This, Too, Shall Pass

Byline: Nazir Naji Many ultimatums have been issued over the past three years about President Zardari's 'impending' departure. The declared dates came and went; but President Zardari remained where he was, as he was. There were many making these portentous declarations. Some were those who already started at the beginning of the first year of the president's tenure. They were beside themselves with rage that they were itching to oust the president. Some implored the COAS to take military action and oust Zardari. Some expressed the hope that he might leave in an ambulance. But the clock kept ticking. And President Zardari remained affixed in his seat and the hopelessness of those waiting to expel him kept increasing. Some fell silent after exhausting their energies. Others turned to pathos-filled appeals. But the government remained firmly lodged in place.