Imran Khan a puppet of Pakistan Army, says minister VK Singh

India is skeptical of the independence in the functioning of the civilian dispensation in Pakistan. Minister of State for External Affairs General VK Singh said today that the new Pakistani Prime Minister, Imran Khan, was a “puppet of the Pakistan Army”.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the ‘Smart Border Management’ event organised by the Federation of Indian Chambers for Commerce and Industry (FICCI), VK Singh said that there has been no change in Pakistan’s policy towards India.

When asked about the continuing infiltration and cross-border terrorism, General VK Singh called Imran Khan a puppet of the Pakistani Army and said, “Did you all expect a change? The question is that he was propped up by the Army. Let’s wait and watch. Question remains whether he will remain under Army control or not.”

He also said that it was not just smart technology, but also smartly-managed forces and human resources that would help secure India’s borders.

When asked if there was a fresh proposal for dialogue with Pakistan, General VK Singh said, “Our policy is very clear and the dialogue will happen provided the environment is made conducive.”

VK Singh dismissed the news of India having received a formal proposal on the opening up of Kartarpur route for Sikh pilgrims.

“Nothing has come from the Pakistan government’s side. This issue has been going on for a very long time. If anything [comes] about, we will let you know,” Singh told reporters here.

This comes while there’s speculation that Pakistan will open the corridor of Kartarpur Sahib on the occasion of 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak, which will be celebrated next year.