Baithak Desi May 01: Heads I win, Headlines

If the PML-N had left the coalition, the PPP would have been forced into one of three options: (1) carry on without a majority in the NA (2) form a coalition with the PML-Q or (3) call for snap elections. In a charged political atmosphere, all three alternatives would play into PML-N hands. Exiting the coalition in Punjab as a quid pro quo, the PPP would probably not try and unseat the provincial government unless the PML-N made any hostile moves in the Centre. If the PPP made a coalition with PML-Q in Punjab and at the federal level, the PML-N would turn to its street power in Punjab to support the lawyers' movement, mobilising public opinion on the back of food shortages, electricity breakdowns, rising prices and unemployment. In the political environment created out of economic apocalypse, the PML-N could sweep the polls. Is this in fact their strategy? Very cynical perhaps, but deadly effective! Heads I win, tails you lose

Headlines

Bhagwandas look out: Bahrain's only Jewish lawmaker rumored to be the country's next ambassador to the U.S.
It is called Murder-Suicide: Pak journalist, wife found shot dead
Dateline May 2012: Pakistan judges talks to continue
Talk of shortages, suicides not Kashmir: Pakistan to continue support to Kashmiris: PM Gilani
Couldn't they have waited for restoration? Pak allows woman to undergo sex change surgery
Pity! MI5 accused of outsourcing torture of UK citizens to ISI
What took them so long to realise? NRO keeps Zardari away from judges’ restoration
Really? Pakistan among top for doing business: WB
Did you know this? You are a potential bomber too!
Incredulous? Court allows girl to go with husband
Again, really? Lawyers express solidarity with judges
Even Media is finally noticing: Spare us the blame-game
Keep weighing: Pakistani Parties Weigh Reinstating Judges