Pakistan’s courts have hardly made its political crisis clearer, but the one person who has gained most from their latest decision is probably Benazir Bhutto. Such an outcome still has the support of Britain and the US, for one bad reason — that it represents stability even if not democracy; and one good reason — that it offers a chance to settle the Kashmir dispute with India and agree a formal border with Afghanistan.

This weekend was to have marked President Musharraf’s re-election — seen widely as a formality, given the majority his supporters command in the national Parliament and provincial assemblies. His opponents have long denounced the vote as a charade, because he has insisted he remain head of the army through the election, and because he would not submit himself to the verdict of the new assemblies that will be elected next year, and which may be less under his thumb than the current ones.

The court’s decision — to withhold judgement on the legitimacy of the legal challenges against Musharraf to just over a week from now — has been claimed as a victory by both sides. It avoided a direct confrontation with Musharraf, by ordering the election process halted. But it breathes new life into the opposition, disheartened by the last ruling in Musharraf’s favour.

Most of all, of course, it kicks confrontation another two weeks down the road. This repeated delay — and paralysis while waiting for the next deadline — is becoming the rhythm of the current crisis. It began six months ago, when Musharraf tried to sack Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry, but was inevitable at some point, given his attempt to secure another five-year term. The welcome surprise, for those who want democracy in Pakistan has been the strength of the courts in defending the Constitution. The threat, though, is that this long standoff will leave them deeply politicised.

Bhutto was killed by bomb blast

The team from the Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Command have backed the claim that Benazir Bhutto was not shot

BACKGROUND

• Pakistan in turmoil as ‘martial law’ imposed

• Bhutto escapes as bombers kill 126

• Timeline: Pakistan's period of turmoil

• The man out to oust a President

• Internal crisis gives Pakistan reason for hope

The immediate winner from the current uncertainty is Ms Bhutto, half way through striking a power-sharing deal with Musharraf before her planned return on October 18 after eight years of exile. It strengthens her hand in arguing with Musharraf that a prime minister who has already served two terms (such as herself) should be allowed a third. Had Musharraf been re-elected beyond dispute this weekend, he would have been in a stronger position.

Britain and the US have backed the emerging Musharraf-Bhutto alliance as the best option going. This is short-sighted if the object is simply fear of what might follow Musharraf. Eight years of military rule is more than enough; it is suppressing the democratic politics Pakistan needs, and giving strength to the religious fundamentalists.

But Musharraf, and Bhutto, might be able to deliver the deal with India over the disputed province of Kashmir which must be the key to any prosperous future for Pakistan. Musharraf, although the architect of one of the most inflammatory military incursions over the border, has gone a long way to take the heat out of the issue since he has become President. The army still sees Kashmir as a totem, but not quite with the old tenacity.

Pakistan also needs urgently to agree a formal border with Afghanistan. Musharraf’s efforts to bring the tribal lands under control, at the cost of about 1,000 army casualties, are an essential step forward. Any leader of Pakistan needs to take these steps. If Musharraf, weakened as he is, can do that then his presidency will be valuable, although there is no substitute at this point for a return to full democracy.

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