Kolkata, Jan 24 (IANS) America's loss of interest in Pakistan was a boon, according to historian Ayesha Jalal who Saturday said encouraging signs were there for democracy to return and thrive in the country often described as a "failed state".
Delivering the 125th Sarat Chandra Bose Anniversary lecture here, the Pakistan-American historian also called for giving time to Pakistan to become a functional democracy.
"The best thing that has happened to Pakistan in years is America is losing interest. Those who want to see the return of democracy in Pakistan, they would certainly hope that America takes less interest in Pakistan because its only interest has been the army," said the Tufts University professor.
"Pakistan's problem has been continuous disruption of the political process by the military. Democracy is a conflict but a managed one and Pakistan now has come to realise that this is what is needed.
"Despite the terror and despite everything, in the present conjecture many opportunities do exist, as there is a realisation that this is the way forward," she said.
Jalal, the author of "The struggle for Pakistan: a Muslim homeland and global politics" also said the judiciary's steady assertiveness will ensure that the military will chose not to intervene directly.
"But that doesn't mean the military will not be the dominant institution. It will change only after decades of uninterrupted parliamentary government.
"The state institutions are so fragmented because of years of authoritarianism, nepotism and political interference that the break in the institutions' ethos, until that is restored, it would be difficult to ensure a proper delivery system. That is why I say Pakistan needs to be given time," she said.
Jalal also expressed displeasure about Pakistan being called a "failed state".
"I also want to ask about the narrative about Pakistan being a failed state. A failed state by whose standard, by the western standard, by India's standard? I don't think this is a useful categorisation," she said.
Jalal asserted that the Dec 16 Peshawar school attack has made the authorities intensify the fight against terrorism and called for re-imposing the moratorium on the death penalty, that was lifted after the massacre that claimed the lives of 145 people, the majority of them children.
Computex 2022: Coming Soon Amazing AMD Ryzen 7000 'Zen 4' Desktop Processor, Amazing Features
AMD always has exciting announcements at Computex and this year is no different. AMD has announce
Beware: Coronavirus can spread up to 10 meters ahead in the air, new government's guideline
The coronavirus can also spread through the air. Now the government has also fully accepted this.
The Supreme Court has refused to interfere in the ongoing Hijab controversy in Karnataka. Congres
Kejriwal Dares Bedi to look in to his eyes and call him dishonest
Global Warming: Poor countries are facing heavy emissions by rich countries
Unforeseen conditions created by climate change are no longer a hidden fact. The whole world is f
Run feast on cards in Lanka vs Proteas clash
Sydney, March 17 (IANS) It will be a highly-charged contest between two powerful batting line-u
A furniture-making company in Mississippi, USA fired 2,700 of its employees overnight. According
Everyone saw what happened recently in Dharali town of Uttarakhand. When the mountain river Kheer
The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued notices to the Central Government and the Election Commission
Electoral Bonds Case: A Constitution bench of five judges of the Supreme Court will hear a petiti
