Saving themselves from what appeared to be a headlong jump in the abyss that might have wrapped up the democratic system, both PPP and PML-N have started to show responsibility. Following Mian Shahbaz Sharif's meeting with President Zardari, the temperatures have cooled off. Only yesterday, Prime Minister and CM Punjab agreed in their meeting that both parties would respect each other's mandate. Pakistan simply cannot afford a repeat of the politics of 1990s. The challenges facing the country are far too grave and require a unified national response. It is heartening to note that good sense has prevailed, finally. -ALICE HAMZA, Gujranwala, via e-mail, February 10.