Holbrooke says Pak must give credible evidence proved on India's role in Balochistan

Washington, July 30 (ANI): US Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan Richard Holbrooke said on Wednesday that Pakistani had brought up the issue of India's alleged involvement in Balochistan, but did not give any credible evidence to support their claim.

Last week, Holbrooke paid a visit to the Pakistan and held discussion with leaders of that country.

Addressing the State Department Press Corps Holbrooke said, "I would be misleading, if I said it didn't come up."

When asked about the evidence provided by Pakistan regarding Balochistan Holbrooke said "The narrow answer to your question is no." However, he did not elaborate any further. Holbrook reiterated that Kashmir is outside his ability to discuss.

Holbrooke's responce came as Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh made it clear that New Delhi has no interest in destabilizing Pakistan nor does it harbor any ill intent towards Pakistan.

India believes that a stable, peaceful and prosperous Pakistan is in its own interest, he added during an address to parliament on Wednesday.

Referring specifically to the mention of Balochistan in the Sharm-el-Sheikh joint statement, Singh said India is not afraid of discussing any issue of concern between the two countries. If there are any misgivings, India is willing to discuss them and remove them.

Singh reiterated that India has committed no wrong in Balochistan, but is willing to discuss Pakistan's concerns related to that province.

Singh informed members that India's conduct is an open book, if Islamabad has any evidence; New Delhi is willing to look at it because we have nothing to hide.

Singh made it clear that Pakistan's Prime Minister has not given any dossier to him on Balochistan during his talks in Sharm-el-Sheikh.

Holbrooke made it clear that the US administration has no difference with India on the issue of Pakistan and Afghanistan.

"India was the first country in the world I was ever aware of. I have a very special feeling for it. And if there's a rift, you have to ask the Indians. I didn't see any rift," Holbrooke said. (ANI)