Therefore, although he claims to have made this decision in “national interest”, there aren’t too many takers for this argument. What might now prolong his rule a bit further is the lack of political activism of the political parties. Despite Benazir Bhutto’s statement to launch a movement, there is no sign as yet that the PPP leadership will bring its supporters out on the streets. It is hoped that Benazir Bhutto does not eventually settle for continuing her partnership with the general.

The other pillar of Musharraf’s support is the US, which has been strategically less vocal on the development. Except for a show of concern, nothing substantive has been said by Washington. They might not have supported this decision to impose an emergency, but the US government is still not willing to abandon their man in Islamabad. After all, the political deal between the PPP and Musharraf would have benefited the US and enabled it to fight the war on terror with the help of a civil-military partnership in Pakistan.

As for Pakistan itself, it faces yet another critical moment in its history.

The writer is the Islamabad-based author of ‘Military Inc, Inside Pakistan’s Military Economy’