"I see that not as a rap over the knuckles but something more."

"I know there is general disenchantment with the Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaaf's decisions and..."

"Hey the party's legacy has been appalling and just to bring everything to normal would require at least a decade if not more..."

"But can you support allowing those who have plea bargained, or admitted their guilt, the option to sit in government again and..."

"The Khan's intent was noble, he just wanted to make sure that the country had the best brains at its disposal and need I add the best brains in this country have been engaged in taking advantage of loopholes..."

"I am not sure the word loophole applies - I would imagine a hole the size and depth of the Grand Canyon would be more appropriate."

"Hey if it doesn't work, the ordinance can be withdrawn, it's not as if the incumbent president has exhibited any inclination to challenge the Prime Minister."

"And then The Khan has allowed Pakistanis and dual nationals to keep secret their less than 10 percent shareholdings in offshore companies..."

"What's 10 percent I ask you!?"

"I guess in politics if you support a party you support the good with the bad..."

"It's like a marriage and unless you get a divorce..."

"Oh, by the way did Firdous Ashiq Awan get...?"

"Not as long as this party is in power, anyway I was referring to ordinary people like you and me; but when I said it was a bit more than a rap on the knuckles I was referring to a statement by the International Monetary Fund in the Rapid Financing Instrument document that it uploaded on its website notably "Staff noted that the SBP's monetary accommodation is an adequate response to the Covid-19 shock but, with inflation still in the double-digits, cautioned on the need to remain vigilant of potential inflationary pressure arising from the rupee depreciation and supply-side pressures. In this context, staff stressed that intervention in the foreign exchange market should remain limited to prevent disorderly market conditions. Finally, staff emphasized that regulatory measures and expanded refinancing schemes must be targeted and temporary, and their design should not create moral hazard nor foster poor credit risk management practices."

"Oops, criticism and caution in all SBP measures!"

"Right, but the SBPs balancing act is commendable - first deal with an immediate threat and this time it wasn't the IMF but the government and when the pressure abates reassess which is the more immediate threat and act accordingly."

"Hmmm, the behaviour of a true blue bureaucrat."

"Blue for?"

"Elite, or grade 21 and above."

Copyright Business Recorder, 2020

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