End of the coalition

The break-up between the PML-N and the PPP is a set back for mature politics and sustained democracy in Pakistan. People had high hopes that the political stalwarts will rise to their expectations, and would be able to settle amicably their main difference i.e. the reinstatement of deposed judges. And the coalition government will embark on much needed reforms for good governance.
During the five agonising months of the coalition's misrule, the politicians forgot BB's pleas for reconciliation and democracy, and indulged in bickering and feuding while the people are faced with political uncertainty, and multiple problems. The political godfathers despite promises failed to provide relief to the common man. The claim of resounding victory for democracy after the February 18 elections has evaporated with the break-up of the coalition government.
The judges issue was not discussed by the parliament, which was a major violation of democracy. BB wanted democracy to flourish and she had promised to restore the deposed judges, including the CJ. However, the judges issue remains unsolved, due to the stubbornness of the PPP leaders including the co-chairman. He made promises and accords and violated them.
Zardari's waywardness on the judges' issue has caused the avoidable rupture. He appeared non-serious and came out with tenuous and unconvincing arguments and promises, which were not fulfilled. Refusal by PML-N to support the nomination of Zardari for presidency, will be taken as an affront by the PPP. However, Zardari is going to be the president with or without PML-N's support.
The belief that the two main political parties could develop an understanding on the judges issue, and steer the country out of the economic, law and order and political chaos should not become a dream.
Expectations of the people appear to be crashing on the rocks of personal and political expediency. At the press conference announcing the break-up of the PPP-PML-N coalition, Nawaz Sharif presented the chronology of broken commitments made by Zardari regarding the reinstatement of the deposed judges. His blunt and highly offensive statement that accords and agreements are not the words of the Holy Quran or Hadith, clearly reflects the gentleman's mindset, and lack of political integrity. Morality never had a place in Pakistani politics. But Zardari holds Benazir Bhutto's mantle of democracy and reconciliation, and needs to display flexibility and accommodation.