Pakistan on Thursday blamed India for interference in its internal affairs while reacting strongly to the statements by the Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee.
“The statements made by the two dignitaries are nothing but an attempt to divert the attention of Indian masses as well as the international community from its (India’s)own problems and internal wrangling,” said Information Minister Muhammad Ali Durrani.
In a strong-worded reaction, Durrani said the remarks of Indian leaders were tantamount to interference in Pakistan’s internal affairs and a violation of diplomatic norms and principles of inter-state relations.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Wednesday said, “We have put Pakistan on notice that India would find it difficult to continue on the present path of addressing all outstanding issues unless Pakistan clearly deals with the issue of terrorism.”
Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee went a step further saying that Pakistan’s “internal situation” had deteriorated to the extent of threatening regional peace. Both the Indian leaders were addressing a conference of Indian armed forces in New Delhi.
Durrani said India should first keep its own house in order. “Instead of pointing an accusing finger at Pakistan, it should evaluate the situation in Held Kashmir where it has set records of state terror for almost two decades. Human rights violations in Kashmir are unprecedented in the history of mankind,” he added.
“There are more than a dozen separatist movements going on through the length and breadth of India. This is a clear manifestation of the maltreatment of minorities and smaller communities at the hands of the Indian government,” he said.
**Pakistan, he said has sincerely and seriously been pursuing a composite dialogue with India for settlement of Kashmir and all other key issues. **
On one pretext or the other, the Indian side has endeavoured to stall these talks as it has no moral ground to negate the Kashmiris’ right to self-determination,” he added.
Ever since September 2001, Pakistan has been playing a key role in the struggle against terrorism and extremism, said the information minister.
The international community including the EU, the UN and the USA in this regard have praised its efforts and contribution, he added.
At times the government of Pakistan has expressed the resolve that it will not allow its territory to be used for activities against its own people or any other country, he said.
“Since both President General Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh have agreed to carry forward the peace process, initiated in 2004, it would therefore, be appropriate that Indian leaders avoid issuing such statements, which could only vitiate the atmosphere,” Durrani said.
