ARTICLE: The 'honey trap' is a word that encompasses many things. It was first coined by the spy agencies who used beautiful women to entrap or blackmail opponents to extract classified information. However, honey trap covers many activities, usually involving a beautiful woman. It goes as far back as 5000 years. Unfortunately, it is an elitist activity. A 'not so beautiful woman' cannot be a player. A beautiful woman is the world's longest lasting 'gilt' asset. Other industries like oil, financial services, IT, mineral extraction pale in comparison to the economic power of a beautiful woman. History validates this argument.

Cleopatra understood this and used it well. When Julius Caesar had conquered Egypt, she was presented before him rolled up in a carpet. When the carpet was unrolled, Cleopatra emerged. Caesar was so smitten; he immediately became her lover. Honey trap. After Caesar was stabbed to death in the senate in Rome, Cleopatra wasted no time in taking up with Mark Antony. Beautiful women have used the gambit of honey trap to change history and acquire fortunes. The Helen of Troy launched 1000 ships. Queen Marie Antoinette was indirectly responsible for the French Revolution. Wallis Simpson bedazzled Edward VIII to abdicate the most coveted throne in the world. She must have had a secret weapon that the world still wonders about. In recent history President Bill Clinton fell for a honey trap. Monica Lewinsky was planted as an intern in the White House by certain interests. She accomplished her mission. Surprisingly, none of the 16 intelligence/spy agencies that operate in the US, warned Clinton. This was a big time honey trap.

In our part of the world, honey trap and its derivatives are doing well and thriving. Field Marshall Ayub Khan was pictured frolicking with Christine Keeler and Mandy Rice-Davies. Fortunately, no lasting damage accrued. There were no video clips at that time. Recently, two enterprising young ladies from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have emerged on the scene. Their initials are H.S. and S.K. In two years, they have accumulated a fortune. Their client list extends from Lahore, Islamabad to Dubai etc. Very enterprising indeed! Now they need to focus on a frontline political leader who has time and money on his hands. Unfortunately, his 'Love nest' can no longer be maintained at the government expense.

I am a great admirer of another frontline political leader who took this game to the next level. When he was in office.

The greatest contributor to the 'Honey Trap' game is a Saudi Prince. When he sets his sights on a target, there is no escaping. Beautiful women at the receiving end of his beneficence have become very rich. We all remember the pretty young girl, in the movie "The Parents Trap" about 20 years ago. She fell on hard times - the usual drugs and alcohol routine. She has recovered. Now she is the honored guest of a sheikhdom.

(The writer is the former Executive Director of the Management Association of Pakistan)