THAT the political scenario in Pakistan should have disturbed the Saudi ruler, who entertains warm feelings for Pakistan, is quite understandable. The army is conducting military operations for the last many months inside the tribal areas to establish the writ of the state. While Washington is pressing Pakistan to do more in the War on Terror, its drones continue to launch attacks inside the tribal areas despite the government's repeated protests, thus adding further to Pakistan's problems. Meanwhile India demands action against those it considers to be responsible for the Mumbai attacks, without providing actionable proofs. Simultaneously it has initiated a blame game to isolate Pakistan in the international community. As if this was not enough, Pakistan is passing through a financial crisis and the growth rate is expected to be significantly lower than the 5.5 percent projection for the current year. Power and gas shortages have created widespread resentment, leading to countrywide protests. The lawyers are flexing muscles to march on Islamabad on March 9. The confrontation between the PPP and the opposition on the issue of the restoration of judges and the repeal of the 17th Amendment is creating political uncertainty. These developments naturally disturb Pakistan's friends abroad. What seemed to have worried the Saudi King most is the state of disunity between political forces, which is leading to confrontation at a time when Pakistan can least afford it. At stake is national solidarity, sovereignty, economic prosperity and security. The emissary made it clear he was carrying an important message centered around the ending of differences and forging national unity. He also stressed the need for peace in the region. He urged political leaders, whether inside or outside Parliament, to display unity for the sake of Pakistan. He said he had been asked to convey the same message to President Zardari also. There is a tendency on the part of governments in Pakistan to be misled by rosy pictures painted by sycophants and clueless agencies. The government has to realize that it faces formidable challenges. It can still retrieve the situation by displaying flexibility over the two issues: the restoration of the judiciary and annulment of the 17th Amendment that have pitted the PML(N), the APDM, thousands of lawyers and many sections of civil society against the PPP-led administration. As Mian Nawaz Sharif put it on Tuesday, the PML(N) is willing to work with Mr Zardari if he meets the promises made regarding the restoration of the judges and striking down the 17th Amendment. Prime Minister Gilani has promised to constitute a high-level committee 'soon' to deal with the controversial Amendment. What he needs to do is to hasten the process. Similarly, the issue of the deposed judges needs to be urgently resolved.