Defiance of judiciary will serve no purpose

As Pakistan remains locked in possibly the worst period of uncertainty during its 65-year history, the country’s ruling elite continues to press ahead with a familiar theme, albeit a controversial one.

Instead of learning lessons from the past, Pakistan’s rulers seem determined to tread familiar ground, ignoring some of their most controversial choices that have already cast doubts over the sanctity of the country’s democratic order.

One such colossal mistake is indeed the matter of disregarding the rule of law, simply to protect controversial individuals in high offices. For instance, the dismissal of former prime minister Yousuf Raza Gilani last month on a contempt of court charge, marked the grand finale of an episode which began when he was ordered by the Supreme Court to concede ground on formally requesting authorities in Switzerland to reopen cases of corruption against President Asif Ali Zardari.