Army chief's remark proves India's hostile intent: Pak

Reiterating its concerns over the alleged interference of India in Pakistan through Afghanistan, Pakistan has said that the situation in the region cannot improve unless New Delhi stops its covert activities.

Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, Foreign Office spokesperson Abdul Basit said Pakistan wants stability in the region, but is concerned about India's involvement in its internal affairs.

"We hope that our concerns (regarding Indian interference) will be taken seriously because we do not want this region to destabilise. Should this interference continue, I am afraid things will not improve," The Daily Times quoted Basit as saying.

Commenting on the Kashmir issue, Basit rebuffed reports about any back-channel diplomacy with India over the issue, and alleged that New Delhi did not have the intent to resolve the issue.

"We do not see sincerity on India's part to resolve the Kashmir dispute in accordance with United Nations resolutions," Basit said.

"The ball is now in India's court. Pakistan will, on its part, continue making sincere efforts towards resolving all bilateral issues, including the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, with a view to attaining viable and lasting peace in South Asia," he added.

Referring to the recent remarks of Indian Army chief General Deepak Kapoor -- that the Indian Armed forces were ready to fight China and Pakistan simultaneously -- Basit said such statements showcased New Delhi's 'hostile intent', which were not helpful in the given circumstances.

"No one should ever underestimate our capability and determination to defend our country," he said.