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India welcomes end to political crisis in Pakistan
India today welcomed the end to political crisis in Pakistan and hoped that government in Islamabad would be stable so that it can devote attention to fighting terrorism. External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee said this hours after the Asif Ali Zardari government succumbed to intense pressure and decided to reinstate Justice Iftikhar Choudhry as Pakistan's Chief Justice.
India on Monday welcomed the end to political crisis in Pakistan and hoped that government in Islamabad would be stable so that it can devote attention to fighting terrorism.
"What is happening in Pakistan is essentially its internal matter. Normally we do not comment on internal affairs of any country," External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee told reporters in New Delhi as the crisis in the neighbouring country blew over.
"At the same time, it is in our interest if democratic government is in place in Pakistan, which acts as a bulwark against terrorism and extremism," he added.
His comments came hours after the Asif Ali Zardari government succumbed to intense pressure and decided to reinstate Justice Iftikhar Choudhry as Pakistan's Chief Justice.
Mukherjee said India hopes that "internal confrontation of Pakistan will come to an end so that it could devote attention to fight against terrorism."
He maintained that fight against terrorism is in Pakistan's own interest as it "is the biggest menace to peace and development."
With the crisis in Pakistan blowing over, India is heaving a sigh of relief as it was worried about the fallout of instability there on this country.
