ANJUM IBRAHIM

Containers blockading the intent of protesters to blockade

“It was a very forceful statement by none other than the Interior Minister – the government will not, let me write it in capitals, NOT allow any protests in Islamabad with intent to disrupt….”

“Two observations – does that mean he has abandoned his focus on governance issues and his suggestion…”

“Hmmm not the right word I would imagine based on past precedence. Besides the guy can multitask which is why he wears two hats.”

“But which word are you referring to?”

“The word suggestion….more a….a….”

“IT was wise to let that go. Anyway the second observation is how do you assess intent? I mean….”

“Intent is assessed by past behaviour….”

“But if I recall correctly the last protest towards D-Chowk was led by The Third Wife who is currently not only in jail but in isolation and Gandapur is no more the Chief Minister so the players have changed and…”

“Islamabad court has ruled that protests with the intent….”

“Stop right there. It is a fact that all our administrations, including the incumbent, have had the capacity based on experience to predict behaviour of the opposition so mitigating measures need to be put in place.”

“Measures whose physical form is containers?”

“Yes.”

“That’s doing a President Trump.”

“What?”

“President Trump blockaded the Iranian blockade of the Strait of Hormuz right?”

“Right, so?”

“And the containers are blockading the intent of the protesters to blockade. And do you know my petrol consumption will rise dramatically because of the diversions and the time I will waste while trying to get through blockades….”

“I don’t see why you are whining about it – it’s not as if any of the gates installed during the tenure of The Rana as the Interior Minister have actually been opened for more than a year that impacts on those who work in government, I mean…”

“The Ministers have protocol and they can pass easily.”

“Right but they are not the ones who ensure the smooth working of the administration.”

“You need to shut up, ‘cause you know nothing.”