US' loss of interest in Pakistan a boon: Historian Ayesha Jalal


Posted on 27th Jan 2015 04:49 pm by mohit kumar

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.

0 Like 0 Dislike
Previous news Next news
Other news

To provoke tension between Russia and Ukraine, know who is adding fuel to the fire, what is his big game plan behind it.

Tensions between Russia and Ukraine have escalated for some time now. Talking about some special

ITA Awards 2022: Bollywood and TV stars shine on the red carpet, see the list of winners here

The stars of Bollywood and the TV world flaunt their style on the red carpet of every award funct

Real life cyber crimes inspired 'Ladies and Gentlemen': Director

Chennai, Jan 28 (IANS) Director P.B Manjunath says real life cyber crimes inspired forthcoming

Falwala's son became an IPL star: Umran threw 4 balls at the net, then the batsmen ran away, SRH was included in the team after watching the video of the bowling

In the 15th season of IPL, Sun Risers Hyderabad fast bowler Umran Malik has created fear among th

Paris Olympics: Former players expect good performance from India in Olympics, said- preparations should continue

There are 13 days left for the start of the Paris Olympics. Former players who have participated

Big News Apple's online store Started in India

The wait for the online store of Apple India in India ended at midnight on Tuesday and since that

Financial planning: Manage your earnings in five ways in the new financial year, helpful in dealing with inflation-excessive expenses

The last two years have been very difficult for the people due to the pandemic. During this time,

Bihar Politics: The Country's first economic survey report based on caste was presented; SC is the poorest and the general category is the least poor.

Today is the second day of the winter session of the Bihar Legislature. As soon as the session st

Bahrain foreign minister meets Modi

New Delhi, Feb 23 (IANS) Bahrain's Foreign Minister Shaikh Khalid Bin Mohamed Al Khalifa Monday

IRCTC Luggage Rule: If you also carry more luggage than the prescribed rules on the train, then know how much fine can be imposed

IRCTC Luggage Rule: Traveling by train is considered to be almost the most simple and economical.

Sign up to write
Sign up now if you have flare of writing..
Login   |   Register
Follow Us
Indyaspeak @ Facebook Indyaspeak @ Twitter Indyaspeak @ Pinterest RSS



Play Free Quiz and Win Cash