Pakistan's survival depends on democracy, rule of law

London, Mar.31 (ANI): Pakistan is in a state of peril and its survival depends on maintaining a democratic system and promoting the rule of law, an analysis in The Independent says.

Monday's terror strike on a police training academy on the outskirts of Lahore should be seen as a direct assault on the authority of the Pakistani state, and it is clear that whichever group is behind this latest outrage, appears emboldened enough to strike at the very heart of the country's security establishment.

The analysis suggests that the attackers are clearly getting logistical help from within urban centers, and therefore, the country needs a strategy that will get to the root of the crisis.

The central problem is the country's civilian leadership, which has failed lamentably to rise to the security challenge.

The United States, which is a substantial aid donor to Pakistan, has a crucial role to play here, says the analysis in The Independent.

The US needs to put pressure on Pakistan to root out those in its intelligence services who are aiding the Pashtun Taliban and the anti-Indian militants of Kashmir.

It also needs to exert its leverage carefully. If it pushes too clumsily for change, it could provoke an anti-American backlash and deepen the country's economic crisis.

Thankfully, there are signs of a sensible new approach from the White House, and one which will deploy both stick and carrot.

Ultimately, the policy of America and all other nations with an interest in stability in south Asia should be directed towards rebuilding democracy, protecting the rule of law and shoring up responsible civilian politicians in Pakistan. (ANI)