That I agree with, that the primary reason is self presevation and continuation of incentives.I don’t believe you and I disagree but maybe approach this differently. The establishment if whatever it is also believes in self preservation. So if its interests include a threat from Zardari of starting an insurgency and/or exposing the corruption in cahoots with establishment in Sindh they will capitulate.
My contention is that we assume them to be smart but they aren’t really more than you or me. They are average Pakistanis with the same selfish characteristics that take over when their primary interests(which isn’t Pakistan as much as any Pakistani likes to claim) is in danger.
So instead of thinking of them as some all powerful powerhouse just because they have troops and tanks is a folly. No one in their right mind see troops or tanks as a tactic against their own people even if it is Zardari so what is left is dirty maneuvering which is a much more even playing field than is assumed.
When I say off guard it is that IK mismanaged this situation and in general the establishment has been trying to keep its shoes shined in front of the country as neutral. So whatever plan they had to try and tackle this crisis from behind the scenes as failed and now they are in for their skin and not trying for IK or otherwise.
The institutional memory is self preservation - the lifestyle and the privileges in terms of money making should never be questioned by the public and the institution will continue as it is.