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.
Why America is restless due to 'Atmanirbhar India' and Russia's proximity?
The outgoing US Ambassador to India Kenneth Juster has recently reiterated the close cooperation
Chief Justice of India Justice DY Chandrachud got angry over the listing of an application in the
Coronavirus Update: India has recorded the lowest number of Covid-19 cases since March 2020. Acco
The country's nuclear power capacity has increased by 40% in 8 years. Union Minister Jitendra Sin
On the very first day of the Parliament session, Congress and other opposition parties expressed
The use of cryptocurrency is haram in Islam, Islamic organizations issued a fatwa in protest
Indonesia's Islamic organization has issued a fatwa regarding cryptocurrency. On behalf of the Ul
Heavy rains have wreaked havoc in Bengaluru. People are in a bad condition due to heavy rains for
iPhone maker Apple on Tuesday launched its first Apple Store in India. Apple CEO Tim Cook inaugur
In IPL 2022, the match between Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad was played on Tuesday. Ra
Indian batting maestro Virat Kohli has once again demonstrated his dominance in ODI cricket. Indi
