Punjab's power tussle

ONE had hoped that after the election of Mr Zardari as President things would start calming down in Punjab, the fears of the PML(N) government getting destabilised would finally be put to rest and the two major parties would, whether working in government or opposition, act in the positive spirit needed under a democratic polity. Unfortunately, however, some elements have shown a marked disposition towards keeping an atmosphere of inter-party tension alive. Their political wheeling-dealing might have been motivated by the desire to pressurise the PML(N) to rejoin the PPP-led coalition at the Centre if it wanted to maintain its government intact in Punjab. This outlook is contrary to expectations and, indeed, disquieting, considering the long and arduous struggle the politicians have just been through to oust an army dictator. The Punjab Governor's unguarded utterances and his Wednesday meeting with the Chaudhry brothers give rise to suspicion.