At the crossroads

One cannot help but take Mr Zardari's assurances at their face value. Not long ago he had himself commented that there were no promises in politics and that pacts, while referring to the Murree Declaration, were not holy scriptures. In the backdrop of the abovementioned dramatic scenario, it appears that this change of heart on the PPP's part is aimed only at elevating its leader to the coveted slot. Considering the party's performance so far, it has nothing much to offer except forcing General Musharraf to resign. Its promise to resolve the judicial crisis remains unfulfilled to this day. One fears that even if some sort of understanding is reached between the two parties, the judges' issue will remain unaddressed and there will also be little likelihood of the removal of the proverbial sword of Damocles Article 58(2b). Recent statements aired by Law Minister Farooq Naek regarding the judicial mess, are neither encouraging, nor do they affirm the government's sincerity to end the stalemate. At present, the piecemeal approach of restoring the judges is only aggravating the crisis. Mr Naek's observation that Justice Abdul Hameed Dogar's status as Chief Justice would remain intact even after the reinstatement of the judges, was categorically rejected by the PML(N) as well as legal activists.

If Mr Zardari really means what he is saying at present, he should be seeing to it that all the judges are immediately restored to their November 2 position. Unless that happens the differences between the two mainstream parties will persist.