RIOR to the Supreme Court`s verdict, concerning the possible disqualification of Imran Khan, the joke making rounds was that if after Nawaz Sharif, Imran too was disqualified, Asif Zardari would be the only honest and trustworthy option left. It`s strange how fact and fiction sometimes tend to converge. The current precarious and perilous state of our politics, more importantly of our politicians, is anything but humorous.

For the PML-N generally, and the former PM Nawaz Sharif specifically, the winter is definitely coming. With the recent heavy snow in the mountains and sustained rain in the plains, the city and its dwellers shiver in the cold. Some citizens feel it`s icymore acutely. With or without a popular mandate of the masses, it seems there is little room left for the former PM for any political maneuvers. Or is there a last ditch option? The cryptic remarks by the Speaker of the House on a premature dissolution of assemblies are rather surprising even for both the PM and other senior ministers who had refute the statement. However, the ousted PM was in tacit agreement, with reference to the various conspiracies, from his perspective, being hatched against him.

A chief protagonist in this scenario, the younger brother and heir apparent, while free from one legal spectre, `Hudaibiya` had to contend with another, `Model Town`. The minus-oneformula which envisioned him as a possible replacement seems to be increasingly remote. Uponthe Model Town incident report being made public, the political fallout is gaining momentum.The two main opposition parties have announced their unequivocal support to the Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT), which is seeking the Punjab CM`s resignation. Incidentally, the announcement of this support by the religious leader of one of the parties was interesting. His reference to both the parties being on his left and right was much like the two angels on one`s shoulders keeping tabs on a person`s deeds. In this case, the angelical mandate is broadened and includes the deeds of the CM.

Despite all, you have to give credit to the CM for not being deterred by the judicial sword hovering so menacingly over him. There is no stopping him when it comes to plan, demolish,construct and repeat. The Orange Line Metro Train Project is back on track. Demolition along the route has begun and those affected by it are complaining about the compensation provided. Two motorcyclists have already suffered injuries falling into ditches of the dream project.

A recent induction of the railway minister to the list, due to his real estate business, came as a surprise. Naturally, the barring of Imran`s main confidant and adviser also does not bode well for the politician.

Legal experts were of the opinion that these judicial decisions would set a precedent that would further malign the credibility of our politicians. For this they have no one else to blamebut themselves. What else can be expected when politics becomes a business? With the hotly contested battles being fought between those holing power in the country concerning accountability and corruption, a recent headline put things into perspective: `Four years old gets bail in gambling case.` Without attempting to be facetious, this is an appropriate commentary on the juvenile delinquency of our politicians and the state of our law enforcement.

When will we grow up? When will the politicians stop gambling the country`s future for personal gain, and the law enforced impartially and equitably for all? I, for one, am not holding my breath in anticipation. -AM Lahori (AmLahori@gmail.com)