In Pakistan, a prime minister and a country rebound — at least for now

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — One year after he was nearly bounced from office, Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has hung on amid signs that the country could be on the cusp of a surprising turnaround.

After years of terrorist attacks, military coups and political upheaval, Pakistan for now has settled into a period of relative calm. Over the past nine months, government statistics show, major terrorist attacks have declined 70 percent, and Pakistanis are flocking back to shopping malls, resorts and restaurants.