The Pakistani people continue to vote with their feet against General Musharraf’s military regime. The crowds turning up to hear ousted Chief Justice Chaudhry are getting larger even as the summer heat is becoming more oppressive.

The popular sentiment favours restoration of the Pakistani constitution and establishment of rule of law under civilian leadership. Justice Chaudhry has become a hero simply for defying a uniformed head of state, who is viewed as having overstayed his welcome as interim ruler after eight years in power.

The campaign, waged by activists of existing political parties, reflects the ground reality of Pakistani politics. The political forces Musharraf claims are discredited remain alive and well, and are stronger than they were in 1999 when Musharraf seized power in a military coup.

Pakistani public opinion appears to have matured. Whereas in 1999 there were expressions of relief at the toppling of a civilian government that seemed to be committing excesses, there is widespread recognition now that military intervention is not the solution to Pakistan’s political problems. Only continued constitutional rule and an uninterrupted political process will bring stability to Pakistan.

For his part Musharraf is relying on support from the army and the United States to ride through the current crisis. The army needs the US and the US needs the army, the argument goes, and both need Musharraf.

The dilemma for US policy was summed up by Daniel Markey, in an article in Foreign Affairs. “Washington should not rely on Musharraf alone, but it cannot assume that his departure would advance America’s main goals of fighting terrorism and promoting democracy,” he wrote. “In order to achieve long-term success, Washington needs to build trust with the Pakistan army as it works to expand the capacity of civilian institutions.”

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