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

PPC 2023: PM Modi will discuss exams on January 27, and will address students, teachers and parents

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will interact with students, teachers, and parents in the upcoming e

DC vs SRH Dream 11 Prediction: Not Rishabh Pant, this player will change your luck as captain! Trust will have to be expressed in these eleven players

In the 35th match of IPL 2024, Delhi Capitals will clash with Sunrisers Hyderabad (DC vs SRH). By

Operation Silkyara: The patience of the workers trapped in the tunnel for six days is now giving way... They said - when will you take us out?

The patience of the workers trapped in the Silkyara tunnel for the last five days is now wearing

Mukesh Ambani: Reliance will make a mark in the finance world through Jio Financial Services, preparing for big investments in renewable business

The statement of Chairman and MD Mukesh Ambani has come to the fore after the separation of Jio F

Rohit will select the new vice-captain of the Test team: Now KL Rahul can be out of playing-11; Know who will take his place

No player was made vice-captain in the new Test team of India. Opening batsman KL Rahul will now

Gurugram: Vigilance committee is established to check corruption

Representative Commissioner Nishant Kumar Yadav has established Vigilance Committees at the local

Land ordinance unacceptable: Sonia Gandhi

New Delhi, March 27 (IANS) Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Friday accused the government of

BJP is the richest political party in the country: on the first rank with assets of 4 thousand crores; Know the status of other parties

According to the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), the total assets of 7 national and 44

PM Modi will visit Haryana and Punjab on August 24, and will give hospitality

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Haryana and Punjab on 24 August. During this time they wi

Indian Air Force will show 'Vayu Shakti' during Russia-Ukraine war, will be exercised on March 7 in Pokhran

The war between Russia and Ukraine is still going on. During the war, the Indian Air Force is als

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