Punjab unit of the AAP could well be headed for a split

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Chandigarh, July 31, 2018: 

With ousted Leader of Opposition Sukhpal Singh Khaira remaining defiant over holding a meet of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders and workers in Bathinda on Thursday, the Punjab unit of the AAP could well be headed for a split.

Senior AAP leader and Punjab in-charge Manish Sisodia has already issued a warning to AAP legislators in the state and other leaders to stay away from the AAP convention called by Khaira and his group in Bathinda.

Even though Sisodia and the AAP central leadership is unwilling to say that disciplinary action would be taken against legislators and other leaders attending the Bathinda meet, sources in the party said on Tuesday that strict action could follow.

“By terming our August 2 meet as anti-party activity Sisodia has vindicated our charge of dictatorial attitude, if we Punjabis cannot hold a simple meeting on our soil then how will we safeguard the interests of Punjab?

“The AAP meet at Bathinda will settle the issue for once and all,” a defiant Khaira tweeted on Tuesday.

“I urge all the brave Punjabis to attend our AAP Convention at Bathinda… at Woods Resort Dabbwali road to espouse the cause of our state,” Khaira added.

Khaira was removed as Leader of Opposition (LoP) by the AAP central leadership last week, leading to an internal upheaval within the party’s legislators.

The AAP emerged as the main opposition in Punjab in the March 2017 assembly election, winning 20 seats in the 117-member assembly.

This was the party’s first outing in the assembly polls and it was able to relegate the formidable Shiromani Akali Dal-BJP alliance, which ruled Punjab for 10 years (2007-2017) to the third position.

Khaira, who paraded eight legislators in his support here last week, went to Delhi to meet Sisodia and object to his removal as LoP but their demand was rejected by the AAP central leadership.

AAP legislator Kunwar Sandhu, a former journalist and party spokesman, tweeted after the meeting with Sisodia: “Our @AAPPunjab in-charge, Manish Sisodiaji explained that they wanted a Dalit face as LoP.

“We said that instead of derailing the proactive LoP functioning, we should have a Dalit leader as president of state unit. Besides, we have our capable colleague as deputy leader.”

“Under leadership of Sukhpal Khaira, eight of us MLAs met Manish Sisodiaji, gave him our insight into feelings of people. Five more MLAs joined us.

“We reasoned that since LoP change was unnecessary and process not followed, it should be taken back,” Sandhu said.

The AAP’s Patiala MP Dharamvira Gandhi, who continues to be under suspension from the party for over two years, on Tuesday demanded autonomy for the AAP Punjab unit from the party’s central leadership.

If the AAP legislators split and form a separate group, the party will lose its position as the main opposition in the state assembly.

In that case, the SAD will emerge as the second largest party with 14 legislators.

दोषियों के खिलाफ पुलिस का कार्यवाही से इंकार

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Photo: Rakesh Shah

 

मोहाली चंडीगढ़ और खरड़ के कुछ लोगों ने निजी फाइनेन्सर पर गलत तरीके से पैसे हड़पने और किसी अन्य ब्यक्ति विजय कुमार और विकास मलिक को गैर कानूनी रूप से इनके cheque देकर इनके विरुद्ध कोर्ट में नेगोशिएबल इंस्ट्रूमेंट एक्ट 138 के तहत मुकदमा दायर करने का आरोप लगाया है।
चण्डीगढ़ प्रेस क्लब में एक पत्रकार वार्ता को सम्बोधित करते हुए दीपक शर्मा ,सोनू कुमार एवम अन्यों ने बताया कि घरेलू ज़रूरत के चलते उन्होंने एक बिचौलिये लव कुमार के माध्यम से इंदरप्रीत नामक व्यक्ति जिसे वे कभी नहीं मिले से कर्ज़ लिया था। यह पैसा उस व्यक्ति के बचत खाते से इन कर्ज़दारों के खाते में ट्रांसफर हुए थे बदले में इनसे कुछ कागज़ात पर हस्ताक्षर करवाये गए लेकिन पैसे चुकाए जाने के बावजूद उनको बताया गया के उन्होंने अभी तक केवल ब्याज चुकाया है मूल धन वैसे का वैसे ही खड़ा है।
उक्त व्यक्तियों के विरुद्ध पुलिस में शिकायत देने पर सम्बन्धित थाने से उन्हें कहा गया कि यह मामला पुलिस के दायरे में नहीं आता और कोई कार्यवाही नहीं बनती।

Dharamveer Rued limited autonomy of Punjab

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Photo: Rakesh Shah

 

Patiala Member Parliament Dr Dharmavir Gandhi rued that limited autonomy provided to the states in Indian Constitution was usurped in the following decades by means of subtle mechanisations and by force with the result the states have gone bankrupt.
Today Punjab like many other states are under Debt by lakhs of crores of rupees and most of amount goes in budgetry allocation goes out in repaying the loan. Said Dr Gandhi.
He further added that the Punjab is the worst affected as it’s natural resources the river waters have been robbed off and violating the section 262 of the Constitution.
Prof Rinku Ram, appealed the masses of Punjab to rise above religion caste communities in order to website equal rights.

CM. Punjab, today launched World’s Largest Anti Drug Campaign

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Chandigarh July 30, 2018: Chief Minister of Punjab, Captain Amarinder Singh, today launched World’s Largest Anti Drug Campaign in a function organized by Joint Action Committee (JAC) today at Hotel Taj, Sec-17, Chandigarh. Sh. Brahm Mohindra, Health & Medical Education Minister; S. Sadhu Singh Dharamsot, Welfare Minister for SCs and BCs ; Sh Rana Sodhi, Sports and Youth Affairs Minister; Smt. Asha Kumari, Congress Incharge etc were the Guests of Honour on the occasion. Sh. Ashwani Sekhari, Chairman, JAC presided over the function while Dr. Anshu Kataria, Spokesman JAC and S. Jagjit Singh, President, B.Ed Federation were the moderators of the event.

Captain Amarinder Singh appreciated the Joint initiative of JAC towards this campaign. Captain said that we are determined to eradicate the evil of drugs from the roots of Punjab and to meet this challenge the millions of youth of Punjab is the supreme power if can be used in right direction.

Captain further said that with this venture of JAC, this campaign would reach to every youth of Punjab under the leadership of Ashwani Sekhari. He also handed over the Oath letters to all the Presidents of 13 Associations and appealed to make their campuses Drug Free.

Rana Sodhi while speaking said that sports Dept of Punjab is also working in this direction. Soon policies would be made for sportsmen, coaches also against Drug use. He assured full support to JAC for this campaign. He appealed the Chairmen to involve youth of Colleges into the sports activities so that their minds can be ignited with positive thoughts.

Ashwani Sekhri told that after the launching the campaign would be taken to each Tehsils/ Mandals/Blocks/Taluqs, Municipalities, Nagar Panchayats, Village Panchayats etc through 5 lakh Youth of Punjab.

Spokesman JAC, Dr. Anshu Kataria said that in next 2 months this campaign would be taken to 5 lakh youth of 1600 Unaided Colleges situated in 22 Districts of Punjab wherein students would take oath against the drugs. JAC would attempt to make new World record to fight against the drugs.
Dr. J.S Dhaliwal, President, Punjab Unaided Technical Institutions Association; Dr. Anshu Kataria, President, PUCA; Sh. Jagjit Singh, President, B.Ed Federation; Mr. Charanjit Walia, President, Nursing Colleges Association; Sh. Anil Chopra, Confederation of Punjab Unaided Institutions; S. Gurmeet Singh Dhaliwal, Academic Advisory Forum (AAF); S. Nirmal Singh, ETT Federation; Mr. Jasnik Singh, B.Ed. Association, PU; S. Sukhmander Singh Chatha, Punjab Unaided Degree Colleges Association (PUDCA); Mr. Shimanshu Gupta, ITI Association; S Rajinder Dhanoa, Polytechnic Association; Sh. Vipin Sharma, Confederation of Unaided Colleges Association; Dr. Satwinder Sandhu, B.Ed Association GNDU Colleges;S. Inderjit Singh Zira etc were also present.
All the Chairmen and JAC members took oath to make their campuses drugs free and educate their students about the ill effects and consequences of drugs in their Campuses.

Policy for regularising the irregular colonies

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The civil/criminal proceedings, if any, against the colonisers may be suspended after receiving 25% of the composition charges

Chandigarh, July 30, 2018: With a view to curbing the mushroom growth of unplanned and haphazard constructions across the state, the Cabinet on Monday cleared a policy for regularization of unauthorized colonies and plots/buildings falling in unauthorized colonies.

The policy covers colonies developed before March 19, 2018, according to an official spokesperson.

As per the policy, any developer, Resident Welfare Association (RWA) or Cooperative Society can apply for regularization of unauthorized colonies. However, in case of plots, compounding of colony is not mandatory for regularization of plots and plot owners can directly apply for regularization.

The policy would be applicable to the entire state, including municipal limits falling under the Punjab New Capital (Periphery) Control Act, 1952, but shall not be applicable to the rest of the periphery area. This policy shall also not be applicable to the colonies having apartments.

The developer would be given a time period of four months to apply for regularisation under this policy.  After the expiry of this period, a timeline of three months would be given to the concerned authorities for finding unauthorised colonies. A penalty of 20% of regularisation fee would be imposed if the applicant applies for regularisation after the expiry of time. However, any applicant who fails to apply under this policy would be penalised under the relevant provisions of the law.

The civil/criminal proceedings, if any, against the colonisers may be suspended after receiving 25% of the composition charges. However, these proceedings would be withdrawn only after final regularisation of the colonies. All charges for regularisation colonies and plots shall be as per the previous policy, notified on April 20, 2018.

The revenue thus collected from the process of regularisation of unauthorised colonies/plots would be utilised for providing basic civic amenities to the residents of those colonies.

Kotkapura/Behbal Kalan Firing Probe Handed Over To  To CBI : Capt. Amrinder

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Kotkapura/Behbal Kalan Firing Probe Handed Over To  To CBI Punjab Cm Announces Decision
Also Accepts Ranjit Singh Commission’s Recommendations On Monetary Help To Victims 
Announces Rs. 1 Cr With Job To Families Of Deceased, Compensation For Injured

Chandigarh, July 30, 2018 :

Accepting the recommendation of the Justice (retd) Ranjit Singh Commission, Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Monday announced his government’s decision to hand over the probe into Kotkapura and Behbal Kalan firing that followed the Bargari sacrilege to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

The Chief Minister also announced compensation and jobs for the victims/families of the police firing at Kotkapura and Behbal Kalan that took place on October 14, 2015. The government, he further said, had decided to enhance the compensation amount from that recommended by the Commission, whose report was legally examined by Advocate General Atul Nanda before being considered by the government.

Addressing a press conference here, the Chief Minister said the decision to hand over to CBI further probe into the matter against all those implicated by the Commission had been taken to ensure an impartial and objective investigation after registering a case under Section 307 IPC. The role of all the police officers named by the Commission will be probed by the CBI and all documents related to the incidents will be handed over to the agency, said the Chief Minister. Very senior officers could be involved so it was felt that the matter was best investigated by the CBI, he added.

It may be recalled that the CBI is already probing certain other cases of sacrilege of Holy Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji, which were handed over to the central agency by the state government earlier.

The Commission of Enquiry headed by Justice (Retd) Ranjit Singh submitted its first (part-I) report on 30th June 2018. Though the full report is awaited, the Government has decided to accept the recommendations made by the Commission so far, said Captain Amarinder.

The report of the Commission would be laid on the floor of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha in its next session after the Commission completes its proceedings. Responding to a query, the Chief Minister said a special session of the House will be called only the government receives the full report since action taken report cannot be tabled
on a partial report.

The complete report, running into 182 pages with thousands of pages of evidence, will be in four parts and all four would be tabled in the House with the action taken report, he said.

In the first part, the Commission has covered incidents of sacrilege of holy Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji at villages Burj Jawahar Singh Wala, Bargari, Gurusar and Mallke on and around 01.06.2015, 25.09.2015, 11.10.2015 and 12.10.2015; and police action involving firing at Kotkapura and Behbal Kalan on 14.10.2015, leading to death of two persons and injuries to some other persons.

Captain Amarinder told medipaersons that the government had agreed outright to the Commission’s recommendations to provide monetary compensation and jobs to the affected persons.

The government has, however, raised the compensation amount for the families of the two deceased from Rs.75 lakhs as recommended by the Commission to Rs.1 crore each, whereas the compensation for the seriously injured S. Beant Singh has been raised from Rs.35 lakh as recommended by the Commission, to Rs.50 lakh. A member of each of their families would also be offered a job in the Government, said the Chief Minister.

Further, the compensation for S. Ajit Singh, who has been incapacitated for life, has been raised from Rs. 40 lakh to Rs.60 lakh.  He would also be provided an attendant and reimbursement of medical expenses, the Chief Minister disclosed.

All other injured in the firing incidents would be given Rs.10 lakh each, Captain Amarinder announced, adding that the government had decided on these measures as part of its efforts to instil a sense of justice in the general public, though it could not, unfortunately, bring back the people who had lost their lives.

The Chief Minister said the Commission, in its 1st report, has recommended appropriate action against the then SDM Kotkapura and those police officials who, though not apparently guilty of any criminal act, were nevertheless seen to be responsible for police action. A number of police officers have been found liable for failing to carry out proper and fair investigations of incidents of sacrilege and in the cases which were registered regarding use of force at Kotkapura and Behbal Kalan. The Commission has recommended appropriate action in accordance with law against all such officials.

The Commission has, in particular, mentioned the role of Inspector Pardip Singh, SI Arriarjit Singh, and SSP Bikramjit Singh and recommended them to be named as accused in FIR No. 130 Police Station Baja Khanna and their role be thoroughly investigated which has not happened so far. The role of gunman Charanjit Singh Sharma has also been cited in this context and the Commission has recommended that his role, and that of Constable Shamsher Singh,  Constable Harpreet Singh, Constable Gurpreet Singh and Constable Parminder Singh, as also of Inspector Harpal Singh SHO Ladowal,  be thoroughly investigated as they were carrying assault rifles at Behbal Kalan.

The role of the Commando Police for use of indiscriminate lathi-charge, causing injuries to number of persons, has also been recommended to be investigated, which has not been done till date.

The Captain Amarinder Singh government had set up the Justice (retd) Ranjit Singh Commission in April last year to investigate the incidents of sacrilege of holy Guru Granth Sahib and other religious texts. The government had rejected the findings of the Zora Singh Commission set up by Akali Dal government, saying its findings had been “inconclusive.”

Dances of Punjab : Jhumar

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Jhoomer is the liveliest music and dance form that originated in the Punjab region in Pakistan, mainly in Balochistan (Pakistan) & Sandalbar areas. It is slower and more rhythmic form of bhangra. Jhumar comes from Jhum – which means swaying. The songs evoke a quality which reminds of swaying. Though the content of these songs is varied- they are usually love with emotional songs too. The Jhummar is a dance of ecstasy.

Jhumar is a folk dance performed during the harvest season in Punjab. It is a living demonstration of the happiness of men. The dance is mostly performed by the tribal Sikh (like Labanas) professional acrobats and has yet not been taken to heart by all Punjabis.

Originally a Baluchi tribal dance which was carried to India by traders. It has become very much a part of Punjab folk heritage. It is a dance of graceful gait, based on specific Jhumar rhythm. The Jhummar is a dance of ecstasy. It is a living testimony of the happiness of men. Any time is Jhummar time especially during Melas, weddings and other major functions and celebrations. Performed almost exclusively by men, it is a common sight to see three generations – father, son and grandson – dancing all together. There are three main types of jhummar, each of which has a different mood, and is therefore suited to different occasions.

Jhoomer at International Dance Fastival at Kullu
The costumes are the same as that of the Bhangra. It is danced to the tune of emotional songs without any acrobatics. The dancers dance around a single drummer who stands in the center. The movement of the arms only is considered the dance’s main forte. The dancers’ feet are moved forwards and then backwards, in unison, while turning to the left and to the right to the beat of the singers and drummer, sometimes the dancers place their left hand below their ribs on their left hip as they gesticulate with their raised right hands while circling the drummer in a wide circle keeping up a soft, sibilant chorus as they dance. From time to time a soloist will move toward the center of the circle and showcase his skills. Or two or three dancers will move to the center and mimic planting seeds – bending forward and then straightening up and throwing their left arm in an arc over their head and in the next move they mime thrashing grain, The dancers of this dance let-off a sound, “chzi chzi” (which sounds very much like a tamborine being shaken) in tune with the beat of the dance which adds to its grace. This dance has also been integrated into Bhangra.

This dance does not tire out its performers and it is normally danced on moonlit nights in the villages away from the houses and homes. Today it is danced mostly by tribal Sikh professional acrobats having not yet being adopted by all Punjabis.

Dances Of Punjab : Luddi

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Luddi Folk Dance

Luddi Dance

This is also a male dance of Punjab. It is danced to celebrate a victory in any field. Usually performed by the males in the folk culture, the Luddi dance is performed as a celebratory dance that celebrates victory of any Punjabi in any field. The dance movements in this dance form are slow and are often integrated with the traditional Bhangra.

Though these are performed at all auspicious events, the highlight of this dance is that it is performed in all events in a marriage, like baraat, mehendi etc. Being a very high energy, and high enthusiastic dance performance, this just takes the crowd around to the bliss of happiness. Ludi dance is also performed when people want to celebrate their victory – in sports or life and also at times of certain festivals, like the beginning of the harvest season.

The Punjabis celebrate their success with the ludi dance and there is no gender difference as they have a good time at a round of this dance. Though the Punjabis are generally very famous for their colorful dress materials, Ludi in particular has no dress format. A loose top or shirt is sometimes just the dress of that the Ludi dancers wear. The loose dressing pattern just goes to prove that there are no hard and fast rules and it is just about enjoyment of the dance.

While the dance is definitely fast and entertaining, on careful watch, we can see a very rhythmic pattern to it. It is lithe and supple and very graceful and a treat to the eyes to watch this dance. So, the more professional the dancer is the more graceful the Ludi dance turns out to be. We can see a very snake like systematic movement all through the dance.

There are groups of people who participate in this dance and the main attraction is the specific head movements that they practice. So in Punjabi marriage functions like the arrival of the groom’s group or in the bride’s party where the mehendi functions happen, it is very likely that there will be a Ludi performance going on. Every time there is happiness and celebration, then there will be a group of Punjabis doing the Ludi dance as well.

Apart from the head movements, we can also see another important style – this time with respect to their positioning of the hands. Very different yet agile – one hand is placed on the back and the other hand comes in front of their faces. This is a very different and very unambiguous style of Ludi and gives it so much grace and vibrancy at the same time.

We can also see a drummer amidst all the Ludi dancers. When the group of dancers is performing, there is a drummer in the middle of the group – who gives the necessary energy and drum beats for the exciting and rapid dance. In a way these drum beats also give us a feel that the entire Ludi dance is based on this drum beat of the drummer, making it more aligned and rhythmic. The dancers generally dance as pairs. This a beauty of the Punjabi culture, where in every woman in encouraged to dance with her man – quite unlike other patterns of any folk dance form.
In an attempt of copying the movement of a snake, the performers keep one hand on the face and the other on their backs. The dance is often accompanied in the traditional form by a drummer who is usually in the centre and is rarely used as a part of the core dance itself. Across Sutlej, this is a fairly popular dance from Punjab, much more popular than Bhangra. The dance also boasts of a huge historical background and refers to a historical moment in the journey when the Punjabi Sardars began the rescue of the women of India who were forced to sell their bodies in the markets of Basra.
The costumes of the dance form are fairly simple. A Loincloth is usually the main thing that is worn by an exaggerated Kurta. Another accessory that is often used by men is the traditional Turban and the Patka. This dance is performed majorly by the men of Punjab.

Amendment to CrPC has been proposed for NRI marriage issue: Maneka

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Union Women and Child Development (WCD) Minister Maneka Gandhi

The problem of women being abandoned in NRI marriages is a grave issue and the government of India has taken steps to provide coordinated support to women facing problems in their marriage to NRIs

Union Women and Child Development Minister Maneka Gandhi on Friday said that amendment to Code of Criminal Procedure has been proposed for better tackling of issues related to NRI men abandoning wives in India and absconding.

“Amendment to CrPC has also been proposed, wherein in case an erring spouse does not appear after the summons has been uploaded, he will be declared a proclaimed offender,” she tweeted after she attended a seminar on “NRI marriages and trafficking of women and children” here.

“The problem of women being abandoned in NRI marriages is a grave issue. For the first time, the government of India is providing coordinated support to women facing problems in their marriage to NRIs,” she wrote.

Gandhi also said that based on the recommendations by NCW, the Integrated Nodal Agency (INA) has been issuing Look-Out Circulars (LoCs) to absconding husbands in cases of NRI Marriages.

“Till now, 6 LoCs have been issued. MEA has also revoked passports of erring husbands,” she said.

Imran Khan is the ideal puppet, he will follow Army line: Reham Khan

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Journalist and ex-wife of Imran Khan, Reham Khan

Journalist and ex-wife of the Pakistani Prime Ministerial-hopeful says the plot to put him in power was hatched two or three years ago

Calling Imran Khan an “ideal puppet” of the military establishment in Pakistan, ex-wife Reham Khan alleged that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief had benefited from “rigged” elections. In an interview to The Hindu over the telephone from London, Ms. Khan said Mr. Khan would carry out foreign policy, including with India, according to the wishes of the military if he becomes Prime Minister, as he is expected to do after his party won 115 of the 272 seats in the elections held in Pakistan on July 25.

In her book about Mr. Khan, Ms. Khan has pulled no punches, portraying the former cricketer as a libertarian, unstable and power-hungry politician. Rejecting calls to tone down her criticism of Mr. Khan, and unfavourable comparisons to his first wife, British heiress Jemima, who congratulated Mr. Khan on Twitter, Ms. Khan, said she refused to “justify the indefensible”.

What is your reaction to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) performance in the elections, and especially Imran Khan’s success in all five constituencies he contested?

I knew that this would be the result. But I also knew that if elections were fair and free, there is no chance he would have won.

It is impossible that the party did well in so many places, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), where the PTI government was unpopular. In other places like Lahore and Karachi, what is unbelievable is that serious and experienced candidates have been defeated by unknown novices from the PTI.

You have called Imran Khan the military’s candidate … but surely all candidates who come to power in Pakistan have the military’s blessings?

Absolutely. If you remember, in 2013, Imran Khan said that Nawaz Sharif was the establishment’s protege too, so he understands that is what it takes. I think this time the military establishment wanted to show their power … very purposefully in their support for Imran Khan. They were upset when Nawaz Sharif started to assert himself, especially on the India policy and the China Pakistan Economic Corridor, and that is when they let him go. Imran is the ideal puppet. He has no knowledge of a lot of complex issues, and he will be willing to follow their line.

In your book Reham Khan, you suggest that Imran Khan was created by the military, but in 2008 he also boycotted elections under military rule. How do you explain his relationship with the military?

As a wife, you see and hear things. Imran always spoke about his links with the military. In 2008, he may have boycotted out of pique, out of feeling upset that they didn’t support him, but when I knew him, he always boasted about their support. He was always so sure that he would become Prime Minister that I think this plan to put Imran Khan in power came two or three years ago.

When it comes to India, Imran Khan said he has engaged more with Indians than any other Pakistani has. What do you think are chances of a reach-out from Imran Khan to India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi?

Yes, he has spent a lot of time in India and has many friends in India. This is why I feel he should not have been critical of India in his campaign. It is all so hypocritical. Let us imagine he actually wants healthy relations with India, and means it when he spoke of more trade ties.

But what did he do to the Sharifs when they wanted to increase business ties with India? He called them gaddars (traitors).

He stopped the MFN (Most Favoured Nation) status being given to India. He has no ideology, so you can expect him to do only what he is told to do, whether it is in India or Pakistan.

Many have alleged that you timed your book as part of a politically motivated agenda. Did you at least hope to have an impact on the elections?

Yes, people have said the book was sponsored by the PML-N (Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz), which is just not true. I only know the Sharifs through my time as a journalist, when I interviewed them. It would be flattering for me to think I could have had any impact on the campaign. I was told very clearly that this would happen in the elections, but I wrote my book anyway. I will not be dictated to by these forces. If people say I should be like Jemima, and be ladylike and graceful, then I don’t agree. I think you have to speak up, especially if you are a woman and you watch other women being treated badly.

I don’t want to be like Jemima for sure. I married Imran Khan when he was not winning elections. I am a Pakistani, a self-made woman, an anti-social nerd, and I am not a socialite like her. I am actually quite relieved that I didn’t have to stand beside Imran Khan while he touted blasphemy laws, and his party targeted minorities. I wouldn’t want to justify the indefensible.

What were the specific challenges you faced in bringing out this book?

I think I need to write another book just about how difficult it was to get my book out and how many people tried to block me. My staff were intimidated, offered bribes and told very clearly that anyone who stood in Imran Khan’s way would be blown up (udaa diye jaayenge). They also called my friends and made them tell me, “You are a woman, you have two daughters, and none of you will be safe.” So I felt it best to leave at that time [in February].

Will you return to Pakistan at some point, though? And would you consider joining politics?

(Laughs) I can’t live without Pakistan; so, yes, I will return. My children have declared me psychotic and crazy as a result, but I do wish to go back.

On politics, I don’t think I have it in me to withstand the kind of targeting one faces and the depths one has to go to.