"Hafeez Sheikh said those who are criticising the International Monetary Fund package would not be allowed in the hallowed IMF corridors in Washington DC."

"He didn't say hallowed, and he didn't say Washington?"

"No, but that was understood."

"Not to me."

"I was always a tad suspicious, but I reckon you too won't be allowed in the corridors of IMF."

"It's not nice to be that contemptuous of those who have chosen a different career path, I mean not all of us want to work for the IMF, and need I add a Madinah ki riyasat (Madinah administration) would never endorse such contemptuous arrogance."

"Hmmm, but one question: did he include only the less educated amongst the opposition or did he include the large number of uneducated in the ranks of the ruling government?"

"The ruling government members of parliament are as docile as...as...as..."

"As the present opposition members were when their party was in power, though not all - I hear there are rumblings within the ranks and..."

"That's true, but there is one thing that Sheikh may have in common with those who may not gain admission into the IMF corridors - he covets the position held by Imran Khan and it is said that the wily Zardari sahib promised him support as the caretaker PM prompting Sheikh to resign as finance minister..."

"Hey, to seek promotion is okay in IMF corridors."

"You reckon the IMF would bar any Pakistani prime minister from entry! Anyway one observation - Nobel laureates like Jo Stiglitz who worked for a multilateral and then resigned may not be allowed entry as they challenged the efficacy of IMF prescriptions."

"Well, Sheikh is no Stiglitz as his expertise is limited to in-the-box solutions... a man as educated as he is has convinced the Prime Minister that his way is the highway - surely the objectives of the many economic theories that he may have taught detailing the path towards common objectives - development and progress - are common but the way to achieve these objectives are distinct to each theorist..."

"Indeed, but when I said he has something in common with those he referred to as not being able to gain admittance to IMF corridors I meant his lack of political ideology and going to whichever party offers him a portfolio..."

"That's the sacrifice that he and another IMF inductee are making and I will have you know..."

"Let me assure the two gentlemen that their careers will be strengthened after their current stint..."

"The assurance is as firm as Sheikh's assurance that he will generate higher non tax revenue to make good the shortfall in tax revenue?"

"Hmmm, by selling the family silver, though only four and a half months are left for the fiscal year to end so he is maybe cutting it a bit short..."

"Hey, if the PM is on his side then anything is possible!"