Pakistani prime minister Yusuf Raza Gilani appeared in the Supreme Court today for what could be a fight for his political survival.
The court has threatened the premier with contempt for failing to pursue corruption cases against the president and other officials.
The tensions could bring down Mr Gilani, who until recently had smooth ties with all of Pakistan's power centres.
Downfall of the government could plunge the strategic US ally into a full blown-political crisis and further hamper badly-needed economic and political progress.
While Mr Gilani is the one facing a contempt hearing, most observers say the court's real target is President Asif Ali Zardari.
During the 1990s, Mr Zardari had multiple cases of corruption and even murder lodged against him, all of which he says are false and politically motivated.
An amnesty deal that protected him from prosecution was nullified in 2009 and the court has been pushing for the government to re-open and investigate the corruption cases against Mr Zardari.
The government refuses to do so, saying Mr Zardari enjoys immunity as the head of state.
While Mr Gilani is not considered to be in immediate danger and the case is expected to be drawn out, he could have to step down eventually if he were to be held in contempt of court.
However, the court appearance is the latest blow for the civilian administration which also faces pressure from the military over a mysterious memo seeking United States help to avert an alleged coup last year.
Some question whether the government that is seen as corrupt and inept can survive and which is already widely accused of failing to deal with the basic issues of poverty, crippling power cuts, dilapidated infrastructure and a struggling economy.
Mr Gilani won a unanimous vote of confidence in parliament when he became prime minister nearly four years ago, and has been known as a peacemaker even among the ruling Pakistan People's Party's most bitter enemies. Unlike Mr Zardari, he was seen as having smooth ties with the military before the latest turmoil.
But his diplomatic skills may not be enough to fend off both the Supreme Court and Pakistan's generals, who have ruled the country for more than half of its 64 years history through coups, and from behind the scenes.
Reuters