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Hark, a soothsayer speaks

RECORDER REPORT

LAHORE: A prominent palmist of Punjab metropolis, Prof Fazal Karim, has predicted major changes in the next century; but added that the overall impact of these changes on Pakistan will be positive.

Fazal Karim stated that the new year would bring numerous changes, nationally and internationally. He stated that during the first six months of the year there was a distinct possibility of the release of Nawaz Sharif but his return to power would take time.

He predicted that the initial part of the year could be hard for bank defaulters and corrupt officials of the country, but the latter part of the year would see many incentives for the business community.

He averred that the Pakistani people would have good news by the end of the year with regard to development and prosperity of the country.

Regarding the conflict between Chechnya and Russia, he said there will be peace in Chechnya as a result of an agreement between both parties. About USA, he said the country will witness some difficulties in fulfilling its international agenda.

He said that fundamentalist powers may get more strength in the South Asian region which would result in some changes in the political system of Pakistan.

He said that many known politicians of Pakistan would be declared ineligible to contest the elections due to their wrong-doing and corruption.

He said that the next elections would gift Pakistan a surprising middle-class leadership.

He predicted an alliance between Mian Azhar and Ijaz-ul-Haq, and added that Ijaz-ul-Haq could become the new prime minister of the country following an agreement between General Musharraf and Nawaz Sharif. "Ijaz-ul-Haq would, however, remain in power only for a short span of time," he added.

He said that in 2001, a new politician among the Sharif family would actively join politics.

He said that Pakistan and India would sign the CTBT in 2000.

He predicted that there were remote chances of the return of PPP chairperson Benazir Bhutto to Pakistan and the PPP might break up.

He said that stunning technological developments would provide new facilities to the people in the new year, and added the medical scientists will succeed in finding a cure for AIDS.