THERE already was enough evidence to prove that the government was bent upon flouting the orders of the Supreme Court. The sole purpose behind this was to save Mr Zardari and, as far as possible, his cronies from the effects of NROs nullification. The stratagem adopted was to resort to all kinds of delaying tactics in the implementation of SCs verdicts relating to the fateful NRO, while, at the same time, making verbal declarations of 'respect for the judiciary and sincerity in following its orders so that it could keep the public in a state of suspense. However, one had thought that this time around the 13th of October would prove to be a decisive day when the confusion about what fate for the NRO review petition and the Zardari-led government was in store, would begin to become clear. The Prime Ministers cavalier remark earlier this month that 'this (13th October) too shall pass away had, however, reinforced the pervasive suspicion about the governments intentions to create a situation that could put off the final verdict and the decision to write to the Swiss courts to reopen the cases against Mr Zardari. Similarly, the official attitude to the SCs directive about NABs role and appointments of its officials has been dilatory. Thus, the governments request for postponing the hearing of the NRO review petition did not come as a bombshell for the nation, otherwise eagerly awaiting to know whether it obeys the court verdict and reopens the cases against Mr Zardari, and the consequences in case it dillydallies. The hearing was scheduled for the coming Wednesday, and the request for postponement was based on the argument that the counsel for the NRO case, Kamal Azfar, has been appointed Advisor to the Prime Minister and another counsel was being selected. Mr Azfars appointment is undoubtedly mala fide. The SC has fixed the hearing of this request for today. Besides, a related question of the appointment of NAB Chairman has been raised by inducting a controversial figure to the post. The PML-N, which, under the SC directive, was supposed to be consulted on the selection of a suitable candidate, has voiced strong reservations about the impartiality of Justice (retd) Deedar Hussain Shah, on the ground that he had been a PPP activist, who became an MPA twice on the party ticket. Since the NAB Chairman has a central role in ensuring the implementation of the NRO verdict, it was necessary that the choice was non-controversial and of an above-board character. One hopes that the authorities would reflect on the consequences of continued defiance of court orders and give up their attitude of resistance in the interest of democracy.