[DAWN] In another month, there will be new faces in government in both New Delhi and in Kabul, but it is unlikely there will be new policies. But then, Pakistan deserves none. By negotiating with the TTP, the government has reduced itself to parity with anti-state terrorists. By releasing imprisoned insurgents without demanding the return of political captives like the sons of a slain governor Punjab and a former prime minister (both happened to belong to the PPP), it has betrayed partisanship. And by pursuing without vigour an Oedipal trial of a former chief of army staff, it has exposed its judicial flaccidity.

Perhaps the canny old lady was right. She refused to vote in elections because she felt it merely encouraged politicians.