politics stands for. In one breath he is capable of saying: “There is no way elections will take place a day before these are due,” And in the very other breath he can leave the people guessing —saying:
“Early elections can be held if deemed necessary.”
As for Mian Nawaz Sharif, his politics is confined to dreaming of his next ascent to the throne of Islamabad.
As is Zardari Sahib’s politics shaped by one goal—No more Swiss fever.
This essay will remain incomplete without the mention of Maulana Fazlur Rahman. Assure him of more to eat and eat and eat— and he will have only words of Thanks to the Almighty.
(Repeat of a memorable column First published on 31-01-2012)
