Forward Ho (FH) caught up with Hina Rabbani Khar (HRK) in New York on the sidelines of the UN meet. Though, in keeping with her status as the FM of an Islamic Nation, dressed in a monotone conservative outfit she looked gorgeous and welcomed FH with a disarming smile.
After the formal introduction we settled down to chat over a cup of tea and samosas.
FH. We are fortunate that you did not return to Pakistan in a huff……
HRB: But who said I was leaving?
FH: It was in the media…..
HRB: Oh that! After spitting fire at the US, I said I was returning….to my hotel and as usual the media assumed and left the scene midway to be the first one to report I was returning to Pakistan…if only they had waited for me to complete the sentence…..
FH: I must say you look ravishingly …….
HRB: Beg your pardon what was that?
FH: I was saying you are pushing the US to the brink….
HRB: What pushing? They are already on the brink; if I push any further they will fall.
FH: But the Haqquani network working in tandem with ISI is an original idea I must say…
HRB: What is original about it? The CIA worked with them in the 1970s and 1980s mostly through ISI. Then they left when the Russians left Afghanistan. The ISI found no compulsions to leave as Pakistan was only a mule ride away from the Afghan mountains.
FH: OK. Be that as it were…would you call your visit to India a success?
FH: Beg your pardon?
HRB: You know the Jimmy Choos, Hermès Birkin et al..
FH: Oh! But I meant the relations between India and Pakistan….
HRB: Oh that too was on a high. I got a lot of admirers and got an endearing reception wherever I went. My Roberto Cavalli sunglasses & classic pearl jewelry were unprecedented hits. Indian people just loved them.
FH: You suppose some of them would have fallen in love with you too…
HRB: What was that….
FH: Do you feel, following your visit the Indian people’s love for Pakistan would have increased manifold?
HRB: I am somewhat sure about the men…they are all the same. But about the women I can’t say…you know they have their own ideas about other women.
FH: (exasperated) I was asking about the relations between the two countries India and Pakistan.
HRB: For a moment I did not realize they were different countries…this matter about foreign relations et al was not in my agenda.
FH: (hiding the surprise) Oh! Did you get any offer from Bollywood?
HRB: Yes and No. But why would I need that?
FH: It is rumored that Khayani will soon take over the reins of Pakistan. Then you will be out of a job. Many in Bollywood will welcome you with open arms and so will many Indians.
HRB: I have learned that when you are hitting the driver straight do not strive for distance…If you try to force the shot it will go nowhere.
FH: So, you play golf?
HRB: No. No. No. My husband who plays golf (FH is a bit surprised) tells me this in the evenings…..
FH: (disappointed) YOU are MARRIED?
HRB: I have two daughters, Annaya and Dina. My husband is Feroze Gulzar a……..
FH: Never mind I am sure you have a slew of appointments lined up. It was a pleasure talking with you……..
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