Your post should be 'Pinned' or 'Bookmarked' for its far reaching consequences for Pakistan. Alas, some here, though hopefully in decreasing numbers, fail to see a 10AM-4PM scheduling Prime Minister of Pakistan into his 3rd marriage, and that too with a witch-craft practicing mom of 4 kids was ruining some of the most vital of Pakistan's foreign relations. But then their Messiah Khan was born with a golden spoon and much of his existing supporters in the Western blogspace are also the counterparts of golden spooned one: The Reza Shah Pelahavi Brigade of Pakistan!!! They couldn't care less what more would befall the already befallen poor of Pakistan.
Bhutto had similar cultist following regardless due to the "aura" he carried.
But as is true IK simply made little friends. Which would seem ironic but if you into accounts of how he raised for SKMH(which is commendable and we should all applaud what it achieves) there are times he needed introductions and smoothing out during his interactions.
Keep in mind, Bhutto was a politician and if you go into his earliest history it has him brown nosing his way into power in ways you will never see IK(
because he doesn't have the proper bone for it)do. Doesnt mean IK didnt do some brown nosing where as he learnt the ropes but that is "vision" had serious stage issues.
Even if we leave Melisandre aside - the biggest issue is IK assuming his "battle" is over once he gets the seat when infact he had just progressed from domestic to international cricket and had the entire league to play before once could accept him having "worth" on the international stage.
His innate need to talk from the pulpit using the same messaging he used on the campaign trail was another sign of immaturity for the seat. By contrast Bhutto had true exposure to international relationships while sucking on Ayub's tits.
IK's exposure remained being the quiet guest or schmoozing with western aristocracy during champagne hours. That "I am a vision" works only if you are willing to hear the other person out even if you disagree. Most of IK's subordinates will tell you he listen until he doesn't like something and then he could not care less for your argument or in his best politician self will hear you and do something opposite regardless.
Ok for subordinates , not for world leaders and diplomacy.
Regardless, his age isnt the only thing against him because it is driving that ego - at this time his mrs needs to be pushed out of the narrative permanently and his sisters/sons need to come in - keep the pressure on the current incumbent but also start a "meet me halfway" campaign with them.
I feel there is still a large section of the military that prefers PTI sans IK and this is a good opportunity to make IK understand that. As age hits, people do get more focused and unless you go through a Mahatir level humbling which IK is AND also Mahatir level humility which IK isnt - eventually you will tire your own major supporters but will keep your core "jiyalas".
After all, PPP has Sindh... PTI can have KP.. PML(N) Punjab.. and this country can be ruled by those that want to rule for a 1000 years...
Seems to be working out for them as Yahya made that statement, the only mistake being he assumed taking Mujib out of the picture completely and military force to quell dissent would work.
Now there isnt an India next to KP but there is an Afghanistan... not the same result perhaps but a constant headache that keeps Pakistani economy in tatters and constant state stability issue.
It is best to find some sort of "handle the hot potato" solution - and it lies with FM making an overture to IK, but not before some "solution" is found for the mistress at Bani Gala.
