As Pakistan plunged into political turmoil, India on Monday said it wanted its neighbour to be peaceful and stable.

"We want a peaceful, prosperous and stable neighbour," External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee said when asked by reporters to comment on the "instability" in Pakistan.

He, however, refused to comment directly on the developments surrounding former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, saying it was the "internal matter" of that country.

Pakistan witnessed political upheaval as Sharif returned home after a seven-year exile and was deported shortly thereafter to Jeddah.

Clashes were witnessed between police and supporters of Sharif's party Pakistan Muslim League in Islamabad and Rawalpindi.