Civilian govt best form of governance for Pak: US

''Pakistan has a civilian government and we think it is the best form of government to take," State Department spokesman P J Crowley told reporters.

Early this week, a Pentagon spokesman too had ruled out supporting any military coup in Pakistan; that has been under military rule for the major part of its post-independence history.

The statements from the State Department came in the wake of the Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) leader Altaf Hussain calling for martial rule in the country alleging that the democratically elected civilian government of Pakistan has failed to deliver in the wake of the devastating flood that has engulfed the nation and affected over 20 million people.

US officials pointed out that the Obama Administration under no circumstances support any take over of governance by the military.

The officials said the entire effort of this administration is to promote democracy and strengthen democratic institutions.

The Kerry Lugar Berman Bill, which assures USD 7.5 billion civilian aid to Pakistan in five years also has direct reference to strengthening democracy in the country and is a deterrent against military rule.