President Zardari’s Address to The Parliament

There were apparent forces and elements mediating between the lawyers, opposition and the government.Incessant efforts for reconciliation were underway.

Opposition in general and NS in particular was able to score a big pyschological and political victory by bringing the government to its knees.Masses stormed the streets for what was generally deemed to be a just cause.

By the time government caved in, the demand from nearly all quarters had been reduced to one point.Decision for further agitation against the governemnt at that time lacked objectivity and merit.

Fluidity and tendency of masses to be mobilized comes as a strong warning and turning point for current regime and the leaderships to follow.

I don't suppose it would have benefited any one, least of all the people, if the Long March would have continued beyond its one point agenda - that of restoration of the CJ. NS, though a lesser of the two evils and this time around a real victim of Zardari, took a wise decision of taking it peace-meal. The Long March was for a principle. Taking it down to the level of getting the government to lift the Gov's rule as well would have meant disaster because A)people needed a respite and B)you don't kill two different birds with one stone. CJ's restoration was about cleaning the judiciary stables; getting Shahbaz Sharif back to power in Punjab is just that: getting Shahbaz Sharif back to power in Punjab. Which does not really have that much of a principled halo around it. And it has some technical issues as well which cannot be sorted out by (deliberately) poorly drafted Notification over the signatures of a Section Officer..

So it was a good decision to let the civil society rejoice in its victory this once and have another Long March for another issue. And about Zardari's speech, well, I would not trust one rupee of mine to the man! What to talk about his promises! NS seems to have grown up. He is patient in letting the government file a review petition on its own and wanting his younger bro to ride honourably back to CM House.