Parrikar rebuffs Pakistan Senate’s anti-India stance

Escalating the attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks in Dhaka and that of his ministerial colleagues later, Pakistan’s senate on Thursday unanimously passed a resolution, condemning the “provocative and hostile” statements which it said reflected the Indian “hegemonic mindset”.

Pakistan’s resolution got an immediate rebuff from Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar in New Delhi. Taking a dig at Pakistan, the Defence Minister <g data-gr-id="29">said</g> “those who fear India’s new posture have already started reacting.” 

Minister of state for information and broadcasting Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore had said in the wake of the military action in Myanmar that it was a message to other countries which <g data-gr-id="33">was</g> interpreted as a warning to Pakistan.

Defence Minister speaking at a seminar on Thursday said that Indian Army’s operation in Myanmar against northeast militants shows a change in mindset. “If the thinking pattern changes, <g data-gr-id="37">lot</g> of things change. You have seen for the last 2-3 days. A simple action against insurgents has changed the mindset of the full security scenario in the country,” Parrikar said. 

On the other hand in Islamabad, condemning Indian leaders’ comments, the senate resolution said such statements confirm Pakistan’s apprehensions about India’s intention to destabilize Pakistan. The house urged the international community to take note of such “provocative statements” which it said negatively affected the prospects for regional peace, sovereignty and stability. The resolution, moved by <g data-gr-id="40">leader</g> of the house Raja Zafarul Haq, said such “crude attempts” by India are unacceptable and Pakistan rejects this “hegemonic mindset”.

The resolution said at a time when the entire Pakistani nation, particularly the armed forces are engaged in the battle against terrorism, Indian provocations are not only undermining Pakistan’s anti-terror campaign but actually aiding and abetting terrorists fighting against Pakistan.

Meanwhile former Pakistan dictator Parvez Musharraf has expressed apprehension that the current aggressive stance adopted by India was targeted at denuclearizing Pakistan. Accusing India of destabilising Pakistan, the former military ruler said nuclear weapons are for the defence of the country and not for “celebratory” occasion.

“Don’t attack us, don’t challenge our territorial integrity because we are not a small power, we’re a major and nuclear power. Don’t push us,” 71-year-old Musharraf said. “We should have self-confidence that their (Indian) dream to denuclearize Pakistan is not possible. We won’t let their end game materialize,” he added.