Army still rules Pak: VK Singh

NEW DELHI: Union minister VK Singh said Monday the army still rules Pakistan despite the election of Imran Khan as the new prime minister, adding that it remains to be seen whether “the person” will be able to bring about a change.

Home minister Rajnath Singh, who was in Jammu to inaugurate smart fencing project, also said he did not see any change towards India under Khan though he hoped for Pakistan to change its mindset. India is adopting a “wait and watch” approach after the installation of a new government in Pakistan, VK Singh added.

Responding to a question on incidents of infiltration at the border after the change of government in Pakistan, he said, “Did you all expect a change? ... After all, the person has been propped up by the (Pakistan) army. The army still rules. So, let’s wait and watch how things go — whether the person remains under army control or doesn’t remain under its control.”

He did not refer to Khan by name. Dialogue with Pakistan can happen only if the environment is “conducive” for talks, the minister added on the sidelines of the opening of a two-day conference - Smart Border Management - organised by FICCI.

“India’s policy is very clear. Dialogue can happen only when the environment is conducive,” he said when asked whether there have been any attempts from the Pakistan side.“India’s policy is very clear. Dialogue can happen only when the environment is conducive,” Singh said when asked whether there have been any attempts from Pakistan. Earlier, addressing the gathering, Singh said India’s border is unique and therefore “one solution” cannot be devised to make it more secure. The gathering included defence officials and experts, business leaders and a group of ‘sarpanches’ from villages near the border.