PARTLY FACETIOUS: Shehbaz Sharif’s mediation skills are legendary

“I reckon Shehbaz Sharif is very well suited to act as a mediator between two warring parties.”

“But not with the Taliban right!”

“Not with terrorists.”

“Oh but there are some other groups who we do not define as terrorists, but the US does as does Israel and the West…”

“The Europeans are no longer players and this is in spite of the fact that two countries are nuclear armed.”

“Hmmm, but it is important to remember that a nuclear arsenal no longer guarantees how shall I put it – an attack avoidance by other nuclear powers.”

“True anyway I agree Shehbaz Sharif’s mediation skills are legendary – he has mediated successfully between the fiery Nawalas, those who owe allegiance to Nawaz Sharif, and the establishment…”

“Yep Nihal Hashmi, once the BaddestMouther of them all, is the Sindh Governor.”

“I reckon that is more due to Tessori sahib’s reach narrowing.”

“But it continues to reach one man, Farooq Sattar, the man who did not even win in the last election, and no I am not sure whether he distinguishes between Forms 45 or 47 or…”

“What about Form 46?”

“Is there such a form?”

“Our bureaucrats may have issues with governance, but their numbering is impeccable.”

“Don’t be facetious, anyway I don’t know what Form 46 is. So Shehbaz Sharif is mediating between the US and the Iranians, but you know I think their differences have widened and the Iranian concessions are no longer what they were on 27 February.”

“I have one piece of advice. Shehbaz Sharif should think of President Trump as Nawaz Sharif and…”

“Nawaz Sharif or Maryam Nawaz – I thought…”

“Stop.”

“I meant no disrespect. We revere the Father and Daughter. And the Iranians may be seen not as the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf but…”

“Don’t be facetious. Besides The Man Who Must Remain Nameless and Faceless did get to talk to his sons on Eid and…”

“You are deliberately trying to be obtuse.”

“That’s the only way to survive these days.”

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026