ISLAMABAD -- With thousands of Indian and Pakistani troops on high alert facing each other across front lines and global concern over the confrontation between the two nuclear-armed neighbors remaining high, Pakistan faces the challenge of revitalizing its foreign policy.

The growing global profile of President Gen. Pervez Musharraf's government may appear to indicate there is little need to be concerned about the country's foreign-policy credentials. The Bush administration and other Western governments remain appreciative of Pakistan's support in the international fight against terrorism.

But as Pakistan prepares to move toward its promised return to democracy in October, it is clear that the quality of the democratic transition will trigger criticism from within and outside the country in coming months. Musharraf's apparent plan to make his own position as president unassailable after the transition to civilian rule has already cast doubt over his commitment to a full restoration of democracy.