While speculations were rife that Musharraf was bracing for a preemptive action to wind up the present democratic system by dissolving the assemblies, the Foreign Office announced in the afternoon that Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani will now represent Pakistan.

The announcement came after Musharraf was conveyed a cryptic message that he must leave for Beijing within three hours till five in the afternoon failing which Gilani would fly for China.

Musharraf was due to leave for Beijing on Wednesday but changed plans several times. It was indicated that the president would curtail his original programme and stay in China for three days instead of five.

Musharraf was advised by aides that he must go to China and avail of the opportunity of meeting US President Bush in which he could discuss evolving situation in Pakistan.

Musharraf waited for final declaration of their intent regarding impeachment by top leaders of the four-party coalition who converged in Zardari House for another round of consultations on the third consecutive day. The proposed joint news conference by them was also delayed several hours. Musharraf's camp office, the Army House also remained hub of activities the whole day as the president consulted his lawyers for possible action against the government or assemblies. He also called his allies on telephone including Altaf Hussian, the four provincial governors and some other backers.