Army still rules Pak: V. K. Singh
Union minister Gen. V. K. Singh ( Retd) said on Monday that the Army still rules Pakistan despite election of Imran Khan as the new PM, adding that it remains to be seen whether “the person” will be able to bring about a change as talks can happen only if the environment is “conducive”.
“After all, the person ( Mr Khan) has been propped up by the ( Pak) Army. The Army still rules. So, let’s wait and watch how things go,” he said.
Union minister V. K. Singh said on Monday that the Pakistan army still rules the county 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 change. India is adopting a “wait and watch” approach after the installation of a new government in Pakistan, the minister of state for external affairs told reporters.
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? I don’t know. 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 Mr Khan by name.
Dialogue with Pakistan can happen only if the environment is “conducive” for talks, the minister added on the sidelines of a conference. “India’s policy is very clear. Dialogue can happen only when the environment is conducive,” Mr Singh said when asked whether there have been any attempts from Pakistan to initiate further dialogue with India.
Referring to reports of proposals to open the Kartarpur border crossing for Sikh pilgrims, Mr Singh said India has “not received any proposal” from Pakistan to open the route.
Dialogue with Pakistan can happen only in a conducive environment. — V. K. Singh minister of state for external affairs