"So supporting Aitzaz Ahsan as President in return for dumping Sherry Rehman as the leader of the opposition in the Senate in favour of PML-N is Zardari sahib's fig leaf to the PML-N for not supporting Shahbaz Sharif as the Prime Minister - an office that he was not likely to win in any event?"
"Does PML-N need the PPP to get the position in the Senate?"
"No, and Mushaidullah has shot down that idea already!"
"Let me correct your usage of the English language, fig leaf is what Adam wore to hide his nakedness because there were no clothes at the time..."
"Reminiscent of the children's story by Haans Christian Anderson, you know about the emperor having no clothes!"
"Don't be facetious; anyway, the correct expression is not fig leaf but an olive branch. Anyway, going back to what you said about Zardari sahib let me remind you that he is into pragmatic politics and as far as I can tell pragmatism requires a nexus with PML-N at this time which sadly for Zardari sahib is run by the Sharifs...albeit junior Sharifs, and not with Khan's party."
"The Sharifs dealt with Zardari sahib as the rightful heir after Benazir Bhutto's assassination so why can't he deal with Shahbaz Sharif and family with Nawaz Sharif in jail?"
"Hmmm, remember Zardari sahib's famous quote that agreements, especially political agreements, are not hadith..."
"That statement was from a position of strength - the PPP was in government at the time."
"Right, anyway Aitzaz Ahsan or Raza Rabbani have good reputations, including with the PML-N leadership, don't forget Nawaz Sharif recommended Raza Rabbani as Chairman Senate for a second term."
"At that time Zardari sahib was into a googly, if I recall correctly."
"So?"
"Perhaps Zardari sahib reckons there is hope that he may be able to throw another googly with the same players..."
"Not at present, wait and see though."