Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Dec 9: Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal issued a pointed remark on the political turmoil in Pakistan, stating that “democracy and Pakistan don’t go together.” His comment came during the weekly press briefing while responding to a question on the country’s weakening democratic institutions and the continuing unrest surrounding former prime minister Imran Khan.

Jaiswal said India was closely watching developments but preferred not to go into details. “We keep a close eye on every development in Pakistan. But regarding democracy, you're saying that ‘democracy in Pakistan is becoming weak and its strengths are being weakened’. Democracy and Pakistan don't go together. The less we talk the better,” he remarked.

He also expressed concern over fresh tensions along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, condemning reports of Afghan civilian deaths in recent cross-border clashes. “We condemn such attacks on innocent Afghan people. India strongly supports the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Afghanistan,” he added.

The MEA’s comments come amid escalating political turmoil in Pakistan. Clashes on the Pakistan-Afghanistan border late Friday reportedly claimed lives on both sides, following the breakdown of talks between Islamabad and Kabul.

Meanwhile, friction between Pakistan’s power centres continues to grow. The military has recently sharpened its criticism of Imran Khan, intensifying the already volatile atmosphere. Khan, 73, has been in jail since 2023 after a corruption conviction and continues to face multiple legal battles.

His party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has repeatedly demanded unhindered access to the jailed leader amid speculation about his health. This week, jail authorities at Adiala Jail allowed his sister, Uzma Khanum, to meet him, prompting demonstrations outside the Islamabad High Court and the prison by PTI supporters seeking fewer restrictions on family visits.