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.
Vijay demands CBI probe after 40 killed in Karur stampede, High Court hearing today
A stampede broke out at actor-turned-politician Vijay's rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, on Saturday.
In the case of a breach in the security of Parliament, the Delhi Police Special Cell on Saturday
Congress hits out at Modi for 'Favouring' Corporates
New Delhi, Feb 25 (IANS) Hitting out at the prime minister on the land acquisition ordinance, w
Supreme Court: The Supreme Court said on Thursday that the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation will have
Home Minister Amit Shah fiercely targeted Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Regarding th
The fire of violence that broke out after the attack on a procession in Nuh spread across South H
A case has been registered against Delhi Chief Minister Atishi for violating the code of conduct.
Akhil Sharma's Novel Shortlisted for Folio Prize
New Delhi, Feb 11 (IANS) Indian American author Akhil Sharma's "Family Life" has been shortlist
Marvel Studios' film Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is all set to hit the screens. A
Kangana: Kangana Ranaut called Hollywood stars 'jokers', commented on Donald Trump and Kamala Harris
Kangana Ranaut is known for her bold statements. Now Kangana has commented on Hollywood stars. Af
