Army Chief General Bipin Rawat during the Passing Out Parade of the 135th course of National Defence Academy in Pune on Friday (Express Photo/Pavan Khengre) Army Chief General Bipin Rawat during the Passing Out Parade of the 135th course of National Defence Academy in Pune on Friday (Express Photo/Pavan Khengre)

Reacting to the statement by Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan that if France and Germany can stay together why not India and Pakistan, Army Chief General Bipin Rawat said that for Pakistan to stay together with India, it will first have to become a secular state.

General Rawat made the statement while interacting with the media on the sidelines of the Passing Out Parade of 135th course of National Defence Academy in Pune, which he reviewed on Friday morning.

“For this idea of countries coming together, Pakistan will have to look at their own internal situation. Pakistan has made itself into an Islamic State. If they have to stay together with India, they will have to become a secular state. We are a secular state. How can we stay together, when they say they are an Islamic State and there is no role for anyone else,” Gen Rawat said.

When asked about Khan’s statement that if India takes one step Pakistan will take two, Gen Rawat said, “India has taken the first step several times. At least show us one step from your side. Terrorism is growing in your country. At least show us some action from your side against terrorism.”

Gen Rawat also spoke about the scope of increasing the role of women in the Armed forces and said that areas like information warfare, psychological warfare and role as interpreters in military diplomacy are some of the areas where there will be a bigger role played by women in coming days.

General Rawat made the statement while interacting with the media on the sidelines of the Passing Out Parade. (Express Photo/Pavan Khengre) General Rawat made the statement while interacting with the media on the sidelines of the Passing Out Parade. (Express Photo/Pavan Khengre)

“We want to move forward in our relations with India. If France and Germany who fought several wars can live in peace, why can’t India and Pakistan,” Khan had said Wednesday while laying the foundation stone for the Kartarpur corridor.

“I am saying today, that our political leaders, our army, and all other institutions are all on one page. We wish to move forward, we want a civilised relationship,” Khan said. “I assure you that we can solve this problem. But determination and big dreams are necessary. Imagine, once trade begins, once our relationship is fixed, how much both nations could benefit.”

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