Islamabad: Pakistan's political and military leadership have accused India’s external intelligence agency RAW of having a hand in terrorist activities in the country.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif alleged the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) was “created to destroy” Pakistan and its activities could not be taken lightly.
“RAW has been formed to wipe Pakistan off the map of the world," he said.
The interests of the Taliban and RAW are the same, he claimed while speaking with Geo News channel on Tuesday. He further claimed that separatist leaders from Pakistan’s southern Balochistan province possess Indian passports.
Asif said India should refrain from “creating tension” on the border if it is sympathetic towards Pakistan with regard to the war on terror.
On Tuesday, a meeting of Pakistan’s top military commanders chaired by army chief Gen Raheel Sharif discussed the situation in the restive Balochistan province and accused RAW of involvement in terrorism on Pakistani soil.
“The conference (of Corps Commanders) also took serious notice of RAW’s involvement in whipping up terrorism in Pakistan,” said a statement from the military’s media arm.
The statement said Pakistan’s internal and external security was reviewed during the meeting in Rawalpindi. The army chief directed the commanders to “intensify intelligence-based operations against criminals, terrorists and their abettors in urban areas for enduring peace in the country”.
The allegations came nearly a week after Pakistani police claimed to have arrested two supporters of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) party who they alleged were members of RAW trained in India.
After the arrests, MQM’s London-based chief Altaf Hussain sought support from RAW in a televised address, triggering protests in the country. He had to apologise later.
India has consistently denied allegations of meddling in Balochistan and other parts of Pakistan. New Delhi accuses Islamabad of supporting terrorists active in Jammu and Kashmir and other parts of India.