Sir: It is for the Prime Minister (PM) to decide whether he wants Pakistan to be a modern state or a theocratic state. It is imperative to separate religion from politics if Pakistan is to take its due place among the comity of nations. If we do not, we will become pariahs. The PM made the mistake of holding talks with the enemies of the state; one does not talk to them, one must crush them. The Pakistan army has all the capabilities under its belt to eradicate the menace of terrorism. Pakistanis are sick and tired of living in fear and want their basic right to life to be protected by the state. The PM should lead the nation by supporting the armed forces and motivating the people instead of following the policy of appeasement and allowing the militants time to save their skin S T HUSSAIN Via e-mail