The year gone by has been one of the most turbulent in Pakistan's history. It saw the birth of judicial activism, as the judiciary tried to assert its independence from the executive and civil society as well as lawyers came out in unequivocal support. There was an unprecedented rise of extremist terrorism, during which a mosque in the heart of the Capital was caught in violent showdown with the State. Two former Prime Ministers returned from exile to strengthen the Pakistani democracy. Tragically, before New Year, one of them was assassinated, plunging Pakistan into uncertainty and violent anger. Will the Pakistani people come to terms with turmoil and choose new leaders that can steer the country back to stability?