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.
TV's most popular reality show, "Bigg Boss 19," is becoming more interesting with each episode. W
Kamal Haasan: Kamal Haasan got UAE's golden visa, the actor had reached Dubai to promote 'Vikram'
South star Kamal Haasan is in the news these days for his film 'Vikram'. The film, which was rele
Haryana investigating Hooda Government's Recruitments
Chandigarh, Feb 12 (IANS) The Haryana government is investigating thousands of recruitments tha
Sanatan Dharma Row: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin's son and Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin's c
How much work did the Modi government's Ayushman Bharat-PMJAY plan in the fight with Corona?
What is Ayushman Bharat-PMJAY?
Ayushman card means the card of Ayushman Bh
The players' mega auction in IPL 2022 is going to be held on February 12 and 13. This time 10 tea
Violence against Hindus in Bangladesh is not stopping, fundamentalists now break 6 statues
Violence targeting the Hindu community continues in Bangladesh after Muslim extremists vandalized
The next Mahakumbh will be presented to the world as a new symbol of India: Yogi Adityanath
Mahakumbh 2025 will also be unforgettable with Mahadivya and Mahabhavya. A new Prayagraj will be
Victoria Memorial, Museum blackout in Kolkata for Earth Hour
Kolkata, March 28 (IANS) As millions of people across the globe pledged to switch off non-essen
Prime Minister Modi says that corruption at any level affects the people of the entire country. T
