India concerned over developments in Pakistan

NEW DELHI: Expressing concern over developments in Pakistan, the government today said the Ministry of External Affairs is closely watching the situation in the neighbouring country.

"What is happening in Pakistan is definitely a matter of concern. Ministry of External Affairs looks at it minutely," Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar said.

He was reacting to a query on developments in Pakistan. Thousands of supporters of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf chairman Imran Khan and Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) chief Tahir-ul-Qadiri are battling with the police since Saturday in Islamabad demanding immediate resignation of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

Javadekar, however, refrained from making further comments, saying he has nothing more to add to what he had said on the issue yesterday in Jaipur.

Addressing a press conference in Jaipur, the Minister had said, "We are always worried about Pakistan, what is happening in Pakistan. Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee used to say a phrase: you can choose a friend, not a neighbour... Pakistan is our neighbour".

Voicing concern over frequent ceasefire violations, he had also cautioned Pakistan that it should avoid increasing tension along the border as it would not be beneficial to it.