Though the allegation that Pak Army is behind Imran Khan's win is hardly new, this is for the first time a senior Indian Minister has echoed such sentiments
In comments which may snowball into a major diplomatic row, former Army chief and MoS MEA VK Singh has said that Imran Khan is controlled by the Pakistan Army. According to him, newly elected Pakistan Prime Minister has been propped up by the Army of that country, and hence no radical shift is expected in the polity. He was responding to questions regarding infiltration going on from Pakistan to India despite Imran Khan taking over as Prime Minister.
Though the allegation that Pak Army is behind Imran Khan's win is hardly new, this is for the first time a senior Indian Minister has echoed such sentiments.VK Singh is also the former Army chief which makes his statement even more significant. Infact, PM Modi wished Imran Khan all the success soon after his election, in a message which many believed may be the starting point of a fresh start in the contentious relationship between two countries.
However, India has made it clear that no talks with Pakistan would be held till the time they provide support to terrorists. Imran Khan after his hardline posture during campaigning has expressed interests about starting a new chapter with Pakistan. But on Monday, VK Singh was quoted by ANI, " Did you expect any change from a man propped up by Army? Army (Pakistan Army) is still calling the shots". He also said, " Did you all expect a change? If a person is propped up by Army, army still rules. Let's wait&watch how things move, whether a person remains under army's control or doesn't".
VK Singh also reiterated India's stance regarding bilateral talks saying, " I think our policy is very clear. Dialogue will happen provided the environment is made conducive for it".
Earlier, in a letter, Modi said that India is looking for constructive and meaningful engagement with Pakistan. Modi has reportedly also stressed on the need to work for terror-free South Asia In his an-hour-long maiden address to the nation a day after his swearing in as the country's 22nd prime minister, Khan said that the country will enter into talks with all neighbours to normalise ties, as without it peace can't be brought in the country.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi also said that India and Pakistan have to move forward keeping realities before them. The minister also claimed that Narendra Modi has written a letter to Imran Khan in which he indicated beginning of talks between the two countries
Stating that there is a need for continued and uninterrupted dialogue with India, he said, "We are neighbours. We have long-standing issues, both of us know these problems. But we have no other option but to engage in dialogue. We cannot afford adventurism." Qureshi also said that the issues are complicated and the two countries may face hurdles in resolving them, he added, "We must engage. We will have to admit that we are facing problems, we must admit that Kashmir is a reality. The Islamabad declaration is a part of our history."
With PTI inputs
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