Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has stepped back from direct confrontation of the judiciary. His counsel has told the Supreme Court that the President will step down as army chief. President Musharraf had little choice. Under the law, he cannot hold both the posts and it was becoming clear that the country’s newly assertive judiciary would disqualify him from running for election. His holding both the posts  is not acceptable to Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chief Benazir Bhutto, who has been demanding that he give up the post of army chief in return for her party’s support. And finally, it appears that sections within the army are unhappy with his clinging to the top post for so many years, blocking  the promotions of other senior generals. Of course, in the event of disqualification by the apex court, Musharraf could have disregarded such a ruling and gone on to declare emergency rule or martial law. But this option apparently did not enjoy much support among some of the senior generals. Besides, this would have deepened civil unrest in Pakistan. Having run out of options, Musharraf has made virtue of necessity and agreed to give up what he once famously described as his ‘second skin’ - his military uniform.

The President’s decision to step down as army chief comes with a rider – he will do so only after he is elected President. The election date has been set for October 6. To be able to stand for Presidency again even while remaining army chief, President Musharraf got the constitution amended earlier this week. He is unsure of becoming President as the court could still disqualify him, questioning the legality of being re-elected by assemblies that will be dissolved shortly. He is desperate and determined to remain in charge. Hence, the multiple safeguards to secure his position.

President Musharraf’s announcement that he will step down as army chief is a step in the right direction. But this is not enough. Parliamentary democracy needs to be restored in Pakistan and this cannot happen if the military continues to breathe down the necks of civilian politicians. It appears that if Bhutto backs Musharraf, the latter will tinker with the constitution yet again to enable her to become Prime Minister for a third time. In all this wheeling and dealing, what the Pakistani people want or who they want as their leaders is being ignored. They deserve better.