ISLAMABAD: Aunty Shamim, the alleged owner of a brothel in Islamabad, has put at stake the future of many "honourable" MPs who fear there would be a string of divorces in case she publishes a book carrying the names of her clients.
The gravity of the situation can be gauged from the fact that the treasury parliamentarians have discussed the issue with Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz. National Assembly Speaker Chaudhry Amir Hussain was also present when the matter was discussed at the residence of Nasrullah Khan Dareshak, following a dinner reception the other day.
A ruling MP from Sargodha said the publication of the book could trigger a large number of divorces with majority of the lawmakers being separated from their wives. He fears that Aunty Shamim is planning to author a book which would be published by the Oxford University Press. The book would be about her clientele and majority of them, what he fears, are MNAs, senior Army officers and judges.
"Mr prime minister, there would be at least 200-300 divorces if Aunty Shamim's book gets published," he said. Before making this disclosure, he sought the permission of the National Assembly speaker, saying he wanted to speak on a call attention notice. He also requested the female MPs to leave the place, saying there would be a bit "vulgar discussion" which, propriety demands, should not take place in their presence.
A female journalist-turned-lawmaker and spinster from a smaller province, refused to leave the place, not knowing exactly the contents of the "agenda". So the discussion took place in the presence of the female MPs.
The said treasury lawmakers noted with concern that the fear of being exposed looms large over the Parliament Lodges that houses the rich clientele of Aunty Shamim. "Our one colleague may be spared who is not among the clients," the treasury members said, while mentioning the name of a lawmaker. But that does not mean he is not a "colourful" person.
The Sargodah-based MP said this while making observation about the said MP, who has chances of being spared by Aunty Shamim. The Sargodha-based MP said the said MP was also a regular customer of a brothel, but that is relatively cheaper and one night costs him Rs 2,500 because he uses relatively cheaper "stuff". But the Sargodha-based MP made it clear that he himself was not involved in this business. He, however, said his colleagues shared their reservations and see trouble ahead in case of publication of the book.
As the discussion by the honourable MPs was progressing, the prime minister enquired about the whereabouts of Aunty Shamim. "Do you know where Aunty Shamim is right now," he asked his treasury colleagues who turned their heads towards each other, as if they did not know.
In an attempt to involve Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain in the discussion on the matter of "serious" concern, the prime minister said ladies would feel very comfortable and safe in the company of Shujaat. The ruling party leader got the point and raised his hand for seeking permission from Speaker Chaudhry Amir Hussain, who was presiding over the proceedings.
As the permission was granted, Shujaat sought clarification from the prime minister as to what exactly he meant? "There are two interpretations of your words. What do you mean?" Shujaat asked the prime minister, who he gave a smile instead of a reply.
When this correspondent contacted another MP who also attended the dinner for comments, he said there was no truth in the contents of the proposed book. Such attempts are being made by those who are against democracy and are out to defame members of parliament. He added that once the book is published "we will take the legal course against the author and defend ourselves".
Original Source: http://thenews.jang.com.pk/top_story_detail.asp?Id=7476
|