The media campaign to make President Musharraf qui, is mounting by the day. The rumour mills are churning out stories that Musharraf's exit is imminent. Political pundits including the top leadership of two major partners of the ruling coalition make no secret of drawing the battle lines. President Musharraf is reported to have been conveyed the message to resign or be ready to face impeachment. The lawyers have also announced the date of the Long March, declaring the Army House as the target of their assault. As if the above indicators were not grave enough a threat to upset the applecart, Mian Nawaz Sharif has assured Mr Aitzaz Ahsan that he would join him in the Long March. Mian Sahib has publicly stated that he would persuade Asif Zardari to also join the lawyers' march that would also be supported political activists of representatives of the civil society. Reliable sources have been named in the print and electronic media to confirm that President Musharraf has been advised by COAS General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani in their last meeting to vacate the Army House The outcome of the initial battles certainly gives hope to Mian Sahib as far as the restoration of the judges is concerned and to Asif Zardari as for as the passage of his proposed constitutional package is concerned. There are other stakeholders in the present power struggle currently going on in Pakistan. Despite the gathering storm at home against Musharraf and particularly in the province of Punjab led by PML-N and its Quaid Nawaz Sharif, President Bush phoned Musharraf on Friday (May 30) and assured his strong support and full backing of the United States indicating that he looked forward to President Musharraf's continuing role in further strengthening US-Pakistan relations. Note the timing and significance of the Bush telephone. And also note how important is the role of the Pakistan army in the US-led war against terror with reference to Afghanistan and the presidential elections in USA. Some may like to overlook the fact that General (retd) Pervez Musharraf is the Commander in Chief of Pakistan's armed forces and as such the service chiefs of the Army, Navy and Air Force including the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee owe their allegiance to him, at least to the extent as to ignore his impeachment. Despite this there are many who are in undue haste to right articles and prepare a blue print for post- Musharraf scenario without considering global implications. Having said that, I am, by no means belittling the present standoff between the president and the parliament on the one hand and between the two major coalition partners. It is an irony that the present political leadership which should iron out their internal conflicts in the parliament and within their inner political circles are once again growingly looking towards the COAS and relating their top policy decisions subject to the role of the army. Just imagine how much exaggerated importance has recently been given to the transfer of a Brigade Commander in Rawalpindi regardless of the fact that he cannot move an inch without the approval of the Rawalpindi Corps Commander, who in turn performs his functions under direct instructions of the COAS as per chain of command. This unity of command is the most beautiful legacy of the 60-year old Pakistan army as the most organised organ of the state. Other organs of the state and political parties, divided into so many factions, have much to learn from this unity of command and loyalty to its leader. E-mail: ikramullah@nation.com.pk