Sharif greets Modi, calls for friendly ties
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NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif greeted his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi on India’s Republic Day on Monday and said both leaders could work together for regional peace and South Asia’s economic development.
In his letter of “warm felicitations” the prime minister echoed thoughts that should please US President Barack Obama who was the chief guest at Monday’s Republic Day parade in Delhi. Mr Modi and Mr Obama announced their shared vision on Sunday in which their two countries would work for connecting the economy and the people straddling Asia-Pacific and the India Ocean rim countries with Central Asia, a masked reference to Pakistan.
“In wishing the people of India progress and prosperity, it is our sincere wish to forge friendly and cooperative relations between our two countries,” Mr Sharif said, adding that Pakistan remained committed to developing friendly relations with India on the basis of “sovereign equality, mutual respect and commonality of interests”.
“We believe that our two governments can work together towards the development of our countries, the well-being of our peoples, and achieving our common goal of peaceful and prosperous South Asia,” Mr Sharif said, while conveying his best wishes to Mr Modi personally, and also for the happiness and prosperity of the people of India.
US think-tanks and analysts see a possible encouragement by Mr Obama for the two countries to resume their stalled dialogue, an idea that also obliquely gets echoed in their vision statement.
President Mamnoon Hussain conveyed his greetings to President Pranab Mukherjee, a Pakistan High Commission press release said.
Published in Dawn January 27th, 2015
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Comments (81) Closed
Jan 27, 2015 08:18am
A very Nice Gesture by Pakistani PM. Lets all give peace a chance.
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Jan 27, 2015 08:38am
ok let me translate this one...."Now camel came under the mountain" lol
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Jan 27, 2015 08:40am
Thank you Mr. Prime Minister of Pakistan -- you are one hope from this otherwise hopeless country of fanatics and extremists.
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Jan 27, 2015 08:45am
Both leaders represent a large mass of poor! Stop this deceptive handshaking in front of camera and better serve public sincerely
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Jan 27, 2015 08:48am
This is policy of pleasing not only Obama but also Modi. Pakistan PM is taking care of pleasing but Indians are not actually impressed.
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Jan 27, 2015 09:13am
One thing is for sure if Indo-US-Pak join hands to harness the potential from Central Asia, Pakistan wont have to purchase raw materials icluding petroleum products from Middle East. Pakistani economy would boom, who knows God willing, Pakistan might become the Singapore of South Asia. Currently the status of India and Pakistan is nearly the same, we have more consumers than manufacturers, we import nearly everything from either US or China. Now let us join to be the exporters for a change.
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Jan 27, 2015 09:35am
no dialogue or peace with pakistan as long they does not eliminate all the terror groups operating on their soil..
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Jan 27, 2015 09:45am
If you have any choice, say it now. How come all Pak foreign political policy is being handled by the Army Chief even when Pak boasts of an elected democratic govt.
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Jan 27, 2015 09:48am
Both PMs please action your words. Billions of people in both countries depend on your actions. Their destiny is fully based on your promises. We share similar language, history and culture but still making "friends" with countries that are millions of miles away. Why can't we all just get along?
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Jan 27, 2015 09:55am
Good job on both sides. Both countries can benefit from each other. History is clear both countries has gain nothing by negativaty.
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Jan 27, 2015 09:56am
Thank god. Great gesture from your PM. At least start talking. Lets stop killing each others citizens and armed personal.
I have no clue about how good are NS's internal policies but his foreign policy seems good. Warm wishes for peace.
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Jan 27, 2015 09:58am
Well!!! It's indeed a big hearted move by Pakistani PM.. as it always demands courage to initiate a process or be the first one to forward your hand for a handshake, when the two parties are not even in talking terms.... But I am sure, our PM will wait for silent border to resume the talks... Although we Indians too wish Pakistani people all the strength and prosperity
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Jan 27, 2015 09:59am
a diplomatic blow to all the three days work of Americans and Indians against Pakistan
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Jan 27, 2015 10:00am
@Mahendra "no dialogue or peace with pakistan as long they does not eliminate all the terror groups operating on their soil.."
I understand you but beg to differ. Pak have 2 parts. One wants peace and another one war. We have to consider first part. Yeah it is diplomatic migraine with both parts in Pak but dialog is the only way forward.
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Jan 27, 2015 10:01am
@Mahendra ....Animosity should not be a policy of both India and Pakistan...the public behavior should change and one should believe in peace and should sincerely work for it without any string attached...Suspicion and doubt lead to animosity and hatred. let us put them to rest once and for all
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Jan 27, 2015 10:02am
I just wonder if the letter from Pakistani PM hold any value given the fact it is Army head who calls the shot.
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Jan 27, 2015 10:02am
Hope Pakistan and India, normalize relations, for a better future, for people on both sides, and find an amicable solution to Kashmir, without bringing the separatists, who are non persona grata.
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Jan 27, 2015 10:04am
Useless
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Jan 27, 2015 10:06am
This is the leadership of Nawaz Sharif!! Critics are now silent :)
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Jan 27, 2015 10:07am
@Mahendra Pakistan need to withdraw forces from POK as per UN resolution clause 1.
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Jan 27, 2015 10:17am
This is a good initiative by Sharif..we should accept this..differences shall always remain between two countries, but give peace n development a chance..
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Jan 27, 2015 10:22am
Think with hearts and not with Brains to improve ties between separated brothers whose DNA's are 99% identical . heartily thinking would lead to peace and prosperous for both while Brain thinking would lead to personnel gains and satisfy own egos and revenges .
Good luck o all of us .
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Jan 27, 2015 10:23am
Thanks for the wishes from Pakistan! India cannot leave Pakistan alone for any reasons. Equally Pakistan should show true friendship and commitment towards the promises and co-operation. It is ready to help in every manner, probably Pakistan can make use of Indian economy growth and make windfall profit from every business than any other country. Because Indian need many Agricultural goods, and Pakistan can supply. That can improve lives of rural Pakistan and so that extremist elements cannot work with people because they will have work to do.
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Jan 27, 2015 10:27am
@Sayyar Khan well said Sayyar!! We hatred hasn't produced anything. Hopefully the dust is settled now. And both Modi and Sharif will think moving ahead.
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Jan 27, 2015 10:27am
Eliminate all sorts of terror good or bad !!
-Indian
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Jan 27, 2015 10:30am
friendly relations with India on the basis of “sovereign equality, mutual respect and commonality of interests”
Does US, China or Arab countries really give any respect to you? Then why are you expecting them from us....LOL
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Jan 27, 2015 10:31am
@Vasan We need more Indians like you in this world.
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Jan 27, 2015 10:32am
Yes we deserve most favourit nation by Pakistan and Mr Sharif is the person who can make it possible, now the whole world recognise Indian status in world politics.
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Jan 27, 2015 10:33am
Indian public appreciates greetings from Pakistan. We wish peace and prosperity for people of Pakistan. Thank you.
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Jan 27, 2015 10:38am
Either treat each other normally, have business, cultural,sporting,etc relations while having professional rivalry; or, don't hAve any relation and forget existence next to each other.
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Jan 27, 2015 10:38am
It seems difficult , both premiers when meet at Hyderabad Daccan promised to curb poverty and bring economic reforms in the sub-continent , it is time to move forward and take efforts to end terrorism and poverty , but reality is entirely different , Barrack Obamas intervention in the region will imbalance ties between India and Pakistan.
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Jan 27, 2015 10:39am
I just do not understand this pro indian stance of the current government, I guess thats what happens when PM has his personal business interests in India
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Jan 27, 2015 10:39am
This is the light at the end of the tunnel. This is the moment. Turning point. Bright future ahead.
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Jan 27, 2015 10:39am
Dearest Pakistanis , as an Indian i am very much grateful for the greeting from the Pak PM. I would wish you and all pakistani brothers the same. Well i would like to remind all Pakistanis, We are all the same blood and were brothers since centuries, our heritage history is the same .before even any recognized religion was identified in India. Please bury differences break away from all bitterness caused by zealots, please let us live like brothers with different likings and care about each other. Ignore the religious bigots who want hatred , wars , death destruction. Please let us look forward and work towards peace harmony goodwill sincerely. Please let brothers be brothers not enemies. All best wishes to my pakistani famiily.
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Jan 27, 2015 10:39am
@Mahendra
Whereas, India be given the award of most peace loving and friendly country in the world!!
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Jan 27, 2015 10:40am
Yes this is a good beginning. Hope this will continue. Remember you can talk only on your language to Indians not to Chinese. You make friend who understand your language, food , culture etc. So india should be a natural friend if you take away enmity,.
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Jan 27, 2015 10:40am
A very nice gesture Mr Sharif - may both the countries remove terrorist from their respective land.
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Jan 27, 2015 10:42am
@Zahid.USA Yeah, Keep aside separatists and we will always welcom Pakistan in peace process.
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Jan 27, 2015 10:43am
Nice touch from Sharif. If India reciprocate negatively they will look like they are the ones disinterested in peace. If India respond positively, Pakistan can take the credit for resumption of dialogue. Having said, India are likely to question Sharif's authority and point out that the Army (Gen. Raheel) is in control of the foreign policy i.e., lack of foreign minister and Raheel's visits to U.S./U.K./China make it pointless to talk to Nawaz Sharif who seems not in control of Pakistan's foreign policy.
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Jan 27, 2015 10:53am
It will only work if there is trilateral agreement among India, Pakistan politicians and Pakistan army.
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Jan 27, 2015 10:54am
Prime Minister Nawaz Shareef showing guts on foreign policy on India, appears to be the biggest joke of 2015. From his heart, PM is fully aware of his helplessness on foreign policy, which is now the exclusive domain of Pakistan Army.
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Jan 27, 2015 10:54am
this is just a politics that we common people dont know these polititions are inter connected with each other " THIS IS A GAME "
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Jan 27, 2015 10:56am
@nirmal this is a game you dont how to play there are some rules in this game also
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Jan 27, 2015 10:58am
@Suresh Nayak: In order to eliminate extremism and terrorism, the government of India should work towards eliminating political suppression. Start with Kashmir - Let the people of Kashmir have the right to be free and allow them to determine their future.
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Jan 27, 2015 11:01am
We are friends but having some misunderstandings too. Let's resolve it or at least ignore and move ahead peacefully for mutual interests.
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Jan 27, 2015 11:04am
Every Indian comment in this story is talking about Pakistani terrorism. No one got courage to say a single word about Indian terrorism incidents in Pakistan esp. Baluchistan region. Biletral relations can not be repaired untill both nations have strong will of it. As a student of politics I see more extremism in indian side as compare to Pakistan. How can peace achieved if we continue to pressurise one side?
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Jan 27, 2015 11:05am
@Shafique It is ols photo not yesterday's.
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Jan 27, 2015 11:06am
Nawaz greeting Mudi, Kashmiris on strike. what and where is our foreign policy? Hope Nawaz has also mentioned the unsettled issue of Kashmir in the letter.
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Jan 27, 2015 11:08am
That is all very good but is the Pak army and Pak goverment on the same page?
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Jan 27, 2015 11:08am
Pakistanis also convey good wishes to Indians, with whom we definitely have a lot in common.
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Jan 27, 2015 11:13am
@Khan like u, i as a common man also dont want to have any kind of relationship after seeing day in day out jibes on each other. but leader think differently, NS might be thinking to solve the problem like electricity, petrol etc and he knows only India can provide(India offered earlier).
might be NS is serious to remove hardliner elements from pak and wants to move on
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Jan 27, 2015 11:15am
@vijay Thanks for the great gesture and initiative. I agree with you 200%. Wish India great success and prosperity in all endeavors.
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Jan 27, 2015 11:16am
Both Countries should start talk with each other . I think that prime minister of india will take step forward at last of this years because they are busy in development process of india these days.
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Jan 27, 2015 11:16am
This person nawaz is really hopeless and spineless....no guts at all...he just wants to complete his five years...by hook or crook
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Jan 27, 2015 11:24am
A good approach. Let us wait for the best. There is one thing I would like to mentioned here that the leaders of either country who have millions or billions of Rs. In their bank balance how could they realize the problems and difficulties of a very ordinary citizen who are surviving with their day to day hard work earning. Only poor persons can understand the problems of another poor.
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Jan 27, 2015 11:25am
South Asia's economic development is a laudable goal. Nowhere to but up.
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Jan 27, 2015 11:26am
Whatever they do, whatever they speak but deep down both leaders want peace in the region!! Hope one day India and Pakistan work together with their full potential.
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Jan 27, 2015 11:32am
I supported the PM Nawas Shraif policy but i'm also sure the Indian leader will never come under the umbrella of Pk dialogue policy.
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Jan 27, 2015 11:34am
who cares...
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Jan 27, 2015 11:35am
Nice gesture. Now hope they follow through and prevent terrorists from operating. If that is done, I don't see any impediment for ties to become friendly.
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Jan 27, 2015 11:35am
Sharif hints India/Modi not to forget his neighbour and he still exists and can still play a spoilt sport
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Jan 27, 2015 11:37am
@Mohammed USA :: I pity you. You dont even deserve to live in the USA with that attitude.
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Jan 27, 2015 11:37am
It is indeed a good move by Pakistani PM but these kind jestures are not going to change the fate of South Asia unless betters sense prevails between the people, civil and military leadership on both sides of the border. The two countries are needed to be strong enough to deal with the spoilers on both sides who become active to throw a spanner in the works. India and Pakistan are the two countries by which entire South Asia can be prosperous economically as well as with security point of view.
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Jan 27, 2015 11:40am
@Mahendra :: I could not agree with you more. Isolation is a powerful foreign policy tool these days.... Look, what is happening to Iran and Russia and Syria....and India is doing the same to Pakistan. Very clear message for everyone to both feel and comprehend. From India to Pakistan.
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Jan 27, 2015 11:53am
@indianGuy , I am 100% sure we can not eliminate the hate between two countries as long as people like you still exist in India . The sad part part is there are lots and lots of em including your PM Modi.
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Jan 27, 2015 11:54am
@Mazhar Aziz :: Like you Sir, I also think it is a very nice gesture from PM Sharif that takes courage. But I am afraid it is not enough to bring India to the table. There is way too much water under the bridge that Pakistan has swept by way of India. That is how the Modi Govt. views it and they have the upper hand no reward for India to engage with Pakistan, unfortunate as it may be. PM Sharif does not hold the keys to foreign policy in Pakistan nor is he capable of delivering any of the big substance things that India wants from Pakistan. Again sad and unfortunate but that's reality.
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Jan 27, 2015 11:55am
@Shafique u do ur own we r nt oil nd power shortage victims. Better u think about urself.we r capable with ourself
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Jan 27, 2015 11:55am
The defacto ruler in Pakistan is C O A S. Without him talking to India directly, Pakistan will still slide into darkness.
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Jan 27, 2015 11:58am
This is probably in response to what China asked for.....
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Jan 27, 2015 12:02pm
Nice gesture from both sides. Why dont the people of Pakistan support for full democracy. As long as army is ruling the nation there is no scope of peace because army is getting funds from US and China to counteract terrorism and India. They are instrument in the hands of US and China. Army is making fortunes for themselves not for nation. They are giving best of the facilities and education to their own children. What about the children of Pakistan? Wake up and Rise up Pakistan.Your country is in great crisis....
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Jan 27, 2015 12:03pm
Keep aside Kashmir - it is never going to happen.
Why wasting other opportunities for progress - create an environment of business as the first priority and free movement of people between both remove the distrust.
Allow businessmen to invest and create job opportunities. Lots of good can happen.
Otherwise Pakistan stands to lose lot and no prosperity.
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Jan 27, 2015 12:17pm
I think if both the PMs resolve their domestic issues ,things would be sorted out immediately. The issues from the indian side are quite different from that of pakistani side. While in Pakistan the problem is of poor planning...indias side...we have all the planning in place but something or the other pulls us down...predominantly led by some fanatics who want to drive the Hindu agenda. If both the PMs resolve their domestic issues....that can only ensure a good handshake. I was surprised to see Pakistan suffering from load shedding and petrol problem but still they cant call up india for a quick fix up. India has many times called up Pakistan for a quick fix up when it came to shortage of onions or tomatoes. The day basic issues of Pakistanis are resolved only then people of Pakistan would have time to think on other issues. In India while we Indians know how well modi is driving the country towards prosperity....certain issues of the Hindu fanatics create a feeling of lost hope in certain section of the society. Let all Indians believe that modi has n hidden agenda....let all Pakistanis believe that NS is the right guy for them. Once the confidence of the common man is with both the PMs then only we can think of a warm handshake. Till then ,
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Jan 27, 2015 12:24pm
@Mohammed USA The gesture is good.... anyone trying hard for peace between one-fifth of humanity should be appreciated. but saying that NS is the last hope..... well that was bad-taste.
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Jan 27, 2015 12:43pm
@Shafique sir there is a third leader who must say yes That is the Army
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Jan 27, 2015 01:00pm
Unless Pakistan; which includes all their power brokers from Army, Clergy, Politicians, Religious Parties, etc...abandons the Islamic fundamentalism and rigidity and superiority with India... nothing will work to smooth the relationship between the two nations. Kashmir is a side show. Terrorism is an outward symptomatic expression of fanatic Islam. That is what the world is coming to realize. Western leaders do not say those things as is because it is not politically correct to say.... but the message is being conveyed in many ways from Cameron of UK, to Belgium, China and Russia to Pakistan, from Obama's snub (twice) to Pakistan with India visits, Germany's anti-Islamization of Europe protest going more mainstream that even a popular Chancellor Merkel cannot control it...
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Jan 27, 2015 01:46pm
@Sam Condition of the both countries is same ? Really ?
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Jan 27, 2015 01:47pm
Again Pakistan PM extends the hand of friendship first, I still don't know when will Indians understand that co-existance is th correct formulae, if only all of south Asia was like Europe , we are more alike then anyone thinks.
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Jan 27, 2015 02:28pm
We should give peace a chance! Well done!
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Jan 27, 2015 04:05pm
Nice gesture.
It should be glaringly clear that Pakistani civilian govt, if left to itself, would have good ties with India. NS has much to gain by having trade with India. Pakistan's economy has much to gain. Indirect trade through a third country is costing Pakistan more money. Just to give an eg, Pakistan imports tea from Kenya when the same can be imported from India at a cheaper price.
NS however does not have the freedom which normally a PM of a genuine democracy has. If he goes overboard, he will be cut to size by the Army. He has to walk a fine line.
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Jan 27, 2015 06:04pm
Nice, though we still need to know who is running the foreign policy in Pakistan before we start investing positive energy into the relationship, will it once again be derailed
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Jan 28, 2015 04:31am
Very interesting. The Pakistani Prime Minister is saying one thing and his adviser Sartaj Aziz is egging the war or words against India.
I hope that the Pakistani Prime Minister will dress
him down and reign him in also for the benefit of any doubt in my mind goes to the Prime Minister
and Sartaj who appears to be a C.O.A.S backer.
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