| President Zia-ul-Haq's trusted barber seemed to have become infected by the popular demand for the restoration of democracy. One morning while clipping the President's hair he asked, "Gareeb Pur war! When are you going to have elections in Pakistan?" The President ignored the question with the contempt it deserved from a military dictator. At the next hair-cutting session, the barber asked, "Aali jah! Isn't it time you redeemed your promise to hold elections?" The President controlled his temper and remained silent. On the third hair-clipping session, the barber again blurted out, "Banda Nawaz, the awam (commom people) are clamouring for elections, when will you order them?" The President could not contain himself anymore and exploded, "Gaddar! I will have you taught a lesson you will never forget." And ordered his minions to take away the barber and give him ten lashes on his buttocks." The barber fell at the great man's feet and whined, "Zill-e-Illahi (shadow of God), I eat your salt; how can I become a gaddar (traitor)? I only mentioned elections to make my job easier." "Every time I utter the word election, Your Excellency's hair stands on end and is much easier to clip." |