LIKE most others, Pakistani physicians based in the United States are also concerned over the lingeringpolitical crisis in Pakistan. We believe that May 9 (9/5) is the same for democracy in Pakistan as Jan 6 (6/1) was for the US political system. The parallel being drawn with the infamous 9/11 incident is not quite appropriate, we believe.

As Americans of Pakistani descent with some insight into ground realities, awareness of the national interests of both countries and the desire for both countries to maintain friendly relations, we believe that Pal(istan and the US can, and should, move together in containing the crisis.

We are concerned that a lot of false information is being circulated through social media by various self-interest groups at a time when what Pakistan needs is informed opinion-making.

Politics and crime must be separated.

Peaceful political protest is a fundamental right, but no state can allow attack on its national monuments and sensitive installations. Those who were involved in anti-state activities on May 9 should be identified and prosecuted.

However, such incidents cause a backlash and we want to ensure that the Pakistani government`s response would be measured, and limited to the actualculprits and theirfacilitators regardless of their position.

At the same time, we must be vigilant that these tragic events are not used asan excuse for the persecution of political opponents or lead to political engineering by anyone. All stakeholders should stay within their constitutional domains. Justice should not only be provided,butalso should be seen as being provided.

The situation represents an opportunity for the basic pillars of the state to restore the faith of the people in state institutions. The opposition should refrain from undermining the public trust in the institutions for any short-term political gains.

The opposition`s claim that May 9 events were `staged` as a part of some conspiracy against it demands due investigation, and full cooperation by the opposition itself. The results of the investigation must be accepted and the culprits punished.

The principle that all are equal before the law must be upheld. The pending cases against government ofHeials and cases ofcorruption against politicians must be brought to a conclusion by fair, transparent and speedy trials. The cooperation of all thosefacingsuch proceedingsis necessary for the political process to move forward. The process of accountability is too critical to be left aside.

There should be fair elections as soon as possible, and people should get a chance to elect their representatives.

Their decision must be respected by all.

No political party should opt for militancy to achieve political targets.As for the military, it must set its house in order. Any current or former officer involved in civilian affairs in the last few years should be investigated.

This will set a precedent that will strengthen the political process in the country in the long run.

The US must steer clear of selfinterest groups that wish to exploit the situation for their own gains in Pakistan.

These groups act without any regard for the nationalinterests ofeither Pakistan or the US while pursuing their hyper-partisan agenda.

The US must not be seen as joining forces with any party involved in the conflict. Some self-interest groups have worked hard to drag the US into this complex internal conflict.

They are cloaking themselves as champions of human rights after their counterparts in Pakistan failed to bring down the government through violent means.

These people are the same who until just a few weeks ago were flaming anti-US sentiments by falsely accusing the US of `regime change` and calling the current Pakistan government an `imported` entity. The due process of the law of the land must be respected by all under all 1(ind of circumstances.

Muhammad A. Toor Chairman, Board of Directors America-Pakistan Physicians for Justice and Democracy Illinois, USA