Pakistan, Oct. 20 -- There is a peculiar contradiction in Maulana Fazlur Rehman's latest political sermon. He acknowledges that terrorism has eroded the writ of the state, yet questions the very measures being taken to restore it. He warns against foreign interference, yet invokes the supposed displeasure of China and Russia over Pakistan's economic dealings with Washington. He demands accountability from the government, but appears rather less enthusiastic about subjecting his own political assertions to the same scrutiny.

Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti has now put his finger on the sore spot. In his response to the JUI-F chief, Bugti drew a distinction that ought to be elementary in any responsible democracy: political govern...