Indian army chief's remarks unwise, says Pakistan

Pakistan today reacted angrily to the Indian Army chief's remarks describing the country as a major irritant for India's security and about the possibility of a war in a nuclear scenario, saying they were "jingoistic" and "unwise".

Rejecting the allegations made by Indian Army chief Gen VK Singh, foreign office spokesperson Abdul Basit said in a statement: "The government of Pakistan takes a serious exception to the reported statement of the Indian Army chief about his threat perception from Pakistan, war under a nuclear scenario and uncalled for and gratuitous comments on the internal affairs of Pakistan."

The repetitive mentions by Indian Army's high command "about war under the nuclear scenario is not only irresponsible but also jingoistic and unwise," Basit said.

"Such statements and grandstanding by India are evidently unhelpful to the cause of promoting peace, security and stability in South Asia," he added.

Pakistan remains committed to a purposeful and result-oriented dialogue with India on all outstanding issues, including the "core issue of Jammu and Kashmir," the spokesman said.

Speaking at a seminar in New Delhi yesterday, Singh had described Pakistan and China as major irritants for India's security.

He said India should have substantial war fighting capabilities to fight in a nuclear scenario.

Singh said terrorist infrastructure was still intact in Pakistan. The problem of governance in Pakistan and support for terrorist groups could have a fall-out on India, he said.