The British government will respond constructively, provided that he demonstrates by his actions that he is a military ruler of a new type, one who plans to give his power away to a new and better democracy. A realistic and publicly announced timetable is required. The second most important factor is economic reform - not only about the right to do business but also enshrining and enforcing obligations to pay wages, taxes and debts. Without a strong economy any reformed political and institutional structure will, in the long term, be built on sand. Maximum transparency and real accountability in all avenues of a national life are vital.
Corrosive corruption has a become institutionalised, especially in politics and in business.
This has to be eradicated. R eforms in the civil service, the police and the judiciary, and in the management of public and private enterprise, are essential for ordinary Pakistanis to have wholehearted confidence that their country really is being rebuilt for the future. Britain still seeks to provide funding and other practical assistance for this reform process and to en courage international institutions to do the same. For example we are prepared to fund expert help in a fair voter registration system. Equally vital is the spirit in which the law is applied.