By now ‘Weapons of mass distraction’ (WMD) is a very commonly used phrase. Urban dictionaries define it quite accurately as politically charged non-issues used to distract those who live in a faith-based reality from the catastrophic failings of a political party, regime or ideology.
Optimism over Nawaz Sharif’s victory is best kept on hold, particularly since several prickly issues such as Kashmir, Siachen and punishment to 26/11 culprits remain. Also, the Army and the ISI are still influential.