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.
Sugar Stocks Rally: Sugar Prices Jump Up to 13%, These Stocks Lead the Market — Check Top Gainers
Sugar stocks witnessed a sharp rally after domestic sugar prices climbed to record highs, with se
The United States on Thursday imposed sanctions on 10 Russian naval entities over Russian operati
Since buying Twitter, Elon Musk has been announcing something new every day by tweeting. Through
Odisha Primary School Teachers Protest: Odisha's primary school teachers protested in Bhubaneswar
Former Indian wicketkeeper batsman Deep Dasgupta believes that fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah can be
China, who was shocked by Taiwan and Pentagon relations, said- will control Taiwan if needed
China strongly criticized the visit to Taiwan by a senior Pentagon official and confirmed that Ta
The graph of corona infection in the country has come down further. In the last 24 hours, 2.59 la
Gmail Account Warning: Avoid This Common Mistake or Risk Losing Access to Your Gmail ID
Users subscribing to select Jio and Airtel recharge plans that include complimentary Google One c
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a two-day visit to Gujarat on the occasion of the 148th birth
On Tuesday, 14 CAG reports of the tenure of the AAP government will be presented in the assembly.
