All scripted

All scripted agitation melee witnessed in Islamabad was meticulously scripted and proceeded according to plan. Though what eventually comes out is to be seen yet the entire episode spelt out a massive trade-off brokered by the usual powerful elements. The playbook is aimed at transforming a failed politician into a credible contender in the politics of future. It is also meant to sweep clean a long list of omissions and commissions that took place when he was at the helm of affairs. In return NAB’s grip is slightly loosened that may, interestingly, also prove beneficial to the PTI. Overseas Pakistanis are thrown in the background though they may always stage a comeback keeping in view the clout they hold in financial terms. Electronic Voting Machines were a non-starter from the beginning and not even worth mentioning. The coalition partners conceded Rs.30 in fuel prices that may, hopefully, be accepted as the first installment by the IMF to resume the EFF facility. The cameo played by the judiciary was meant to raise the ante though it came unstuck exactly as planned. As planned, the field is kept wide open and only time will tell how it is utilised. Uncertainty remains the byword. TW