Slide of the PPP

While I don't support the Pakistan People's Party (PPP), it carries the most points for representing all sections of the Pakistani society, unlike any other political organization. So there is always a tinge of hope, despite its flaws, that the PPP survive these self-inflicted wounds. While the relationship between the Pakistan establishment and the military hierarchy has always been troublesome with the latter playing a dubious role at best, the current situation of dire proportions is a result of President Zardari's incredibly lethargic and bogged mind.

The PPP's fortunes have been depleting since it came to power. Being a 'populist' party, it intentionally (and criminally) stood on the wrong side of history when it came to the judicial movement. Such a scar would be bad enough. But Zardari pressed ahead with the 'National Reconciliation Ordinance' (NRO) - a law meant to help a few get away from corruption charges - mostly it is said, to save his own skin in the future. NRO was always. It's most 'noble' objectives could have been achieved in an egalitarian, across-the-board stance, assisting all those thousands languishing in jails without verdicts on their crimes.

The PPP can make a come-back - but it'll need more inspiring leadership - one that takes a stance at the right time, rather than one that's always forced to make a choice.