To be head of state in Pakistan is dangerous. A majority of those who have held the post entered the office in glory and fanfare but left either in humiliation or in coffin. Whether the Pakistani president, General Perves Musharraf, will be able to escape this trend is a moot point. A lot would depend on the responses of India and the United States to his recently adopted policies.

Musharraf must learn from history. Liaquat Ali Khan, Pakistan's first prime minister, was assassinated because influential elements in the establishment were becoming wary of his policies. Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, the country's most popular political figure, was hanged after a highly controversial court judgment because the internal and external powers to be considered him too dangerous. General Zia-ul-Haq lost his life in a mysterious air crash.

Pakistan today is passing through the most crucial phase of its checkered history. Though its intelligence agencies' misadventures and the failures of its political leadership are still haunting the country, Musharraf has displayed ample courage and acumen since Sept. 11, not only rescuing Pakistan's battered international image but improving its viability as a state as well.

Historically, military regimes have played a damaging role in economic development and democracy in Pakistan, but Musharraf is proving to be different. During a recent visit to Pakistan, I interviewed some of his friends and foes.

One friend, who has known him since they both joined the military academy more than three decades ago, told about a couple of miraculous escapes Musharraf had during his military career, showing how lucky he has always been.

When I asked a former Pakistani general about his views on Musharraf, he said, ''He is a weak-hearted general who was exposed during the Kargil episode in 1999'' - when Pakistani soldiers seized mountain heights in Kashmir - ''and US picked him for the slot, as such a person suits them.'' Farooq Adam Khan, a Pashtun and the former prosecutor general of Pakistan's National Accountability Bureau, said, ''The path opted by Musharraf vis-a-vis Afghanistan is a pragmatic one but not an honorable one.''

Hamid Mir, the journalist who interviewed Osama bin Laden last November and is writing Osama's ''authorized'' biography, told me that bin Laden spent considerable time during the interview arguing that it is incumbent upon ''good'' citizens of Pakistan to eliminate Musharraf.

Interestingly, prominent political leaders, such as Salman Taseer of the People's Party and Khawaja Asif of the Muslim League, irrespective of the official stance of their parties, were full of praise for Musharraf, especially for the bold steps he took recently to tackle religious fanaticism and terrorism. But there is also a general perception in Pakistan that the United States is not doing enough to support Pakistan economically or in seeking a resolution of the conflict between India and Pakistan over Kashmir.

In fact, Pakistan's intelligentsia seems convinced that India is talking war with the tacit approval of the United States. It is argued that the war talk is being done so that Musharraf ''continues to obey.''

Musharraf's steps to crack down on extremists are not a post-Sept. 11 reaction. He was publicly vocal against the Jihadi mullahs prior to the attacks. The only difference now is that he has the requisite justification to clamp down on their activities. Musharraf's campaign against extremists will succeed because Pakistanis are tired of fanatics who created havoc in the country, especially in terms of violent sectarianism.

Still, he may not survive for long if the Kashmir issue remains simmering or if there is any compromise on the country's nuclear capability. Crucial institutions are being ''cleaned,'' but public opinion has its own dynamics. If Pakistan is calling off support to militancy in Kashmir, India should also be ''convinced'' to stop state terror in the disputed land.

Musharraf, in the prevailing circumstances, is not only the best bet for Pakistan but also for the United states. Without proper nurturing, it won't take very long for hope to turn into despair.