India promotes terror in Balochistan: Pakistan

India is interfering in Pakistan's internal affairs through "information centers" it has set up in Afghanistan and promoting terrorism in Balochistan, caretaker Information Minister Nisar Memon has said.

Addressing a news conference in the southwestern city of Quetta, Memon said India should avoid interfering in Pakistan's internal matters.

Such actions, he said, went against the spirit of the ongoing composite dialogue process.

Referring to Indian Navy chief Admiral Sureesh Mehta's comment that the Gwadar Port on the Balochistan coast has "serious strategic implications for India", Memon described the statement as proof of India's "involvement in promoting terrorism in Balochistan".

Memon said the statement regarding Gwadar Port, which is being built by Pakistan with Chinese help, strengthens doubts about India's "involvement in attempts to create a law and order situation in Balochistan".

He said India had set up 13 information centres in Afghanistan with the prime objective of spreading "disinformation" and disturbing the peace in Balochistan to "hamper the construction of Gwadar Port".

The port will play an important role in Pakistan's economy and provide a trade gateway for the entire region. In view of its significance, India did not want its smooth completion, Memon said.

"We reject the statements of Indian leaders," Memon said.

Such statements could have a negative impact on bilateral relations and vitiate the atmosphere, he added.

"Pakistan will also not tolerate any interference in Gwadar," the minister said.

Memon emphasized the government's resolve for the timely completion of the port to usher in a new era of progress and prosperity for Balochistan and the rest of Pakistan.