THE biggest ally in the ruling PPP-led coalition, PML-Q, has been successful in securing the deputy prime minister’s slot ostensibly promised a year ago. The rare opportunity was availed while negotiating for the election of Raja Pervez Ashraf as the successor of ousted Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani. I earnestly wish the PML-Q would have preferred to end the massive loadshedding and corruption as the pre-requisite of lending support to the PPP, thus putting their weight behind the public rather than own personal pleasures. This I would note as a true irony of the Pakistani nation; the quid pro quo among the ruling coalition is who snatches more of the cake that is actually meant for the public. MOHAMMAD AMJAD Jubail, Saudi Arabia