The question that had, perhaps, been uppermost in the minds of the politically conscious public of the country since Governor Salman Taseers murder on January 4, was whether the selection of his replacement would set the stage for a smooth relationship between the federal government led by the PPP and the Punjab government led by the PML-N. That consideration has assumed particular importance in the light of the recent development the positive response of Prime Minister Gilani to the agenda Mian Nawaz Sharif had presented for implementation within 45 days, if the PPP wanted to seek full cooperation of the countrys largest opposition party, the PML-N. It would be unwise to venture any comments at this stage about how the situation turns, with Sardar Latif Khosa in Governor House. But, perhaps, consultations about his appointment with the PML-N would not have raised doubts about the real intentions of the top decision makers at the Centre. After all, in Punjab, both the PPP and the PML-N are partners in governance. According to PML-N spokesman Ahsan Iqbal, no consultation took place. At the same time, a noteworthy development, in the form of a writ petition filed in the Lahore High Court, has taken place, questioning Khosas appointment on grounds of corruption charges against him. The writ has been accepted for hearing and notices to concerned officials have been issued in this regard. His swearing-in, which was due to take place on Wednesday, has been put off on account of the Lahore Chief Justices preoccupation with the funeral of Justice Javed Iqbals parents. Besides, the fact that Mr Khosa defended both Benazir and Zardari in corruption cases at the apex court and his removal from the office of Attorney General, also on the basis of corruption, set all those thinking who wanted Mr Gilani to honour his commitment to Mian Nawaz about putting his agenda into effect. And, indeed, had the government the will to implement the 10-point agenda, in which at least four points pertain to elimination of corruption, Khosas name would not have been even considered for the job, and someone with a cleaner reputation selected. Coming to the nature of relations that have existed between the PPP and the PML-N since the 2008 elections brought the former into power, one could say that it has been quite baffling to political observers, except, perhaps, for the insiders. Their common concern i.e. to preclude the chances of the army coming back to power, has remained constant, and that, according to some, has been the guiding force of the PML-N for not crossing the point at which the future of the PPP in power falls in danger and might put at stake the very system of democracy, which has been reintroduced in the country after a long struggle. This attitude of the PML-N had earned it the title of a 'friendly opposition. One hopes that with Gilanis pledge to implement PML-Ns agenda, the misgivings about Mr Khosa toeing the old policy of confrontation would come to naught.