Watch the steps...

Ground realities in the country are in a state of flux. For some it's a volte-face, and for others it is fait accompli. But what is desired are efforts to normalise the situation and that too within the framework of law and the Constitution. The statement from the military spokesman that there is no possibility of imposing martial law in the wake of violent protests was quite reassuring. The ISPR chief, in an interview with a private channel, went on to negate the rumours that some top-ranking army officials have resigned and are in revulsion with the leadership. This is soothing to hear and is a great relief, as a strong and impregnable military is sine qua non for Pakistan's stability and security. Whatever may be the lopsided version of the political narrative, the fact that people of Pakistan stand with the armed forces and are proud of their sacrifices is a novel chapter in their national resilience. Let that be a rest assured case.

Politics, nonetheless, is in a troublesome zone. All that is desired is stability and that can only come if two fundamentals of civil society are adhered to - one, recourse to dictates of...