India on Saturday rejected the charge of its involvement in the Lahore bomb blasts and asserted that it had no interest in destabilising Pakistan.
“We categorically reject, once again, the allegations of India's involvement in such acts or activities. The government has reiterated, on several occasions and at the highest level, that India has no interest in destabilising Pakistan,” the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.
It said India unequivocally condemned the March 12 series of bomb blasts that claimed the lives of scores of people, including innocent civilians, and injured many. “Our condolences go out to the families of those killed by these acts of terrorism.”
At the same time, the Ministry said, the Government of India was deeply disappointed by statements emanating from Pakistan alleging Indian hand in the Lahore attacks and other acts of terrorism and disturbances elsewhere in Pakistan. The Ministry said it was unfortunate that by repeating such unfounded and unsubstantiated allegations, officials in responsible positions in the government of Pakistan put a strain on the bilateral relationship, instead of concentrating on dismantling the infrastructure of terrorism directed against India and adversely impacting Pakistan itself.
The reaction came after reports quoting Lahore City Commissioner Khusro Pervez said India was behind the blasts.
