Pakistan, Feb. 25 -- I don't say it often enough; thank you my readers, friends and supporters for such tremendous response to my articles. It is amazing to see such traction for articles written in English. It is a tonic to continue my efforts to say it as it is!

It was the plan all along. Use Nawaz Sharif as a poster boy to continue the Sharif family's dynastic rule. NS lacks the oomph to meet the challenges of a rickety, leaky boat. Like an overcooked steak gone cold. Alternatively, "Showbaz" Shahbaz is malleable, easy to mould and capable of serving as "yours obediently". NS got his pound of flesh by unleashing "talented daughter" Maryam on the hapless Punjabis. She will be walking on thin ice of stolen mandate, wearing pointed heels...