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ISLAMABAD: The Indian government has informed Islamabad that its foreign secretary would visit Pakistan on March 3rd and 4th, according to a statement issued by the Foreign Office on Wednesday.
"Pursuant to Prime Minister Modi's call to Premier Nawaz Sharif on 13 February, 2015, Indian Foreign Secretary Mr S. Jaishankar would visit Pakistan on 3-4 March, 2015," FO spokesperson Tasneem Aslam said in Islamabad.
Read: Modi calls Nawaz, wishes luck for cricket World Cup
She said,"During his visit, Mr Jaishankar would hold a meeting with Foreign Secretary Mr Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry."
Both sides have started preparations for the much-anticipated visit.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had, during his conversation with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif earlier this month, said that Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar would visit South Asian capitals, including Islamabad.
Earlier Indian External Affairs Ministry spokesman Syed Akbaruddin had said at a briefing that S. Jaishankar will travel to Islamabad where "India will push its agenda" during bilateral meetings with officials.
"The foreign secretary will visit all SAARC countries including Pakistan," Akbaruddin had told reporters without giving specific dates.
In a live Q&A session on the Facebook, Syed Akbaruddin, while replying to a question, said: “We stand ready to talk with Pakistan in accordance with the Simla Agreement on all issues, including Jammu and Kashmir.”
Also read: India calls off foreign secretary level talks with Pakistan
The two countries had, during Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s visit to Delhi in May last year for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s inauguration, agreed on a meeting of their foreign secretaries to discuss the way forward in the relationship.
The meeting was later scheduled for August 28, but the Indian side pulled out of the meeting at the last minute on the pretext that Pakistani High Commissioner to India had consulted Kashmiri leadership.
Read more
On DawnNews
Comments (99) Closed
Feb 25, 2015 11:16am
Let us see what is output...Hurriyat stand & LeT, JuD, 26/11 preparators are still on hold position....what may be the significance of talk...But it may be good...Pak may be happy since they wanting talks very eagerly from last 6-9 months..
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Feb 25, 2015 11:18am
Finally the dream is about to come true.
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Feb 25, 2015 11:25am
The borders between the two countries - should be final that both keep their part of kashmir.
Whereas the people who wants to go to POK can move to their similarly the ones who wishes to come to India can also do vice versa.
But finish once and for all this border dispute and let both countries maintain brotherly relations with lots of other things needed to be done.
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Feb 25, 2015 11:27am
Please do not give him extra protocol. He should be given a Foreign secretary level protocol. PM must not invite him for "paya" party.
Provide him evidence of India's involvement in helping terrorists in Pakistan as our leaders say.
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Feb 25, 2015 11:31am
Another eye wash, Indian policy towards Pakistan is hostile, particularly Modi's politics is based on spreading hate, particularly towards Muslims, I hardly see any point in his visit, come have Biryani and go back to spread more hatred against Pakistanis...
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Feb 25, 2015 11:36am
We are not interested in any thing busy in solving our own internal issue. come some other day.
Regards,
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Feb 25, 2015 11:37am
Kashmir... Kashmir is the issue!
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Feb 25, 2015 11:39am
I hope he comes back alive.
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Feb 25, 2015 11:48am
This is going to be another round of one of those talks which will remain inconclusive since Pakistan is fundamentally Kashmir-centric and for India it is a non-issue. India and Pakistan could become thriving trading partners that will open up the massive Indian middle class market, which has as much money power as the European market, to Pak imports only if Pak agrees to set aside the K agenda for the greater good of the nation. But will the Pak Army and pragmatism see eye to eye and permit the Pak government to act unilaterally- doubtful??
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Feb 25, 2015 11:51am
@Muhammad You wanted an eye wash, you got it. Be careful what you wish for. You always get what you deserve says Almighty.
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Feb 25, 2015 11:54am
@syed wasim haider Agreed. Do not provide him extra protocol.But do provide sufficient security that he can come back safely. You said correct, let your PM not meet him.You are bang on it as foreign policy is not his (nawaz) domain.
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Feb 25, 2015 11:57am
This one good opportunity for pakistan to start friendly relation initiatives .First stop supporting to anti- neighbours elements to show their real intention.prosecute or handover a few fugitives n terrorists who are real danger to their society like dawood, Lakhvi etc. This may bring back talks on track and can create a base for pakistan prosperity and progressive world images.
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Feb 25, 2015 12:14pm
pls Pak, put an end to terrorism in our soil.
we need peace not piece (of land)
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Feb 25, 2015 12:22pm
Modi should talk directly with army chief; after all Nawaz would be ask to get the approval from Army.
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Feb 25, 2015 12:23pm
India should also strongly condemn Pakistan on Baluchistan issue
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Feb 25, 2015 12:24pm
@Nobleman yes my friend Kashmir and Baluchistan.
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Feb 25, 2015 12:24pm
This visit must have embarrassed a lot of modi supporters
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Feb 25, 2015 12:26pm
I don't understand one thing, in a multi-polar government in Pakistan what effect will it make if Indian FS talks to his Pakistani counterpart? Will the military be in sync with civilian govt?
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Feb 25, 2015 12:43pm
Lets not get our hopes high here, this visit is not regarding India Pakistan relations however its about SAARC.
SAARC has a lot of agreements happening recently. India Bangladesh Nepal already signed the road connectivity and electricity sharing bills. More work is in progress in each country, now Mr S. Jaishankar is one of the most known diplomats of India. He was the one who pacified India and US during Indian diplomat tussle and he is the one who worked on India US nuclear deal. He is a diplomat with a very good track record, lets hope he will be able to get work done in SAARC region. Since last time Pakistan was the only country whose docuents were not ready for some bills.
Lets get the ball rolling, we all need money. Lets enlighten the SAARC region and bring back the glory of Indian subcontinent.
Namaste.
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Feb 25, 2015 12:53pm
crying and bagging for talks and when somebody comes start vomiting poison is this foreign policy of pakistan. remember they have decided when to talk and what to talk respect it. otherwise it will be too costly and too late if you continue this hate business.
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Feb 25, 2015 12:55pm
What's the point when the mighty Pak army is not included in the talks? Talking to a powerless Pak administration is a waste!
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Feb 25, 2015 12:59pm
@syed wasim haider : God save you and your leaders
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Feb 25, 2015 01:07pm
@jat n why would it ?
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Feb 25, 2015 01:19pm
All the talks are useless until and unless the core issue of kashmir is to be resolved.
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Feb 25, 2015 01:24pm
Give him some dosas and idlis and some tea. Then some palak paneer and
some daal. some samosas. Then sit down and talk business.
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Feb 25, 2015 01:31pm
It is India which can dictate terms when to talk to Pakistan.
Tell me one aspect economically politically ya socially where Pakistan progressed and can dictate terms
Economically cant compare as India is far ahead
Politically no election triggering(eg AAP in Delhi) and no military interference
Socially people do debate about social problems
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Feb 25, 2015 01:32pm
Have a safe trip Mr. Secretary, we know not much will come out of it. Before someone lashes out at me, here's the reason for my skepticism:
I was excited as a young lad when Vajpayee ji visited Lahore in 1999, but we were presented with Kargill incursions. The war claimed 600+ Indian lives, and almost everyone's life in NLI - reason to believe such misadventures won't be repeated.
I was looking forward to some sense prevailing when the same guy (Musharraf) visited India for talks, it was a forgettable visit on all counts and was followed by Parliament attacks.
The same character then extended a hand of friendship in a UN meeting, and later his friends sent a boatful of guys with guns and RDX to Mumbai.
I sometimes feel like the guy in mauka-mauka ad, who just waits for a chance to use his fireworks when an Indo-Pak border dispute would be settled....and just like him I end up disappointed.
Like most Indians, I too harbor a belief that a silent majority in Pakistan wants peace and good relations with India. The trouble is- their silence is now deafening, as Pakistan slips more and more into chaos.
I would love to be proven wrong, but I think in my living life this will never happen. All the best anyways.
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Feb 25, 2015 01:47pm
@PREM Yes it is the prime duty of MOI to give him proper security. usually our PM takes an extra step in good faith but he is not responded well from Indian side and he has to face embarasment. I am in very much favour of cordial relationship between the two countries and appreciate what NS wants to do but it should be with respect and honour.
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Feb 25, 2015 01:50pm
@jat No need to be embarrassed; it is a need for both countries.
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Feb 25, 2015 01:57pm
"Syed Akbaruddin, while replying to a question, said: “We stand ready to talk with Pakistan in accordance with the Simla Agreement on all issues, including Jammu and Kashmir.”
As I understand, the Shimla Agreement was signed by a Pakistani Prime Minister....so Pakistan should have no objection to this suggestion.
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Feb 25, 2015 02:11pm
It is after much labour and effort and desperation that someone is arriving in Pakistan. Hope pakistan do something meaningful at least now and not waste another opportunity. If Pak doesn't do something sensible here, India won't give them another chance
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Feb 25, 2015 02:36pm
Emotional and populists instance will not work. Most of foreign affair bureaucrats know that after Shimla agreement the UNSC will not compel to India. They were worked in right direction only military reservation on both side and some times political reasons derail the talks.
The Kashmir is no more core issue the defence strategic depth, like Kargil, Siachin and proxy war are serious concern for both countries. In real water and defence is more important issues for Pakistan.
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Feb 25, 2015 02:44pm
I wish Indian foreign secratory first have a meeting with Balochistan seperatist before meeting Sartaz Aziz. We would like to see their rection
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Feb 25, 2015 02:49pm
@panwar the whole world knows what was in simla aggreement and got nothing to do with kashmir. U keep blowing the same trumpet . Ham kashmir insha Allah ley bhi lain gay tum sochtay reh jao gay simla agreement ko.
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Feb 25, 2015 02:55pm
Obama's visit to India and nuclear deal made his visit to Pakistan possible Because indians wanna stay away from Kashmir issue as long as they can.
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Feb 25, 2015 02:56pm
Why is he allowed into Pakistan?? I'm shocked.
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Feb 25, 2015 03:15pm
@Adventurer Kashmir is not the matter of people but a land of Kashmir. Pakistan missed a chance to capture whole of Kashmir in 1947. However, to avoid wastage of money and energy govt of Pakistan should ask from people of Pakistan by referrandum what they want either LOC into international border or continue the current policy.
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Feb 25, 2015 03:19pm
@Adventurer: you are absolutely right, gentleman... keep the whole episode behind once and for all.
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Feb 25, 2015 03:22pm
@Kashmiri Please Indians stop supporting TTP in Afghanistan We have to get rid of terrorism other wise its gonna soon arrive to your country as well.
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Feb 25, 2015 03:25pm
@DBC and what if start doing meetings with Khalistan , Assam and Naga Land separatist. Kashmir and Kashmiri should start doing Pakistan visit. Indians Please " Sab ko sath lay kar chalo sab ki azadi kay lia ". than you will be proven true democratic country.
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Feb 25, 2015 03:26pm
@BALUCH Error : Fake a fake Indian ID identified.
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Feb 25, 2015 03:28pm
@Muhammad Hard hit on Indians dear thumbs up
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Feb 25, 2015 03:31pm
@dorri With your country in ruins, be happy that you will be getting some money in the form of air ticket, hotel, food etc which our country's ambassador will be bringing ..:)
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Feb 25, 2015 03:34pm
@dorri
You still have the opportunity to decline the visit offer. Visit is planned only during early March!
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Feb 25, 2015 03:44pm
Might I make a suggestion to the Pak PM, even though it is unlikely to be accepted. First a little background. The Pak image among foreigners continues to decline. Modi's image has rocketed sky high since he became the PM. Syed Akbaruddin mentioned a few times in this report, tweets for Modi. He is the Modi image maker. The choice of one word or the other affects not only the message but can be an important input to the policy itself. So he is very influential in making and presenting Modi's policies. The Pak PM should ask Mr Jaishankar to request Modi to 'loan' the Syed to him for about a year.
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Feb 25, 2015 03:47pm
He is visiting all south asian capitals. So he is visiting islamabad along with other countries. If they are treating us equal with other south asian countries what is the meaning of this? We dont need this insult.
Accept that pakistan is your top priority then we shall see about the talks. Remember we are superior to you in nuclear power.
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Feb 25, 2015 04:08pm
@dorri. Visit after instructions from USA.
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Feb 25, 2015 04:11pm
who will pay.....???
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Feb 25, 2015 04:21pm
@Adventurer... we are not civilized as yet... bedsides Kashmir has a commercial value for our politicians and military.....
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Feb 25, 2015 04:21pm
The visit of Indian Foreign Secretary is good , but more importantly the Army Chief General Sharief and Director General ISI should visit India and sort out all the problems between I ndia and Pakistan. If they can visit U.S.A. and China, they might very well visit New Delhi.
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Feb 25, 2015 04:40pm
@Adventurer : only and Indian can suggest that because you don't have any sympathies with Kashmiris, A divided Kashmir is okay to you but not to the Kashmiris. We wont let it divided or ruled by an aggressor.
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Feb 25, 2015 04:43pm
@DBC Baluchistan is not a disputed area in UN record. Moreover, Baluch terrorists have Indian passports and they are meeting every now and then.
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Feb 25, 2015 04:46pm
@kalim : yes we are ready to handover Kashmir to you here is the key...
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Feb 25, 2015 04:47pm
@Jai ..so according to Simla Agreement Jammu and Kashmir is an issue and never endorse Indian version that Kashmir is itegral part of India.
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Feb 25, 2015 04:50pm
India officials are irrelevant now specially the deception game of terrorism they are playing inside Pakistan ever since they rode into Afghanistan on American shoulders. Only thing is relevant now is Indian state sponsored terrorism within and outside India and that need to be discussed forcefully by Pakistan with world community.
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Feb 25, 2015 04:58pm
@abhishek Who is India to dictate terms? Are you naive enough to understand that just few months ago your Modi bandwagon in their bravado talking non sense about not talking to Pakistan. The Peshawar attack was the game changer when India crossed all limits and caught with its pants down. India got no option now but to talk to Pakistan and its in India's own interests, because if it doesn't then their are sever repercussion waiting for it just around the corner. All global powers have been briefed by Pakistan and India understand the gravity of situation. APS attack was Pakistan's 9/11, all bets are off now.
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Feb 25, 2015 05:02pm
The govt of Pakistan doesn't have any authority to decide anything related to India - its not worth the time and effort.
Also Kashmir feeds their hungry, Kashmir keeps them warm on cold nights, Kashmir creates jobs for their youth, Kashmir educates their children and Kashmir brings them prosperity - they are not allowed to think beyond Kashmir.
And finally we wont give away Kashmir at any cost.
So its a stalemate and hence you shouldn't go. Its a waste of Indian tax payer's money.
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Feb 25, 2015 05:03pm
He is on SAARC countries' visit. When landing in Afghanistan?
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Feb 25, 2015 05:08pm
@Taimoor Khan India is talking to Pakistan bcoz we dont want another Syria or Iraq near our border.
We want stability
But is ur country serious about terrorism?
Can't arrest simple Lal Masjid’s chief cleric Maulana Abdul Aziz after Peshawar attack
Action speak greater than words
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Feb 25, 2015 05:27pm
@Kareem What can we do? You have nuclear superiority!!
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Feb 25, 2015 05:43pm
@syed wasim haider I am a Modi supporter and I welcome this visit. I don't think you need to respond to the assumption of a misinformed hatemonger. I have many Pakistani friends in UK and we talk same language Hindi/Urdu and get along with each other like people of same country. Even my manager is a Pakistani.
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Feb 25, 2015 05:48pm
@Alam SAARC yet failed due to dispute on Kashmir between Pakistan and India. Both government should realize and have amicable solution to long outstanding issue involving Armies also for durable peace in the region and effectiveness of SAARC.
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Feb 25, 2015 05:59pm
@Alam ....first go read the Shimla Agreement, then comment. Displaying your ignorance here does not help.
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Feb 25, 2015 06:01pm
@dorri And I am shocked why did Pakistan cried about it over every international forum. Also this is a general SAARC-specific visit and a part of tours to all SAARC countries.
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Feb 25, 2015 06:12pm
@syed wasim haider - Please do. If you dont have any, please shut!
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Feb 25, 2015 06:12pm
Its show biz. India is doing it only to let Obama know they are extending hand of friendship. Its all drama, nothing will come out of it.
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Feb 25, 2015 06:13pm
What is the big deal about his arrival. Why should we give India so much of importance? It is just another country in our neighbourhood.
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Feb 25, 2015 06:34pm
@Alam - So the Baluchistan rebels show their "identification proof" to you in forehand! How great... Pakistani establishment is so stupid that Alam has access to their passports and the security agents are not! What a great nation!
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Feb 25, 2015 06:34pm
@Alam - Yes. India has "forcefully" taken Kashmir from you. Do whatever possible from your end. Finally, you wont even pluck a single hair from us.
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Feb 25, 2015 06:38pm
Well, two things between India and Pakistan are pre-destined namely Pakistan losing to India in World Cups and derailing of talks respectively. The first one has happened a few days back and the second one will meet the same fate come what may. The WC Pak defeats needs no analysis as the superior team won all six times. However, the second one had always been deliberate in which Pakistan had been the culprit as one of its agency do not want the talks to succeed and permanent peace achieved between the two countries as this would kill the goose which lays golden eggs for it.
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Feb 25, 2015 06:45pm
@Adventurer Well said! Will it be true also if I by force occupy 2/3rd of your house and then say "What is your is yours and what is mine is mine"?
India should fulfill its promise made to the world, otherwise there is no solution.
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Feb 25, 2015 06:46pm
@Kashmiri
You are not a Kashmiri.
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Feb 25, 2015 07:08pm
@Ameer Paul very true
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Feb 25, 2015 07:20pm
@Shamain What will you do after taking Kashmir?? Will you make it Manhattan or NY city?? will u create world class university? will you create state of the art Software parks?? Please answer...
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Feb 25, 2015 07:25pm
@abhishek You didnt understand a word I wrote did you? Is it deliberate? APS attack was done by Indian RAW where non other but your highest "state actors" were involved. Ajeet Devol name is mentioned many times in media. We are not talking about some "non state actors" here but proper Indian state actors involved in terrorism.
Pakistan becoming Iraq/Syria? Coming from India? Is that a joke? You lot are barely holding on to your federation with countless insurgencies going about all over India and here you are making tall claims, equating Pakistan with Iraq/Syria. Laughable I would say.
Last but not least, always remember what Pakistan said that its India who stopped the talks and it will be India who will have to restart it. Its Moody who called Nawaz, Its your official who is now visiting Pakistan not other way round. Proof is in the pudding as they say. Enjoy!
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Feb 25, 2015 07:26pm
@Vikramaditya ...you can't get everything what you wish. Obama visited India as it wished but the last Lecture regarding religious tolerance from Obama was the last thing Modi will wish. But he got what he deserve.
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Feb 25, 2015 07:28pm
@BALUCH ...to condemn strongly you need to be strong.
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Feb 25, 2015 07:46pm
Confirm first...even if he come also its routine..do ur (govt) job first, then everybody will come to PAK.
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Feb 25, 2015 07:49pm
@Rajat look within you Rajat...look within you
your concerns are valid, so our ours (i.e.Pakistanis') ... but look within you and look who is hijacking the indian public.
you think only rigging in votes is rigging?
sense of indian people is not responsibility of Pakistanis.
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Feb 25, 2015 07:51pm
@Kareem ussr made thousands of nuclear bombs.what happened?disintegrated.
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Feb 25, 2015 07:52pm
i welcome him and wish him and pakistani counterpart good talks.
also just a foot note that our foreign office chef, makes exceptional Biryani best in the sub-continent , before you hit Iran. ... so be sure the foreign secretary tries that biryani out at lunch break.
:-)
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Feb 25, 2015 07:53pm
@Ameer Paul oh mayyn that was rich from you. And these ppl somuch lie about simla agreement. We all know kashmir was never settled in that and thats why the associates of indira were upset with her for that. But bhutto had convincing power.
Dawn y are u ignoring me?? May nay kiya kiya ai
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Feb 25, 2015 08:15pm
@Adventurer India Pakistan had almost finalized formula on these basis through back channel diplomacy. Musharraf was at the helm of affairs in Pakistan, so Pak Army was on board. It was Indian Army and hardliners in India who derailed the process. Pakistan was willing and still willing to settle on something like this. Who was behind Mumbai drama 2008, you can understand.
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Feb 25, 2015 08:46pm
@Virumandi Thanks for your compliments; it only shows your attitude.
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Feb 25, 2015 08:47pm
@syed wasim haider There is no Indian involvement in terrorism however Pakistan is a mass producer and exporter of terrorists. If Pakistan stops producing terrorists there is no terrorism in. South Asia and rest of the world. Every single terrorist attack have roots in Pakistan.
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Feb 25, 2015 08:59pm
If recital of kashmir Raga is not yet over, no use. Otherwise, Pakistan can win a friend.
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Feb 25, 2015 09:08pm
@abraKadabra yes will build and make all of that you mentioned and much more.
Since its a strong request from him to reply to him so well dawn....
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Feb 25, 2015 09:42pm
@Jai As it was signed by PAK PM ! not by PAK Army !
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Feb 25, 2015 09:45pm
Guys these are not India-Pakistan talks. This is Modii's diplomacy and he is visiting all SAARC countries. Nothing unusual. We are so eager to talk to India that any sign of movement in India is seen as an opportunity for India-Pakistan talks.
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Feb 25, 2015 10:01pm
@Muhammad sir, from the name, it looks like he is a brahmin - a vegetarian. He will not have paya or biryani.
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Feb 25, 2015 10:32pm
@Muhammad : There is world's best Biryani available in India and especially in India's HYD city. Why should he come to Pak just for Biryani ?. spread some positive instead negative Bro.
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Feb 25, 2015 10:34pm
It is ridiculous If India dont talk with Pakistan then Pakistan start blaming that India is not interested in solving differences and When India starts dialoauge then Pakistan Says US has presurised India. LOL India is not dependant on US or China for funding so it can have its own foreign policy..
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Feb 25, 2015 11:20pm
Same old mantra, secretary visits, secretary goes back, behind closed door meetings.End result ,a smoke screen used by India. Good PR ploy , keep public in suspense.Pakistani leadership is so gullible to fall in the trap. Kashmir issue is troika - Pakistan, India and Kashmiri leadership. But India never agrees to inclusion of Kashmiri leadership.
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Feb 25, 2015 11:46pm
@Saeed PK (Ex-Indian) They should ask them whether people want to remain in Pakistan or reunite under the Union of India
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Feb 26, 2015 12:05am
it is a welcome move. I feel it was a mistake to cancel the talks earlier by India
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Feb 26, 2015 01:38am
@jat Not at all. He is doing what is to be done in international politics.
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Feb 26, 2015 01:46am
@syed wasim haider India give respect to your PM but your own army general don't otherwise how cum your Army general handle foreign affairs with Afghanistan, USA, even China ?? No other country's chief of Army pursue foreign policy of the country.
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Feb 26, 2015 01:56am
@Taimoor Khan One can become blind in enmity. Your own TTP people claimed ATP attack still you want to believe India did it. It is a height of ignorance.
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Feb 26, 2015 06:41am
@Tranquil we did hit in 1971 poor guys 90000 surrendered, jazbati kaum haha
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