Pakistan, March 12 -- Mr Zardari's deal with the PMLN for a coalition government in the federation paved the way for his second entry into the Presidency. He is the first civilian leader to have been elected to this august position for the second time. The PPP would have some other constitutional positions besides the provincial administrations of Sindh and Balochistan in exchange for support to the coalition government from outside. For the time being, it is reluctant to join the federal cabinet probably apprehending the adverse fallout of hard economic and fiscal decisions and the likely public disquiet.

Some insiders say the coalition is not a 'marriage of convenience' between partners. It was cobbled together by powers that count to ...