How could the highest court disenfranchise two very popular leaders(Nawaz and Shabaz Sharif)permanently from taking part in Pakistan's politics and the powerful Army didn't prevent it. How come the Supreme court itself did not consider the political implications of their decision in the greater interest of the country and just addressed the narrow legal issues, coming down with an unwise decision. The whole saga proves lack of maturity on the part of many institutions. The only way out is for the National Assembly to override this hasty and unimaginative decision.

Do we have the right to point a finger when our own house is in disarray ? It has been in that state for over 60 years. Any suggestions !

Well now our president's smiling gesture will be lessened as now he has trespassed the unconstitutional actions of President,Musharraf. Welcome to the democracy of Pakistan,we can just pray for this poor nation who has such smiling but ineffective leadership.

Ah, the vexed question of our president's relentless, if relfexive, grinning! The Dawn's dilemma of finding a picture in which presidential physiognomy betrays some oblique relationship to what he presides over, has been reflected among its readership that has been hard put to assess the ounce of mirth, amusement, goodwill, graciousness etc. to be read into the far- distended full folding cheeks. Will the grin return to the visage? The dorky that some of us have come to associate with it would led one to think that it might very well do!

He is merely smiling at us not with us. We the masses of the land of pure are being mocked for our blindness, naivity and abject stupidity. I want to see who has the last grin? What irony, one crook is barred, other 2 are allowed to flaunt. Land of the pyre is the only land where 2 convicted criminals are the president and the prime minister. Could even God save Pakistan?

One who smiles last, smiles best.

ahh!!! this serendepity and unexhaustable grin is perplexing no doubt

I think Mr Zardari was not ready when he really became the head of state, and did not know where and how to show his true emotions, so he put on something which works best in most of the situations, not realizing that this can become monotonous, or artificial after a while. Seems like he is now feeling the gravity of situation and acting accordingly, well at least by showing the right arrangement of facial muscles.

Oscar Wilde was warning Pakistanis when he said about '....he knows the price of everything and value of nothing'.

Sacred folder?? Good one! What else do you guys have in your sacred folder? Nawaz Shareef without his new implanted hair? Bin Laden wearing jeans in his younger days? or Chaudhry Shujjat saying something that an ordinary Pakistani can understand? We in Pakistan badly need such discussions to humour us. Good job dawn.com, can't wait for more.

The Story from a cinema in Karachi to President House is rather fascinating and would put 'Slumdog millionaire' to shame if seen through the lens. Indeed the smile helps the man keep all cards close to heart while giving a different and often false image to allies and foes alike. Sharif's fell to the same charm so have been others who are willing to trade all for some form of authority, just like our minister for tourism (the now infamous Maulana Prado... the brother of our trusted Maulana Diesel).

Anyone else notice the similarity with our other 'great' leader Zia ul Haq? The same fake grin and shifty eyes ! Maybe Dawn can dig up some photos and put them side by side for comparison !

I could care less about his smile but what worries me is that we will (the ones who are posting here, i.e., the "educated" lot) not be able to prevent corrupt people from ruining our great country; they have done it before, they are doing it now and they'll do it again and again. Why? Because the illiterate majority of Pakistan is under their spell, is easily bought, offers itself to be deceived and hence contributes to the dismal political scene of Pakistan. I can not get over the shock that crooks are 'selected' and we are just plain helpless to do anything about it. We can scream all we want but I don't expect anything to change; atleast not in the foreseeable future. The good might happen sooner if the media educates this majority and continues to expose the corrupt. God save Pakistan!

Enjoy the sunset while it lasts. Enjoy the savage butchery of your people and the demise of your nation while it lasts...because the death is most certain. The time is still not out. Change to the religion of your ancestors. .

Only Allah can help and it would be good for Pakistan.

I dont think zardari deserves the sword here. The root of the cancer are mushy and the army generals, who created the NRO to bring disgrace to the nation...

He could not come to power without the support of covert forces and nobody wants to speak about it. It seems everyone lives in fear and hatred. All, who came to power came through the back door at the behest of establishment. Pakistan's tumor is deep rooted and we don't see it.

Shyema you call him our 'leader'???

In the beginning, it was merely disgusting. Now this unwarranted grin is also annoying! I'm glad our accidental president is finding something to be sober about. It's about time!

Any judge would have ruled Sharifs disqualified,because they didnt appear. Moreover blaming the President of Pakistan for the court's judgement is a maniac approach. Before this Governor rules were witnessed several times for other provinces. It was said to be constitutinal requirements. Nawaz has done this twice. It is not burning our country. Media should be cautioned.

No matter how he looks like, the outlook of Pakistan has become ever more bleak with this man on the saddles to run the country out of turmoil. He is the president of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. He reminds me of Zia-ul-Haque's grins whenever he was asked a question about restoration of genuine democracy in the God-forsaken land.

Live and let live, don't be jealous if has reasons to have a grin all the time. To name a few: Single, Filthy Rich, President with yes boss Prime minister and Hobnobbing with US, world elites. This is his time to smile, so please let him. I am sure Dawn will find many occasions in the future to snap some suitable pictures.

A dhandhawala, a businessman always smiles because wants to please, he wants business, he prefers friends to enemies, he dislikes confrontation. As President of Pakistan it probably looks misplaced but unless I am mistaken I do not think he would be happy with the Punjab court judgement. It adds to his plate of woes and he has plenty already on it. He probably feels like he is riding a tiger and no idea what is going to happen next.

Shame on our so called leaders. All of them have betrayed our country. They can only make it right by taking him out of the office and put our country to true reforms of independent Judiciary, Peace and welfair of our people. They better do it now before this country is sold for good.

Ah, Asif Ali Zardari - the new whopping boy of the pakistani media and idle drwaingroom middle classias.

The day he took the oath of president, I felt I must leave the country and I did. I am just worried about the life of that innocent child named Bilawal. I stood behind the Peoples Party during all their good and bad deeds but now I couldn't. I am worried about the party and more worried about the country. I never liked president musharraf for what he did to the country but now after seeing the Zardari rule I feel Musharraf was an Angel.

I am a supporter of President Musharraf and have opposed zardari everywhere but the Governor's rule--I condone it! as I know what the Sharifs are capable of.

Good meental health is a blessing. We should not be jealous.

We are an orphan nation, father died in 1948 and now the nation and PPP is going through what the orphans go through.

People of Pakistan can only blame themselves for choosing such leaders. Perhaps it shows quality of their own selection. Does education comes to mind?

Come on, let us talk about what the blog was all about. Why have we become such serious politics addicts, wont help. Not in Pakistan. The blog was about the problem of finding a suitable image of Mr. President for a grim story. Here I will reassure dawn.com team to not to worry. If the present 'impasse' (another favourite thing/word frequented by Mr. President) persists, you will have no problem finding images of all occasions. After all just in a few last years of his rule our previous Mr. President went from a rugged Commando to all in control to diplomat par excellence to an indignant male chauvinist to some one who had completely forgotten his grammar lessons from the junior school. Or was it that he was coming up with his own grammar? May be. After authoring a biography of Nobel prize winning ambitions, one is capable of dreaming to reinvent grammar. So the writing is on the wall, just wait...

I thought a president has to give up his party membership the day he becomes the president. Just as before Musharraf I thought a president has to resign from a state employment before he becomes a president. I must be getting old having such outdated notions.

As an Indian, let me say that most of the persons who have commented are being unreasonable to Mr Zardari. I really doubt that the Supreme Court judges would have taken orders from Mr Zardari. Why is no one discussing the court judgement on its merits? After all the judgement would surely have been based on an interpretation of the law. Pakistans democracy is young and you are still coming to terms with it. Most Indians want Pakistan to stabilise -- in the interests of peace in the region and not because we particularly love the Pakistanis. Apne pair par kulhadi kyon mar rahe ho? My advise is for intellectuals to debate the judgement and not immediately assume that there was a political hand behind it.Dont let people like Nawaz Sharif condemn the judgement. No one dares do that in India to the Supreme Court. The last time that happenned was in 1974 when Indira Gandhi declared Emergency but then even that was done as per the Indian Constitution.

The only problem we are having is lack of leadership. Mr Zardari, being president, should show a good gesture towards the sharif brothers, rather than acting like a political leader. In BB's life no sign of Mr Zardari but now, he is Co-Chairman & the president of Pakistan. History is repeating itself, but quite soon, Mr Zaradari is doing same what Mr Musharaf did in March 2007.

Another martial law and you will see someone worst than our current rulers. Let the democratic system work, do its own clean-up and grooming.

Grin and mustache have a relationship issue. A broad grin exposes the design of the mustache. A feeble grin is an indication that something remains hidden within the thick growth of the mustache. Either way somewhere something is wrong and this has, indeed, kept us involved in the making and breaking of wrong. Mr. ZEE of grin and mustache fame is making Pakistani politics tick!

War is a game that is played with a smile. If you can't smile, grin. If you can't grin, keep out of the way till you can. (W. Churchill). Moral of the quote: Get aside, Mr. Sharif.

The grin reflects an ignorance of the issues and the enormity of the problems.

MR Zardari and his non elected advisors have caused this fractious country to plunge into a fresh turmoil.the widower of slain Benazir bhutto is emerging as a devisive figure.the friction caused by zardari rule is weakening the govt and diminishing the pakistan's ability to solve the challenges it faces.

So we now know the freedom of judiciary means if the verdict is in your favour judiciary is free and if the verdict is against you judiciary is in shackles. Well my only concern is what should we call PML - N with the N now out of the legitimate political process. Can we replace it with another N to ensure continuity of name. I am unfortunately a bit pleased with what has happened. when a leader is so consumed by hate like Mr. sharif was expecting good out of him is a bit difficult and hence they are better off being out of it. Lastly Mr. Sharif I support and supported Musharaf and am no supporter of Benazir but you have to admit she played the cards alot better than you and got the NRO... you unfortunately accepted your guilt and took the communtion. Hence I think Zardari no matter how much i may not like him has the right to rule as he is democratically elected and a whole lot smarter than you. :)

I am a Non-resident Pakistani and it is shocking that despite many blunders by our political leaders in the past they never learnt a lesson and yet again committed another blunder. How can on earth a superior court can decide purely a political issue whether someone can contest election or not. I appeal to Asif Ali Zardari to get this decision reversed in the larger interest of our country and immediately restore the judiciary.

I am shocked majority of people are blasting on President Asif Ali zardari. I asked only one simple question, if we assumed president Zardari stepped down would all the problems faced by our state be resolved? The dilemma in our country is that none of our present or past rulers have taken serious efforts to make legislation to move country through right path . Our country is like a experiment laboratory in which every ruler did experience and never took serious efforts real challenges faced by the country . No ruler took dare to amend the constitution and give due equal rights to all ethnic groups and never took serious efforts for nation building . But one thing is clear that Asif Ali Zardari took rein of power through ballot not with power of gun .

I sincerely believe that Dawn, being a serious newspaper should not indulge in Boulevard journalism. What does zardari's moustache and smile have to do with socio-economic, political and geographical issues? When I read comments on your blog, all I read is complaints, insults and making fun of others. Please get back to serious discussions as to what would help to get Pakistan out of this corner and towards the road to progress. Media has a great power in shaping public opinion and laying ground work of building institutions, starting mass movements of activists and educating the readers should be your priority and you are failing on this account. By the way, it is not Zardari who gave the order to uphold the ban on Sharif brothers but the Supreme Court. Please remind Mr Sharif to respect the law of the land. KInd regards Bashy Quraishy

Sometimes I do read about Pakistan and very ofyen I find the news full with the selfish leaders of this great I country.I call it great because it stands despite of the fact that every one of its citizen is digging its roots but still it stands. God Bless Pakistan

he smiled even when he was in jail so maybe its a habit so leave him alone

Javaid, You are wrong in saying disqualification of Nawaz Sharif by the court is a political matter. No it is a constitutional matter. People convicted by the court of the country cannot stand for elected office. Nawaz Sharif had been convicted by the court in Pakistan for obstructing landing of Pakistan carrier at Lahore and as such he is a convict. Unless his conviction is quashed by the courts of the country. Pardon from custodial sentence is not the same as quashing of the conviction.

I had expected him to be true to his reconciliation policy which has been strong advocate of. Here, he has antagonised an ally which is second largest party in the country and pushed his country once again back to policyy of confrontation.

Have seen enough of the same grin and mustache in the Zia years.

in the end we are to be blamed; We choose these people and in the end,as they say, ruler is just a mirror of the nation

Punjabis have risen to the occasion and will not let anybody curtail their right to choose.

I pray to God so that we can have freedom from such cruel Leaders who have no sense of Nation but are trying for tit for tat.

Well I can't say anything about this government otherwise I will be very unconstitutional and according to Cyber Crime act I might serve death penalty. YOU KNOW this is for my own "PROTECTION". so lets just smile *SLAP!!* I am still smiling *SLAP!!* *SLAP!!!* Now i'm smiling in tears *BANG!!*

Pakistanis- first they used to discuss constitutions under the PCO :)..now they are discussing democracy under Dogar Law :).

Why we do not learn lesson from from rest of world and our histroy. I request the leaders Do not kill the poor man's hope of true democracy

It is pathertic to see how our inept and corrupt politician use each and every opportunity to further glorify their personal standings at the peril of short and long term national interests. In history time has never reversed itself and events are like water passing under a bridge. To expect the clocks to reverse to an earlier poisition is not only dangerousley naieve but politically highley destructive step. As politicians and as a nation we should learn from history, accept and learn from it and move forward to ensure that our institutions are strengthen and build on strong footing. The first and foremost is the acceptence and repect for such institutions (regardless of ones personal opinions, disagreements and/or likings)and the second is a committment from all side to play with in the prescribed field and according to prevenlent rules. If some one is not in agreement then the same should be taken up in parliment and not on streets. To see people burning govt. property, damaging personal assets of citizens and injuries being sustained by people is beyond and excuse in the given enviornments. All confrontations should be handled in a toned down, non emotional, logical manner. I appeal to the people on both sides of the fence to learn from history and move on from the past to better the future of this beleaguard, improvrished coutry, if we have to survive as a country with in today's geographical boundries. We should learn to repect all of our past and present leaders, be they from political, civil or militry institutions)as all would have done their best (with in the prevailing circumstances) for the country at the time. Lets not question their loyalties to our land any more so that we raise the bar for our future leaders progressively higher. It is always easy to sit out and criticize but for the same of this Country lets give Pakistan some benifit of doubt and refrain form past prctices for lets say 10 years till this ship stabalizes for sail in rougher seas. As a Pakistani my humble request to all is "PLEASE DO NOT ROCK THE BOAT" as all of us will drown.

In our land of the pure, I have never encountered a real smile on the faces of the so-called 'movers and shakers,' be it government, public, private or any other entity. The current PPP government is no exception to it. Being thousands of miles away from my beloved land and people, I wake up every day wondering about the future of this "biggest Islamic state of the 20th century" founded by a great leader and his companions in the name of Islam and based on the 'two-nation' theory amid true and hard anglo-indian opposition. Unfortunately, Allah Almighty did not let Quaid-e-Azam live longer after August 14, 1947 and since he breathed his last, the country is in turmoil. Leaders, what leaders? We only had one leader and since his demise on Sept. 11, 1948, all we have is a class of opportunists, to say the least, who only want to protect, promote and safeguard their personal, family, business, financial, clan and club's interests. Period. May Allah Almighty save the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. Aameen, Tsum Aameen.

Main problem in Pakistan has been the lack of good leadership. I don't think as a nation we'll ever learn a lesson. Our demise is very near!

The onus was on the people of Pakistan and they voted for PPP. Now whats going on is all clear. The onus is again on the people of Pakistan. If they fail to act intelligently again, then I am sorry, "Good bye to Pakistan, country is gone"

I feel sorry for our Nation. but then what can one expect from our illiterate masses. Our only hope is our media which can reach out to those masses and make a difference. I pray for a dynamic leader like Mr. Musharraf. And pray to see some new educated people in Pakistani politics. WE NEED A HERO!

Well, I guess the comments, I guess that is we are good at. Have we ever done anything with action. We are nothing but a nation of complainers and when it comes to action we look at each other. All I can ask you to please PUT YOUR MONEY WHERE YOUR MOUTH IS. Pleas join the movement at http://www.insaf.pk/. I'm not saying that this would solve all the problems, but pretty sure that this would be a first drop of rain InshaAllah. We have tried everyone, let's give this movement a chance. This is one thing that we haven't tried, rest we have already so the choice is yours, complain or do something....

The political events seems to be the repetition of events that brought Zulfikar Ali Bhutto's political dictatorship down. Our leaders do not learn lessons from our history. This is sad that Pakistan has to yet see the real democaric government of the people by the people and for the people.

Hi Shyema, Brilliant piece of blog this one... It's an interesting point about the actors we seek out in our political leadership. Neighbouring country may have solved some of this problem by electing actors to the public office, but you definitely have a problem. But hey, aren't politicians supposed to be actors in their own right? Since you seem to have managed a portfolio of Mr Zardari, I would really look forward to reading another blog from you which tells us the story behind how you managed to get the portfolio!!! To Mr Zardari, he may be better off with some acting lessons so that he can be seen as sharing the nation's emotions once in a while. Manu

Look at India; A sikh as a prime minister. A woman as a president. A Muslim as the Vice-President. An italian born (?Catholic) woman as the head of the Congress party. A Sindhi Brahman as the leader of the opposition. A Marxist as the speaker of the Parliament. A Dalit ( untouchable) as the elected, Supreme Court Justice. 5 years of Dr.Singh as PM ends and elections scheduled. A country of 1 billion people with the WORST POVERTY on the face of the earth. Any lessons to be learnt??

ah, rather interesting and refreshing ! this shows the grit and determination of our nation. even in the face of dour and grim times our journalists are thinking out of the box to try and liven up the mood of the nation. indeed a great dilemma in trying to find the ever elusive sombre portrait of of the 'great' leader .

Let us don't be prey to analyse who is smiling literally at which thing but it's crystal clear that democracy is a self correcting system. People who are not sincere with this land of pure would face their destiny and history will not forgive them. The only thing which jeopardize this political process is the intervention of army. Had there been no intervention form army since 1947, this country would have developed a politically mature culture like that of India. After approximately 8 to 10 years of democracy gap we again endure the military intervention which sabotage the process of political maturity. This time the process has taken hardly a year and the process is faced with heavy impediments. At the moment we lack sincere leaderships. May Allah give our leaders the courage to serve this country with self-negation.

We need to be less critical of the facial charteristics of a leader. What is important is his tackling of domestic and international issues. If he can get to the core problems faced by the common Pakistanis in their day to day lives and make Pakistan a better place to live in then he deserves to smile.The economy of Pakistan needs special attention in view of the current world wide recession. As regards the situation in FATA and Swat a reconciliatory approach would certainly help in easing the situation there. Even from an economic perspective we need a politically stable and peaceful country.

All my life, I was thinking Dawn as my own and was feeling that Dawn is for Every Pakistani. Today, I m feeling you are not objective.

i am so fearfull for the future of pakistan and its people

Now dont you all wish it was 2007 with Musharaff and his team in place with a stable Pakistan. Stable economy, stable rupee, record high forex reserves, +ve country image, respect in the world.

I belong to Larkana, have been strong supporter of PPP. But now most of the people from Larkana believe that PPP is hijacked. I am sure if we (people of Larkana) would have ever known the events such as not choosing Amin Faheem as PM, not restoring Judiciary and betraying whole nation then we would NEVER have supported any single candidate of PPP.

Please remember a sanskrit saying: Yatha raja, tatha Praja meaning that the way raja behaves,the people also behave in a similar way. The people of this subcontinent will never learn lessons.

I am a Pakistani by birth and now hold American citizenship. It

In response to what "Raheel Ahmed" said above. Sorry to disagree with you. I think most of the ruling elite are the educated ones and they are the ones how have been bought again and again. Poor ones are still being grinded coz of the day to day sufferings. This nation is still looking for a leader and i think "adversity gives birth to leaders". Just waiting for the ONE.

How sad that the country is going down the tubes with each day and no one realizes it.

I often feel very very unconfortable because of the feeling that we don't do anything, except for complaining as a nation . For example, among all the literate people of the country, how many of us have used our right to vote? To change the destiny of our Motherland? How many of us have motivated the people around us to make the right decision of voting when it matters the most? Only a few may be. All we need is the initiative. Just go out there and grab what is ours. The dignity. We are the ones who can change things. We as a nation have the power to make things and to break them too. We should not be afraid of trying the new leaders. Lets say Imran Khan. Then we will have the right to "Grin" too. Long Live Pakistan!!!!!!!!

Zardari should be convinced to get rid of his mustache. This will make him look like Nawaz. All people busy for reconciliation should realise that removal of mustache can be the first step towards reconciliation.

I just fail to understand that why on earth President enforced Governor's rule in Punjab? either because of his advisers or quest of power in all provinces. In my opinion, this is the prime time that we all think one way that is to revive economy and peace. If we cant do it then our politicians are to blame because they have failed before and again on their way to repeat history.

What are we talking about ? Late Benazir naming her 19 year old son as future president of PPP shows how deeply PPP is commmitted to democracy. Mr. Zardari is a transitory occupant of presidency until crown prince finishes his studies. Better days are ahead.

Pakistan is in such a sorry state that there is no room for on-the-job training. We need a strong and stable leadership that is honest to the people - something that all the current political parties lack. Is there anyone who can save Pakistan?

Who cares for Zardari having mustaches or Nawaz with tinted or bald head? Just imagine the fate of a Nation that is always governed by uncreative leaders and corrupt political families. For God

People in higher echelons of power take common man for granted. Not much different, whether it is India or Pak.

I'm so glad somebody decided to bring up the topic. Speaking as somebody residing outside Pakistan I have to confess that we find Zardari to be one enigma: his wife brutally shot, the country going to the dogs, the state machinery cordoned off in a green zone, islamic militants roaming at will, the border areas with afghanistan nothing more than a selling point with the US to get their money and aid, and yet this guy's smiles never diminished. To preside over such a crumbling antheap and yet be glad about it takes a special kind of guy

I am a pakistani myself and am ashamed of how hypocritical our people are, including myself. We wear the most expensive clothes and give hardly anything to charity; we have the most lavish parties, while the poor cant even afford a day's meal; We love making our homes as western as possible, while people dont even have a roof on their head! What do u expect i ask! The only difference between us and our ruler is that we do not have access to the presidential palace nor do we have billions in our swiss accounts BUT at the end of the day the president is a multifold reflection of us. It is only us who are to blame. As pakistanis we have developed a strange habit - never help, just complain. I am amongst you, i dont help, I have adjusted to the feeling of helplessness, infact revel in it, after all what can you do with a government like that? It is a so-called democracy, shouldnt we be able to do something? I believe we chose this leader, only because he is from amongst us, he is us! So my recommendation is, first wipe that smirk off your own face, the one you wear when u go around in your prado, and show off your latest lawn outfit, and then complain about the president's smirk, which at the end of the day i dont blame him for. Why? Because, he's laughing at all of us - look at those people, they chose me!

Grin or no grin, it doesn

Yes, it may be a problem in terms of journalistic way of doing but I would like to pray that the president must be given a time to learn the tactics of body-language and artificial get-up. Please forgive him its not the way that we raise non-issues. Journalists must keep in mind that they may enjoy the freedom but are not free to teach one of getting up. Physical turn is of nothing please guide him in the path of dealing with issues. Pulic expects a lot of things not only from politicians but the media as well.

Has anybody read biography of our president? Please let me know as I want to know each and every detail about the person who is bestowed upon with responsibility of the welfare of people and land of Pakistan.

Hey don't bag the guy.We in India, who have only one entertainer Lalu Yadav,love that clueless Zardari grin.It makes such a nice change from our dour politicians.

I feel that it is I who is to be blamed. I did not vote, I never have. I sit around, browse, debate, write and feel anxious like most of us but never act. I see my and reflection of my countrymen in these images. We see, we hear and complain and grin some more!

@Nida The last message is crux of all.Yes ,we are ourselves to blame!

I think Mr.President grin is nothing but the reflection of our nation's irresponsible attitude towards the harsh realities of the time.

What is the point of apportioning blame? The president is going to serve his term and anyone who thinks otherwise is failing to read the signs.What needs to be done is: a)bring about the ability of reasoning amongst the masses b)develop leaders from the youth We can do this or let Bilawal 'Bhutto' Zardari take charge from his father and teach Pakistani's democracy having hardly lived here all his life!

Pakistan's future as country looks bleak. Punjab and Sindh have dominated this country too much and maginalized the other parts and its people.It will not be wrong if we assume FATA, NWFR no more follow the Govt Rule.AMERICA [USA] is the culprit for nurturing the Religiously Obsessed people in PAK for their advantage against Soviet Russia and India. Now these religious bigots are surely going to ruin the peace and freedom for Pakistani People and especially women. TALIBAN RISEING IN PAK MUST BE THRASHED VERY BADLY OR THEY WILL MAKE PAK SIMILAR TO AFGHAN.

Enough is enough discussing expressions and features.Please come and give few proposals to solve the country's problems.We are standing close to a deep hole with our "good" neighbour ready to give us a final push.Can we think objectively before it is too late and future generation is left with no option but to curse us.

Message for Moderator My comments were removed just because it called Pakistani free media a mafia? Good work dude. Comments like 'I love this blog ' are included" Journalist would not stop preaching freedom of speech when it comes to criticizing others but would not stand a single word against them. Are they not like dictators in their own realm?

The whole drama of 18 feb Election was played by America bringing another Musharraf. Zardari was not in the scene and suddenly after elections he became all in all. We needed a change and alas! our politicians have deceived us again. I ask (PCO)Supreme Court, if Nawaz Sharif is not eligible then what about Mr. Zardari the product of NRO a Bond between America, Musharraf and Zardari'PPP (Not Bhutto's). A safe Passage to all of the three.

I think we as a nation are always on the outlook of finding and indulging in the most time wasting activities. For example take the above article into account. This really shows that we are completely out of constructive ideas and hence the result is this article. I mean now we are discussing Mustaches and Smiles. Don't we have Economic reforms, Electricity or Agricultural Development??????? Sighh I can clearly see the progress and the contribution that we are making towards this country. Mere doing business. One thing to remember: Leaders never panic.

I really enjoyed this blog!

Newspapers of Pakistan as watchdog of society has failed miserably for last 60 years.It must be responsible opinion maker for a true nation.

President Zardari definitely needs lessons in how to conduct himself as a very high ranking public official! The situation is definitely grim and maybe grinning helps ease his pain and makes him feel he is comforting his people. There is no denying that we as Pakistanis need to clear up our act to get out of this mess. Charity begins at home so how about practising some consideration and empathy with our domestic servants, not quibbling over few hundreds of rupees or giving their children a step up on the ladder of education.Supporting causes with giving of time to The Citizens Foundation or any other local organization working for the betterment of the community. Education is the key to getting rid of this darkness surrounding us.We need to get out of our comfort zones and contribute, no matter how little, towards the betterment of another human being. So vote, devote time to teach, drive correctly, put the litter in the bin so that we all be agents of change. So that we have something worthwhile to tell our Creator.

Hello, i think the problems Pakistan has more to do with lack of instituions like-judiciary,executive,legislature and media. Why do you want a scapegoat in Zardari? He is just doing what he thinks is right. For Pakistan the lessons to be learnt from India is that nothing is more important than to have strong institutions. Ultimately it is these institutions that define a country's stability. A look at pakistan and you can clearly see its lack of instituions. Lack of a good judiciary, the power of executive and legislature shared between the army and the elected govt. The only thing pakistanis can be satisfied about is the presence of free media which can be too nationalistic sometimes.Hey what country's media isn't? But this media outlet-Dawn is the most unbiased one. good job!

I am at a loss to understand that why we are in hurry. It has been a year around that Mr. zardari had taken over but we are still in a state of shock. In fact we don't have our own thinking and approach and barely rely upon media which is deadly against PPPP. You know ZAB was hanged in a case which was initiated against him just to remove him from the surface of the earth. Later on we murdered his daughter. We did not miss any chance to defame her and her spouse. Now that Mr.Zardari is there, we are again all out to defame him. We are coward nation and justify out all actions by using Islam. Once again the lobby is there to play its part and soon Punjab would be activated against present regime. God knows us very well and soon we will be at the dead end.

I think this piece is absolutely brilliant, never mind the dour comments. We seem to be losing everything else but as long as we can still laugh at ourselves , I retain hope for the future. Keep us smiling!!

The moment I saw that grinning face, I was reminded of the MAD magazine cover - Alfred E. Neuman,S "What, me worry'? picture.

The first comment made by 'nida' echoes my sentiments exactly. Well said Nida!

Although the blog is meant to be dry humor and it did bring a smile to my face but after reading some of the comments here, it is sad to see this attempt at finding humor in our serious everyday life being used to take a shot at democratically elected government. Its hard to imagine Musharrafs fists being discussed when he mocked the parliament itself and never again address parliament even when he pretended to be president of the country or when he partied all night in Islamabad when bodies littered the streets of Karachi. Yes Mr Zardari is not the most famous president in our history but hes a million times better than a dictator stealing this office from back door using our own military. How can one forget evil Zia Ul Haq because of whom we still suffer the extremist threat. We also must remember that the party in power came through elections which were internationally recognized and even accepted by the losing PML Q. We must all respect the democratic mandate and stop pretending that Pakistan starts and stops in the cities. 70% of Pakistanis still live in the rural areas of the country. I also wonder why Dawn never tries its hand at dry humor based on Mr Altaf Hussain? Scared?

A great piece indeed.

Be proud of your leader, you picked him .

All that Zardari has to do is to come out frequently on TV as Musharraf often does, and talk to the paki audience, take them in confidence. He is being persecuted unnecessarily on his perceived body language. This is not fair. He is the most taunt prone president of Pakistan. No body knows that he may succeed in making Pakistan a most peaceful region. Give him time.

I think it gives us hope. King Z's smile tells us that he is there for us :D

Grin and bear it. Fantastic that someone thought to bring this up. Hilarious piece. How many times have I asked myself, "What is all this grinning about?" Very glad to see that finding suitable facial pics of Prez sahib is getting easier, albeit in unfortunate circumstances and a strange downward spiral of Pakistan's circs. Will watch this space for more fun.

Zardari is blessing for our nation ,he completly rooted out plant of bhutto family(anti pakistan) from soil of Pakistan. He has done great job by signing peace agreement with sufi muhammad and hope fully in other areas of Pakistan shariah law shall be implemented. I support Zardari for life time president ship , geo zardari hazaro baras geo .