Iran not hand in glove with RAW, says Pakistan

Islamabad, April 3 (IANS) Pakistani Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan reiterated that Iran was not working hand in glove with Indian intelligence agency RAW to stoke instability in Islamabad.

"Iran has nothing to do with the activities of Indian intelligence network. Kite flying regarding arrest of Indian spy and his links with Iran must stop now," he told reporters at a press conference here on Saturday.

The minister said that an impression was being given in a section of media that Iran was involved in certain negative activities against Pakistan, the Daily Times reported.

Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan said some elements wanted to damage positive and historic brotherly relations and create misunderstandings between the two countries.

Nisar Ali Khan said the matter of relations between the two countries must not be linked with arrest of the Indian spy.

"I appeal to media not to create an impression as if Iran is facilitating RAW’s activities in Pakistan. Pakistan and Iran are tied in decades-long religious, social, cultural and political bonds and nothing can come in way of our relations,” he said.

The issue of arrest of RAW agent was taken up by Pakistan Army chief General Raheel Sharif with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani.

“There is one concern that RAW is involved in Pakistan, especially in Balochistan, and sometimes also uses the soil of our brother country, Iran,” the army chief told the visiting dignitary.

“I request, they should be told to stop these activities and allow Pakistan to achieve stability,” the army chief said, according to a release issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) after their meeting.

However, President Hassan Rouhani at a press conference held later in the day denied that the issue of Indian spy agency’s involvement in Pakistan was discussed during his meeting with the Pakistani Army chief.

“Whenever Iran comes closer to Pakistan, such rumours are spread,” he said.