August 14 and impeachment

This year the Independence Day would be celebrated in the most tumultuous and turbulent politically charged circumstance never seen before in our history. A nation of 160 million is under siege of uncertainty and anxiety about the future of their country. There is open confrontation between beleaguered president and the ruling coalition .
The coalition led by Zardari wants to consign general (retd) to oblivion and Musharraf apparently seems set to pull out surprises from his sleeves. The end game will depend on numbers the coalition needs to mobilise to impeach the president for his unconstitutional acts. Prima facie it at looks that the future of democracy would be on the right road map. But when viewed in the historical perspective for many it may be too good to be true.
Unfortunately our history is replete with instances when the path to democracy was derailed by military adventurers pushing the country further back . Analysts are of the view that nothing could be done to save Musharraf, except a military coup. But this time for a change, the redeeming feature is that the COAS is reported to have conveyed to the president that they, unlike the past, would not interfere in the democratic and political gambit at least for now. Looking at the conduct of February elections the army were seen no where to lend strategic support to the president's party. Accolades have since been showered on the Pak Army for a welcome phenomenon, first time in the history.
According to media reports, Bush has dumped the president, refusing to take a series of "help me" telephone calls. By all indications Musharraf's main supporters, the US, UK and even the Arabs have left him in the lurch. The West has probably decided that it would be the civilian government they would do business, be it war against terrorism or bilateral relations.
Having ruled Pakistan for about 9 years, Musharraf is squarely blamed for many of its troubles. According to a poll (IRI), 83 percent of Pakistanis want him out and judges reinstated. Does he still think that people would wish him to continue? Mr President don't dwell on the advice of unpatriotic and self-servers .Get out of the insulation around you by these vested interests. You are now left isolated.
There are reports that the president is considering different options to continue to cling to his office. Option of invoking 58-2(b) given the mood in the country is fast evaporating. Defending charges in the joint sitting of the parliament would be the bitterest experience he ever had since he seized power. The retired general can save himself from this humiliation by resigning.