Gen Raheel discusses RAW's involvement in Balochistan with Rouhani

Published March 26, 2016
COAS Gen Raheel discussed matters of regional security with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani.—Photo: ISPR
COAS Gen Raheel discussed matters of regional security with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani.—Photo: ISPR

ISLAMABAD: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif on Saturday discussed the issue of Research and Analysis Wing's (RAW) involvement in Pakistan's internal affairs with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, who is here on a two-day visit, said a statement issued by the military's media wing.

The army chief called on President Rouhani to discuss matters relating to regional security and Pakistan-Iran relations, said an Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) statement.

The army chief while highlighting the challenges being faced by Pakistan, discussed the alleged involvement of RAW in Pakistani affairs, especially in Balochistan, said the statement.

Matters relating to border security and regional connectivity also came under discussion.

According to the handout, President Rouhani "paid rich tributes to the professionalism of the Pakistan Army and its phenomenal achievements in operation Zarb-i-Azb", which entered its final phase last month in Shawal valley of North Waziristan.

The COAS has taken up the issue of RAW's involvement in Pakistan with President Rouhani two days after security forces announced the arrest of a RAW agent in Balochistan's Chaman area.

Read: 'RAW officer' arrested in Balochistan

Identified as Kulbhushan Yadav, the man has been accused of being involved in subversive and terror related activities in Balochistan and Karachi.

Yadav is said to be originally from Indian Navy, where he served as a commissioned officer. In Pakistan, he operated under fake identities and was alleged to have been working with separatist and sectarian organisations.

The government has long accused Indian intelligence agency RAW of sponsoring terrorism in Karachi, Fata and Balochistan.

At a corps commanders meeting in May last year, military’s top brass had unprecedentedly pointed fingers directly at RAW for “whipping up terrorism in Pakistan”.

The arrest coincided with the visit of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani to Islamabad.

The detained spy is claimed to have entered Pakistan via Iran and was also reportedly having valid Iranian visa.

Examine: India accepts ‘spy’ as former navy officer, denies having links

Pakistan has had reservations regarding India’s close ties with Iran, particularly the cooperation in regards to Chabahar Port.

Though, not many were paying attention to the timing of disclosure about Yadav’s arrest with President Rouhani’s trip, but the interior minister tipped about that possibility as well.

“We will ask Iran for assistance in probing the matter,” Chaudhry Nisar said.

A disclosure by a security official that the spy had been active in the area since 2013 and had been based in Chabahar left little doubt that the timing of the incident might have been used to underscore Pakistani concerns about Indian involvement in Chabahar port.

Opinion

Editorial

Budgeting austerity
Updated 16 May, 2025

Budgeting austerity

The past policy of squeezing salaried classes and fully documented corporations to collect taxes will not work any longer.
A ‘new’ Syria
16 May, 2025

A ‘new’ Syria

THE American embrace of the post-Assad Syrian regime is complete, with President Donald Trump meeting the Arab...
Business of begging
16 May, 2025

Business of begging

IT is a matter of deep embarrassment that Pakistan has become an ‘exporter’ of beggars. Over 5,000 have been...
Rebuilding trust
Updated 15 May, 2025

Rebuilding trust

Both countries will have to restart the dialogue process. One major step India can take would be to honour the IWT.
Political off-ramp
15 May, 2025

Political off-ramp

IN the midst of every crisis, there lies great opportunity. With the nation basking in the afterglow of Pakistan’s...
Awami League ban
15 May, 2025

Awami League ban

BANGLADESH stands at a key crossroads. While the ouster of Sheikh Hasina Wajed’s government and the formation of ...