Pakistan criticises Indian defence minister's militant remarks

Pakistan has criticized Indian Defense Minister Manohar Parrikar's statement that India will use terrorism to counter terrorism from other countries.

Indian media quoted Parrikar as saying on Thursday that India has to neutralize terrorists through terrorists.

Indian national security advisor Ajit Doval has however sought to play down Parrikar's controversial comment.

Pakistan's Adviser on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz on Saturday expressed serious concern over the statement made by the Indian defense minister.

"This statement only confirms Pakistan's apprehensions about India's involvement in terrorism in Pakistan. It must be the first time that a minister of an elected government openly advocates use of terrorism in another country on the pretext of preventing terrorism from that country or its non-state actors," Aziz said in a statement.

He said Pakistan sincerely pursues a policy of good neighborly relations with India.

"Terrorism is our common enemy and it is vital for the two countries to work together to defeat this menace, from which Pakistan has suffered much more than almost any other country," the Pakistani adviser said.

The Indian Express reported on Friday that Parrikar had said: " If any country, why Pakistan, is planning something against my country, I will take proactive steps."