NEW DELHI: Union Minister VK Singh on Monday said that the army still rules Pakistan despite Imran Khan becoming the prime minister. Singh also said it remains to be seen of 'the person' (Khan) would be able to bring a change in the neighbouring country. "India is adopting a wait and watch approach after the installation of a new government in Pakistan," he said.
Speaking on the incidents of infiltration at the border post the searing-in of the Imran Khan government, the minister of state for external affairs 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." Singh however refrained from naming Khan directly.
The minister was speaking on the sidelines of the two-day conference on Smart Border Management, which was organized by FICCI. The minister said that dialogue between the two countries was possible only if the environment was 'conducive'. Singh also denied receiving any proposal from the Pakistan government for the opening of the Kartarpur border for Sikh pilgrims. "Nothing has come from the government's (Pakistan) side. This issue has been going on for a very long time. If anything comes about we will let you know," he said.
Singh was the opinion that India has a unique border and coming up with one solution to make it secure was not possible. "From plains to deserts and mountains and other terrains, one kind of solution cannot be applied to our border and the variety of the terrain has to be factored in while designing any solutions for making the border security more robust and smart," he said.
The conference included defence officials and experts, business leaders and a group of sarpanches from villages near the border. A report on smart border management prepared by FICCI along with BDO India was released on the occasion.