THOSE who had written off the lawyers' movement as spent must have found out on Monday that they were badly mistaken. Mr Ali Ahmad Kurd, the firebrand leader of the lawyers' Professional Group, simply trounced his opponent, who was supported by the legal establishment, a segment of anti-movement lawyers and pro-PPP Peoples Lawyers Forum. Mr Kurd's victory would be interpreted by many as a verdict in favour of the struggle for an independent judiciary, centred round the restoration of deposed Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry and other judges. That Mr Kurd bagged 1,008 votes against 402 for his opponent indicates how unpopular is the cause of those opposing their restoration. While he won in all major voting centres, except Bahawalpur, Mr Kurd's decisive victory in Lahore was all the more significant because the city was considered by the anti-movement group their stronghold. Apparently Mr Kurd was also supported by many lawyers otherwise affiliated to the PPP. The victory has administered the lawyers' movement a shot of adrenaline. Mr Kurd, who is a front rank leader of the Professional Group, has had a countrywide exposure during the lawyers struggle as he moved from city to city to address the bars and crowds of enthusiasts waiting outside the courts. His subsequent arrest and incarceration added to his popularity. During the movement, he attracted many admirers, particularly in Punjab, and quite a few opponents who consider him a hot-tempered personality lacking a sense of balance. The newly elected SCBA President has promised that the legal fraternity would expedite the pace of the struggle, that has suffered a setback after a number of deposed judges decided to take oath under the conditions proposed by the government. It is also natural for a movement that has gone on for nearly 20 months to exhibit signs of exhaustion. One expects that after being entrusted with the great responsibility, the fire-and-brimstone orator would display utmost caution while choosing the future course of action. This is all the more necessary in view of the grave situation presently confronting the country. It is gratifying to note that he has ruled out a civil disobedience movement despite the course having been recommended by the lawyers National Coordination Council. There are many who think the government too needs to revise its rigid stand on the remaining judges, including the deposed Chief Justice. Their reinstatement would not only pacify the lawyers, but also remove the bone of contention that led to the break-up of the PPP-PML(N) alliance. Once the remaining judges are restored, the PML(N) can be persuaded to rejoin the Cabinet. The synergy generated by the two major parties joining hands would help in coping with terrorism and the grim economic crisis facing Pakistan.