Washington: Stressing that deepening US-Pakistan relations have contributed to overall stability in the region, US Assistant Secretary of state for South Asia Christina Rocca has said restoration of Democracy and civilian rule was crucial for Islamabad.

"Restoration of Democracy and civilian rule within a Constitutional framework is crucial to long-term stability in Pakistan," Rocca said in her address at the American Enterprise Institute on October 10.

"It is in the interest of the US and all of Pakistan's neighbours for Pakistan to develop as a politically stable and economically prosperous society with a well educated population," she said, while expressing hope that President Musharraf will take advantage of the elections to develop a dialogue with the political leadership on building a sustainable and credible Pakistani Democratic institution.

"A positive development contributing to overall stability is the deepening relations between the US and Pakistan, which has become an indispensable ally in our efforts to uproot al Qaeda and other terrorist networks."

Rocca said the US was committed to help Pakistan modernise and strengthen its law enforcement capabilities.

PTI