In an interesting development, the Senate Standing Committee on Cabinet Divisions debated diverse topics this week, including the Cabinet Division’s luxuries, restrictions on the entry of its members’ second wives into the Islamabad Club, and Chahat Fateh Ali Khan’s charisma.
The committee was informed that the Cabinet Division had 18 bullet-proof vehicles and six helicopters, an aviation squadron, Toshakhana gifts as well as the power to declare national public holidays.
Saleem Mandviwala pointed out the apparent unfair rule by an Islamabad Club, which doesn’t recognise a member’s second or third wife and hence doesn’t allow them to enter the premises. The committee recognised the “significance” of the issue because Islam permits men to have four marriages.
The members were informed about the government’s changes in the procedure for giving away civil awards.
“For civil awards, it is evaluated now that the recipient has done more than usual work in his or her field,” the Cabinet Division special secretary told the committee. “Singers are also considered for awards based on the views of their YouTube videos,” he added.
Reacting to this, Committee member Aamir Chishti asked the Secretary whether famous internet personality Chahat Fatteh Ali Khan’s song ‘Bado Badi’ would be considered for an award – given its number of views on YouTube.
In a hilarious moment, Aamir Chishti then turned to the committee chair, Rana Mahmoodul Hasan and asked him if he had heard the song, to which he replied, “I have. It gave me a headache.”
