According to his critics, the writing is on the wall for Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf. But he cannot read it from where he currently stands. Either that, or the President is stalling for time, whilst preparing a strategy that could serve to delay his exit from Pakistan's political firmament.
Time is a precious commodity in Musharraf's case. And naturally he would try to buy as much of it as possible since it could hasten his departure or prolong his presence in Pakistani politics, provided he plays the right card.
The current scenario determines that Musharraf must invite the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), victors of last week's general elections, to come forward and present their credentials in a bid to convene parliament.
The PPP's victory is an endorsement of the people's mandate and the will of the Pakistani people must now be respected. Musharraf must also guarantee that the election commission officially validates the results of the February 18 parliamentary polls - a verdict which the victors are demanding.
The coalition partners have secured 171 out of the 272 seats in the National Assembly. A two-thirds majority is on the cards and this is Musharraf's principal fear. Should these numbers be attained then the spectre of impeachment stares him in the face.
His allies are also deserting him in the battlefield - PML-Q General Secretary Mushahid Hussain's volte face being the latest case in point - and the former general now cannot fathom where the counter attacks are coming from: outside or from within.
Rejecting calls to resign, the once belligerent soldier has adopted a softer tone claiming that he would work with parliament towards restoring democracy.
Seeing that the emergency card will not work again, this is Musharraf's only option. Pakistan cannot afford further instability and uncertainty.
