India's MEA States "Democracy and Pakistan Don't Go Together" Amid Regional Tensions

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal made pointed remarks about Pakistan's political situation, stating that "democracy and Pakistan don't go together" during his weekly press briefing.

New Delhi:

India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal delivered a forthright assessment of Pakistan's political landscape, declaring that "democracy and Pakistan don't go together" during his regular media interaction.

The statement came in response to questions about Pakistan's democratic conditions, particularly regarding former Prime Minister Imran Khan's situation and ongoing public protests.

When asked about the weakening of democratic institutions in Pakistan, Jaiswal indicated that India monitors developments closely but preferred not to elaborate further on the matter.

"We maintain vigilant observation of all developments in Pakistan. However, regarding your comment that 'democracy in Pakistan is becoming weak and its strengths are being weakened' - democracy and Pakistan don't go together. The less we discuss this, the better," he remarked.

Responding to a separate query about recent border clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan, Jaiswal expressed concern over civilian casualties.

"We have observed reports of border confrontations resulting in several Afghan civilian fatalities. We condemn such attacks on innocent Afghan people. India firmly supports Afghanistan's territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence," the spokesperson stated.

His comments emerge against the backdrop of escalating political turbulence in Pakistan.

Cross-border exchanges of fire last Friday reportedly caused casualties on both sides, further straining relations after diplomatic discussions between Islamabad and Kabul collapsed last week.

Simultaneously, tensions between Pakistan's centers of power have intensified.

The military has recently issued strong criticism of Imran Khan, exacerbating the already volatile political environment.

Khan, 73, has been imprisoned since 2023 following a corruption conviction and faces multiple legal challenges.

His political organization, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has consistently demanded regular access to Khan for family members and supporters amid speculation about his health and unconfirmed reports regarding his condition.

Recently, authorities at Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail permitted Khan's sister, Uzma Khanum, to visit him.

Supporters who accompanied her organized protests outside both the Islamabad High Court and the prison, demanding fewer restrictions on meetings with the imprisoned former leader.