India is concerned that the political turmoil in Pakistan could affect its security situation, news reports and officials said Thursday.
India's Cabinet Committee on Security chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh assessed the situation in Pakistan and said it could have ramifications on security in the region, the NDTV network reported, quoting government sources, reported dpa.
Hundreds of lawyers and opposition party activists Thursday began their "long march" to Islamabad, to protest the government's refusal to reinstate judges sacked by former military ruler Pervez Musharraf in 2007.
The campaign threatens to destabilize the coalition government of Pakistan People's Party and the country's year-old civilian rule.
India is concerned about the situation in Pakistan as cross-border terrorism affects India directly. The Mumbai attacks in which over 170 people, including 26 foreign nationals, were killed last November were carried out by the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba group.
India's Foreign Minister Pranab Mukherjee said New Delhi wanted peace in the neighbouring country since instability in Pakistan will affect the fight against terrorism.
"It is more essential that there is a stable government, responsive and responsible and also a government that is in a position to tackle the terrorist activities there and the terrorist activity emanating from Pakistan," Mukherjee said.
"But it is for the people of Pakistan and the authorities to decide how they will resolve their own internal problem," Mukherjee said.