The Wire

The Pakistani government has capitulated in the face of mass opposition protests by agreeing to reinstate a sacked judge. In Lahore, thousands defied the police and took to the streets. They were planning today to march to nearby Islamabad when they received the news that their demand had been met. But observers question whether it is all part of a clever political move by the former prime-minister to return to the political stage. And there is further concern that the ever-present Pakistani military may take advantage of the instability to extend its reach.