It all started in March this year when Pakistan's military ruler General Pervez Musharraf sacked the then Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudry.
Lawyers took to the streets and battled police, sparking into a country-wide protest and mass movement that has been dubbed Pakistan's Pinstripe Revolution. The ongoing protests saw the the country's high court panel later restore the chief justice.
The Pakistan Muslim League led by Nawaz Sharif and Benazir Bhutto's Pakistan Peoples Party tasted power but could not fulfill the Pakistani public's expectations and in this political vacuum, Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudry became a popular icon because of the lack of an credible opposition force.
Ordinary Pakistanis are confused and scared while their political leaders are arrested, and assemblies are dissolved. Virtually no public speaking forum is functioning now, including the satellite channels whose continued operation were trumpeted by General Musharraf a few days ago.
Ordinary Pakistanis are suspicious of the political parties, scared of extremism and reluctant to take part in any mass movement.
For time being, having peace on the streets and poverty overwhelm anything else. But it can not be remain like this for long. Pressure is building from the corridors of ordinary Pakistani houses to the streets.
From what I hear, the political groupings led by Benazir, Nawaz Sharif, Imran Khan and the religious parties are close to joining hands.
Ms Benazir is increasingly distancing herself from the General everyday. Even General Musharraf's allies in Washington are dealing with the question of: 'if not Musharraf, then who else?'
Now General Musharraf has forged an alliance with the new deputy chief of army staff, Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, who will take charge if and when this position will be vacant.
Washington is running out of options and yet to decide on whether to still rely on the unpopular Musharaf, or promote true democracy in Pakistan or opt for another military strongman. Expect the unexpected in coming days.
Rehan Alavi is a producer and presenter with the SBS Urdu language program. Rehan started his media career as a freelance journalist in 1984. Hewas a host and announcer on Radio Pakistan and Radio UAE programs. Tune into the SBS Urdu program for more coverage of the Pakistani crisis.
