December 31 is noted for its festive overtones, but for the people of Pakistan the date now has added significance.
President Pervez Musharraf has vowed to decide whether or not to discard his army uniform by year-end.
But there is an orchestrated campaign by top state functionaries and ruling coalition leaders for him to continue to hold the dual offices of the president and army chief 'for the greater national interest'.
This has led to growing speculation the president, who seized power in a bloodless coup in 1999, might renege on his pledge to leave the post of army chief.
Pakistan's religious parties have threatened to take to the streets if he retains both roles.
'We will launch a countrywide protest against Musharraf if he does not keep his promise to the nation,' warned Fazal Rehman, leader of the opposition and secretary-general of the MMA, or Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal, a conglomerate of the six major religious parties.