Pakistan's Premier Nawaz Sharif till late on Friday night gave no indication on attending Monday's swearing-in ceremony of Narendra Modi as prime minister amidst reports that he was facing opposition from hardliners in the establishment.
'Against the backdrop of difficult administrative, political and economic problems, Imran's temperament and staying power will be the subject of intense expectation and public scrutiny,' says Rana Banerji, who headed the Pakistan Desk at the Research and Analysis Wing, India's external intelligence agency.
Sushma Swaraj's suave moves helped Narendra Modi pull off a diplomatic coup, helping regain her standing.
'What we are today witnessing is the final act of the Pakistani army trying to retain its turf,' argues Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).