The tough visitor’s name was Mr Push. Insiders had very often seen him in close company of Mr Bush. The name of his Pakistani host was Mr Khush
A MYSTERIOUS person from the US was in Islamabad last week. He arrived in falcon flight. The manner in which he was received at the airport revealed he was neither a Tom, nor a Dick, nor a Harry. He was a very important person and appeared to be on a secret mission. His mannerism betrayed his strong resemblance to Sylvester Stallone. In our part of the world, the earth is hot and the atmosphere around remains humid and gloomy. Death looms large over our part of the subcontinent. Young and old have grown apprehensive. No one knows what is going to happen to you tomorrow. Life passes through a long, dwindling tunnel of stark uncertainty.
From the airport, the mysterious stranger was driven in a big, black limousine to a secluded house in Sector E, the locality of the elite who perpetually hold on to the wand of supreme authority over the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. At the secluded house, the visitor from the USA met a bald man for all seasons, and exchanged pleasantries with him. Later on, they had an informal dinner together and discussed matters of mutual interest, such as Afghanistan, Iraq, Al Qaeda, Taliban, Osama and Saddam, and of course dollars in aid and grants-in-aid. Later on, it transpired that the tough visitor’s name was Mr Push. Insiders had very often seen him in close company of Mr Bush. The name of his Pakistani host was Mr Khush.
Mr Push, the mysterious visitor, said, “You know Mr Khush, I am on a very important mission.”
“Mr Push, you must try to understand our precarious position.” Mr Khush, the host said. “We just can’t openly participate in your ultimate mission in Iraq.”
“Well, it’s not Iraq.”
“Then is it about the recent backlash in Afghanistan?”
“We have consolidated our hold over Afghanistan.” Mr Push said, “It is going to be all right there.”
“Then, what is the aim of your mission?”
The giant visitor looked straight in the eyes of Mr Khush, and said, “We believe Osama is in Pakistan.”
“Impossible!” Mr Khush was flabbergasted. He remarked, “It is a figment of someone’s wild imagination.”
Mr Push smiled and said, “My dear Mr Khush, we have reliably gathered that Osama is operating from Pakistan.”
“Haven’t we sufficiently combed our tribal territories in search of Osama?”
“You have, no doubt. But we have authentic information that he operates from Pakistan.”
“I just can’t believe it.” Mr Khush felt uneasy and said, “It’s fabricated information.”
“It is verified, confirmed information, Mr Khush. Osama is in Pakistan.”
“At least we in Pakistan do not know.”
“But we know for sure that Osama is in Pakistan.” Mr Push said, “He is hiding in Peshawar.”
Startled, Mr Khush exclaimed, “Are you trying to tell me Osama is in Peshawar?”
“Exactly.” Mr Push coolly said, “Osama has taken shelter in a Hujra in Qissakhwani Bazaar.”
“Brother Push, it is ridiculous.”
“Brother Khush, we know Osama is in Peshawar.”
Mr Khush was left puzzled. He couldn’t make up his mind as to what to say and what not to say. He had worked hand-in-glove with the Americans during their onslaught on Afghanistan, and then what about the behind-the-scene support he had extended to them in their exploits in Iraq? He, thus, was aware of their mental mechanism. There was nothing enigmatic about them. The Americans honestly believe they can never be wrong.
Mr Khush sighed and said, “So, you feel Osama is in Pakistan!” “President Bush, too, personally believes Osama is in Peshawar.” Mr Push sounded emphatic. He asserted, “That is why I am in Pakistan, Mr Khush.”
The bald host meekly said, “But our agencies tell us that Osama is not in Pakistan.”
“We don’t care what your agencies tell you.” Mr Push said, “Our authentic information is that Osama-bin-Laden is hiding in Pakistan, and is operating from there. He masterminded the power breakdown in America and Canada last month.”
Mr Khush said, “What you claim Mr Push is hard to believe!”
“We are not bothered what you believe and what you do not believe in!” Mr Push said, “We rely on our fool-proof information sources.”
Mr Khush helplessly asked, “Do you intend to launch a massive manhunt for Osama in Peshawar?”
“Yes. We are committed to crush the terrorist.”
“It would create a lot of problems for us.”
“We would have certainly helped you in solving your problems.” Mr Push said, “But, you know Mr Khush, we do not interfere in the internal affairs of independent and sovereign countries.”
Mr Khush thought for a while, and asked, “Meanwhile, what are we supposed to do?”
“Nothing.” Mr Push said, “Simply keep murmuring ‘Pakistan First’ and don’t do anything foolish.”
The host fumbled, and said, “So you came all the way just for that!”
“Not exactly.” Mr Push put on a grin on his rugged face, and said, “We have a hunch.”
Mr Khush sank in his seat. He looked vacantly at Mr Push.
Mr Push said, “Mr Khush, President Bush believes Saddam Hussein has taken shelter in a hideout in Karachi.”
