Interior Minister Rehman Malik has claimed that India is fomenting unrest within Pakistan through steps such as funding Taliban fighters based along the border with Afghanistan.

Malik said he was “convinced” India is among “certain hostile agencies” that are backing the Taliban to create instability in Pakistan. Asked during an interview to a TV news channel as to who was backing the Taliban, he said: “There are certain hostile elements against Pakistan and there are certain hostile agencies which do not want Pakistan tobe (stable).”

In response to a question on whether India is among the hostile agencies, Malik said, “Yes, of course, I am convinced. I have no doubt about it. I was very open. I have given full details. If the Interior Minister of India or anyone else wants to confront me, I will be very happy to confront them because I know what I am saying.”

Malik had said last week that Pakistan has “solid evidence” of India’s alleged involvement in fomenting unrest in Balochistan province and this can be shared with Indian ministers or representatives at any forum of their choice.