Not a bad start for Zardari

President Asif Zardari is right under the spot light. Rather, it will be more appropriate to say that PPP's top man is under microscope with his negatives, more than positives, being magnified before the public by both the media and political circles, quite oblivious of its consequences for a fragile democracy.

This is pretty understandable and a familiar pattern in the country. Every time a civilian set-up takes over in Pakistan, its leaders are maligned and their image and credibility is tarnished. They are declared by their own class and also by sections of media as uneducated, uncouth and even unpatriotic.

The same pattern is emerging once again with the new set of PPP leaders seem to be on receiving end for no fault of their own, struggling to clear the mess created by the previous military regime with its double standards.  Take the example of President Zardari's meeting with Sarah Palin and hullabaloo his light hearted exchange created back home. It remained on the tip of every tongue in the city whereever you go.  The political circles one interacts with at different functions and Iftars and appearing on TV were quick to pass their verdict on his 'immoral' remarks, saying it was unbecoming of President to indulge in such remarks with a lady who could be the next Vice President of the US. The little exchange of courtesies even overshadowed not only his entire visit but also the good that Zardari achieved during his first outing abroad.