Verdict vindicates

Thursdays proceedings can be read as a victory of sorts for Pakistans civilian government,which has been embroiled in a tussle with the judiciary and the military. It is evident now that the government has managed the triangulated rivalry rather well,having made the military step back from its earlier threatening stance. All of this is good news for Pakistans stability. If there is a growing compulsion in rival Pakistani institutions to moderate their mutual belligerence,taking into account the countrys deteriorating internal and external environment,it is welcome. Last week,Pakistans army chief,General Ashfaq Kayani appeared to put the militarys weight behind the civilian governments policy of deepening economic engagement with India.

As far as Delhi is concerned,Zardari,along with Gilanis government,has played a very important role in reviving Indo-Pak relations frozen after the 2008 Mumbai attack. Delhi cannot underestimate Pakistans need for political stability,for the sake of Indias own security. A sure-footed civilian government in Pakistan is in the regions interest.