All issues to be discussed with Indian foreign secretary: FO

Mateen Haider Published February 26, 2015

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan said Thursday it would discuss all disputes with Indian Foreign Secretary Subrahmanyam Jaishankar when he visits Pakistan between March 3rd and 4th.

"Kashmir, Siachin, Sir Creek and other issues would be discussed with the Indian foreign secretary," said Foreign Office spokesperson Tasneem Aslam at the the weekly media briefing.

"We welcome this Indian initiative," she added.

Pakistan and India, who have fought two of their three wars over disputed Muslim-majority Kashmir, have traded blame for an upsurge in firing and shelling which started in October last year.

US Secretary of State John Kerry last month appealed to both nations to resume the talks, saying Washington was “deeply concerned” about a surge in violence on the border in Kashmir.

Take a look: India calls off foreign secretary level talks with Pakistan

Exchanges of fire across their de facto border and undisputed border further south have killed more than two dozen civilians and forced thousands to flee their homes on both sides.

Given the tension between the two nations at the LoC in Kashmir, and the cancellation of a similar previously scheduled meeting, the upcoming talks will be significant in defining the relations between the two neighbours.

Peace important pillar of foreign policy

Aslam also said establishment of peace is an important pillar of Pakistan's foreign policy.

She highlighted the key role Pakistan has played in UN peace missions, citing participation in 42 peacekeeping missions.

Afghan govt, Taliban dialogue welcomed

Responding to a question, the FO spokesperson welcomed resumption of initial talks between the Afghan government and Afghan Taliban.

Last week, the Afghan Taliban’s office in Doha was revived with Taliban holding initial talks with the Afghan government, while Pakistan acted as a facilitator.

Explore: Afghan Taliban’s Doha office revived: Pakistan officials

Indian High Commissioner summoned to Islamabad

Pakistan summoned its High Commissioner to India Abdul Basit for urgent consultations over the upcoming visit of S. Jaishankar to Pakistan.

Credible sources told Dawn that Basit has reached Islamabad and is briefing top officials of the Foreign Office engaged in planning parleys with the Indian foreign secretary.

Basit is also expected to meet Adviser on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. He is expected to brief them over the latest issues between the two countries.

Sources said the Indian government has desired a meeting of its foreign secretary with PM Nawaz, and is awaiting a response from Islamabad in this regard.

Sources added that the Indian foreign secretary would deliver an important message of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to his Pakistani counterpart.

A significant number of Indian journalists are also expected to arrive in Islamabad for coverage of the talks.

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Vikramaditya

Feb 26, 2015 01:57pm

All disputes are being discusses since 1947. What matters is how many solved.

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Ahmed USA

Feb 26, 2015 01:58pm

All issues mean all border disputes... Setting the tone for meaningful dialogue... FO good job...

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dewgrass11

Feb 26, 2015 02:03pm

there wont be any major break through.. same old story like its just show off meets.. so that international it send signlas that there is'n any standoff between the two countries.

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Kaz

Feb 26, 2015 02:08pm

Kashmir should be resolved first

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Guns and Roses

Feb 26, 2015 02:12pm

"Rejecting India's reservation to Pakistani envoys meeting with Kashmiri Separatist leaders, she said it is a longstanding practice that, prior to Pakistan-India talks, meetings with Kashmiri leaders are held ." Lets see if Pakistan stands by its resolve to meet with hurriyat council this time on the sideline of this Kashmir dialogue as per 'longstanding practice'.

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Abhishek Tomar

Feb 26, 2015 02:21pm

Others include terrorism which is still not a primary concern for Pak FO even when they are suffering mainly because of it. For you Kashmir is more important then terror which not only hit India but hitting you as well but is still no in the priority list.

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Vik

Feb 26, 2015 02:22pm

Pakistan, You know better. If you try to get all things going @ a time then nothing will work. Better concentrate on some mutual topics that benefit both. Ground rule should be " No touchy topics as of now", once the foundation is built then switch to more touchy topics... no is going anywhere... we both are permanent neighbours.

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Pankaj Sharma

Feb 26, 2015 02:23pm

That's what I said yesterday, this trip is waste of Indian money, time and resources. Pakistani do not understand one basic thing that you can not resolve this issue without trust and these days trust comes with business. We are trying to resolve this issue from more than 65 years and now again Pakistan wants to following same approach. You don't need to be very intelligent to understand that THIS WILL NOT WORK !!!.... Come on guys..... keep complicated issue aside for now and work together on people welfare related issues.

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Closet nabi

Feb 26, 2015 02:28pm

Kashmir is mine.i will never give it

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Mahen

Feb 26, 2015 02:31pm

What makes people of Pakistan and especially the government think that India Kashmiris would want to join a failed and violent state? Kashmir is fully dependent on India for its huge tourism industry and its trade with the rest of India. Do you think Kashmiris are that stupid and cannot work out where their children and future generatons economic future lies?

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Tranquil

Feb 26, 2015 02:37pm

@Vikramaditya not a single one if honestly speaking ,, If we see What India and Indian government claim about their diplomacy , here they are totally failed to get done things with Pakistan. As long as Pakistan concern for last 14 hours Pakistan is victim of terrorism and on unsaid war this is the biggest reason not a single competent person has also shown by Pakistan to get things done with China. Both countries are just busy in blaming game and their trolls on virtual world. :)

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Quest

Feb 26, 2015 02:43pm

Childing attitude will not give positive results for sure...Notorious western neighbour must accept the realities and the fact...

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Cyrus Ho

Feb 26, 2015 02:45pm

"We will get back to you on this. Goodbye."

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Ali-Indian

Feb 26, 2015 02:57pm

Have we discussed our plans with Baloch freedom fighters ? if not we should, before sitting across with Pakistan.... for Pakistani kashmiri is oppressed well for us Indians, Baloch are oppressed !!

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Rajat

Feb 26, 2015 02:57pm

Waiting for a clarification/u-turn from FO

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Agnos

Feb 26, 2015 03:04pm

They should at least try to reign in on the border skirmish. Lives from both sides of the border are being unnecessarily lost.

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abhishek

Feb 26, 2015 03:04pm

Again same statement would be said by FO in next meeting. Most of Pakistan people are saying here that once Kashmir issue resolved Pakistan will be in peace. Is that so? Same people who are against India would be against your government some or other reason Bcoz this people would have more ego in them and thus create instability . So Pakistani people plz think of your future

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zak-i-chan

Feb 26, 2015 03:05pm

Time for discussion is over, now is time for resolution.

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Sachin

Feb 26, 2015 03:14pm

Actually I am bored of reading this "issues". Can we put this on status quo for say 20 years. By then a new generation would have come in with no baggage of the past. Most old administrators have been born in the Rationing era, they are also the guys with a certain level of feudal mindset. All of know that such men are tough to deal with- Im saying on both sides... In such a situation negotiations would be more pragmatic. I think the root of the negotiation has to be in choosing negotiators who have no baggage of memory of dispute. There is no other viable solution to this.

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Taimoor Khan

Feb 26, 2015 03:19pm

"We welcome this Indian initiative," she added. Now now, what happened to the Indian bravado that we wont talk to Pakistan?? Gone in thin air?

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SHAIKH JAMAL

Feb 26, 2015 03:23pm

Politicians should try to avoid the backlash from military and religious leaders. India has conferred MFN status on Pakistan long back, and waiting for reciprocity. The Indian Foreign Secretary would like to visit to Pakistan next month (03 March 2015) don't raise the Kashmir issue. Since 1947, about 68 years passed several thousand 'KASHMIR" issues raised all over world including Muslim Umma, OIC, UN body, etc. what is the result in Kashmir issue "ZERO" minus "0". Even one inch land of Kashmir has given by India or one inch land of Kashmir has captured by Pakistani army or Muslim Umma, OIC, UN body. If Kashmir issue will keep alive it will be helpful and benefit for Politicians, religious leaders who can false assurance to the foolish Pakistani public. If thousand years will be passed but Kashmir will not get back from Indian side. This is the reality. This is the world politics of Kashmir. So, we can develop our society like a welfare state with good infrastructure like to link good road, rail connectivity to each villages to town, develop our electricity consumption, drinking water, mass education, control the essential commodities, stop corruption, stop fundemantalist, ethnic clash. Otherwise we can loose our province like East Pakistan in 1971 now in Bangladesh.

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Shashank

Feb 26, 2015 03:25pm

Indian FS is not coming to discuss such issues. Modi sarkar is committed to larger trade and transport facilities in SAARC to make it better connected than even EU. This trip is to see who are willing to be a part of it. If Pakistan refuses, India will go for BBIN(Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal) and interconnect these countries. Pakistan has to decide its path.

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Harish Bansal

Feb 26, 2015 03:33pm

Indian secretary is there to form a new BBINAS an alternative to SAARC, and to check if there is any place for P in BBINAS.

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Nobleman

Feb 26, 2015 03:38pm

US Secretary of State John Kerry last month appealed to both nations to resume the talks, saying Washington was “deeply concerned” about a surge in violence on the border in Kashmir. What is wrong with Mr. Kerry? America please do not poke your nose in our home matters, we both nations are mature enough to solve them.

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m singh

Feb 26, 2015 03:58pm

let's see what new will happen....

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Akshay

Feb 26, 2015 04:06pm

Kashmir will be discussed, but anyone who thinks territorial matters will be settles is kidding themselves. India has a clear upper-hand in the negotiations and will use it to its advantage. What Pakistan can expect as a reasonable outcome of the upcoming dialogue, will be a greater level of cooperation with India on trade and possibly a liberalized visa regime between India and Pakistan. But this will take a lot of time to developm. At present, this visit will only help to ease some of the antagonism on both sides and in formulating a better roadmap for all SAARC countries to move forward.

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lafanga

Feb 26, 2015 04:17pm

@Shashank "If Pakistan refuses, India will go for BBIN(Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal) and interconnect these countries" Pakistan is crucial for energy corridor to SAARC countries either from Iran or Central Asia. Your Modi sarkar knows this hence the visit to discuss this and other issues. India is keen to tap into cheap energy resources in CA and Iran just like any other country. For this to happen Afghanistan and Pakistan are crucial. You can sit on your high horse and ignore Pakistan or you can talk to Pakistan. Your choice.

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Atam Vetta

Feb 26, 2015 04:26pm

@Pankaj Sharma. No. It is not a waste of Indian money. It is essential expenditure. I thought Modi will be OK as the Indian PM but am surprised the exceptional ability he has shown. Abbot (Australia) calls him as his brother and Abe (Japan) is his best friend. Obama (USA) embraces him and sends the value of his suit sky high. The Pak visit, however, is in aid of the Xi-Modi fest when the latter visits China on 26 May and not due to Obama pressure. Then important issues like the Indo-China border and Xi's three Silk roads will be on the agenda. Modi will be able to tell Xi of his Pakistan efforts and there will be no further discussion of Indo-Pak problems except Xi's New Silk Road to India through Pakistan. Xi knows the Pakistan problems first hand viz. his cancelled visit and the inability of the his FM to fix a date for Xi's visit to Pakistan because of the terrorist attack during his Pak visit. Just watch the XI-Modi fest in late May.

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sandip jha

Feb 26, 2015 04:36pm

Nothing is going to be resolved at this time also ,at least Pakistani govt should request and convince Indian delegation to allow Pakistani cricket player to play in IPL.

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citizen

Feb 26, 2015 04:42pm

I m repeatedly trying to convey my wish to Pakistan n fellow readers to see the parade that was to tk place on march.

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M.M.Sherazi

Feb 26, 2015 05:08pm

Pakistan has always been very sincere in resolving outstanding issues with peace and amity, let us hope that the current initiative of resembling the stalled dialogue bears fruitful outcome.

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Awais Ali

Feb 26, 2015 05:11pm

@Ali-Indian So Pakistan should also include Maoist freedom issue? South Tibet freedom issue? Nagaland,s freedom?

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zak-i-chan

Feb 26, 2015 05:34pm

Pakistan should not wait for India to resolve the kashmir issue, more important than land are our brothers in held kashmir who are suffering psychologically and physically, hence pakistan should take initiate and bring all of them to azad kashmir and settle them here until held kashmir is free from tyrannical rule and comes under pakistan then kashmiris can be given a choice to return to freed kashmir , but i dont think they would want to return after experiencing the freedom and properity in azad kashmir.

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sajid kashmiri

Feb 26, 2015 05:46pm

We Want neither india nor Pakistan.....We want an independent nation....And we will get that inshallah...

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Sumit Chaudhary

Feb 26, 2015 05:56pm

Last time I read comment of Pakistan FO, it said "We Reject India's reservation to Pakistani envoys meeting with Kashmiri Separatist leaders, it is a longstanding practice of meetings with Kashmiri leaders" - Waiting for that meeting to take place because it Hurriyat is stakeholder according to Pakistan, isn't it..?

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TanBhartiyaMay

Feb 26, 2015 05:58pm

The biggest challenge for the hosts is providing foolproof security to the visiting FM!

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sandip jha

Feb 26, 2015 06:03pm

@sajid kashmiri Can you please explain how ?

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Robby

Feb 26, 2015 06:10pm

Use the meeting notes from previous meetings and change the date. If no new ideas...waste of time!

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Raj Patel

Feb 26, 2015 06:13pm

@Taimoor Khan Ask your government running pillar to post to get meeting with India. India didn't complaint to UN, USA , China that Pakistan don't want meeting. Your FO , PM begging to USA to have meeting with India and India obliged USA by sending secretary.

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Raj Patel

Feb 26, 2015 06:18pm

@lafanga You have no idea, sea route is being developed by India, Iran, ShreeLanka, Bangladesh though it is little costlier than land route, but free from any obstacle open 24/7.

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ZAK

Feb 26, 2015 06:43pm

pak will just sit and listen----- there will no discussion.

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Feb 26, 2015 06:48pm

If you go on discussing all issues the status quo will remain. It will be prudent to give more importance to trade and curbing terrorism.

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Tariqandalus

Feb 26, 2015 07:06pm

Always a lot of talk but no results. Both countries should agree to put the Kashmir and other territorial issues aside for an extended period of 3-5 years and discuss more practical items like trade, tourism, family re-unification etc that will benefit people on both sides of the border.

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TrollMeNot

Feb 26, 2015 07:22pm

@Taimoor Khan India never said we wont talk. They just cancelled the last meeting because Pakistan tried to involve separatists (which India does not acknowledge as a relevant party). Again involve separatists, same response may follow. This is also very important meeting in from the SAARC perspective. If you don't understand diplomacy, better sit quite than to show your lack of knowledge.

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Pakistani

Feb 26, 2015 07:24pm

I see a good wishlist. But, negotiations only work when there is a give and take. All take will never work. So, having a good list of what it wants should complement with a list of what it is willing to give.

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Alam

Feb 26, 2015 07:31pm

@sajid kashmiri Pakistan never demanded that Kashmir should be merged with Pakistan. Pakistan always ask for resolution of Kashmir problem according to the wishes of Kashmiris. This is your right to opt for Independent Kashmir.

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Pakistani

Feb 26, 2015 07:34pm

@Awais Ali, be informed, Maoists are not looking for freedom!, Tibet freedom is not an Indian issue, rather it's a Chinese issue, Nagaland issue is also autonomy and not looking for a separate country. Cooking up problems of other country will not solve problems of Pakistan. Pakistani's must focus on internal problems and internal development.

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Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad

Feb 26, 2015 07:55pm

Good statement by Ms. Aslam.

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Alam

Feb 26, 2015 08:00pm

@Mahen ...Pakistan will accept the decision of the Kashmiri's to merge with India if they do so. It can only be done through plebisite under UN. You should raise this issue with Indian Govt.

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Alam

Feb 26, 2015 08:18pm

@abhishek ...why India is allergic of word "resolve" it does not mean handing over whole Kashmir to Pakistan. India want to maintain the present position. If it is to be resolved as India desire, still need to be made agreed to Kashmiri's on both side and need negotiation to work out the movement of Kashmiri's of both sides. What is wrong in asking for resolving the Kashmir issue?

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Muzaffar Qureshi

Feb 26, 2015 08:45pm

Mr. Jaishankar, in your forthcoming visit to Pakistan please also discuss the need to establish a PEACE ZONE, comprising Afghanistan, Pakistan, India and Bangladesh. The aim should be to ameliorate the living conditions of the neglected masses who have suffered far too long. A few living in palatial luxury should not feel comfortable surrounded by millions deprived even of the very basic necessacitys of life.

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Rishi

Feb 26, 2015 09:42pm

@lafanga India is now fast shifting to solar energy and intends to achieve complete energy self-sufficiency using coal, solar and nuclear means in next 25-30 years. So this is a last opportunity Modi Sarkar is giving you, its your choice whether you want to be a part of a better Indian subcontinent or choose to discuss your ideas of territorial expansion. After this Indian foreign policy will take a different direction depending on how Pakistan reacts. :)

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Javed USA

Feb 26, 2015 10:02pm

@Alam Pakistan has always intended to take Kashmir away from India what do you mean that resolve means something else? Don't change the meaning of resolve in this context.

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abhishek

Feb 26, 2015 10:14pm

@Alam but while resolving Kashmir ur whole country has moved backward and some magic can save ur country. First do your house in order than think of Kashmir

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PRD, a common Indian

Feb 26, 2015 10:15pm

Pakistan should understand (rather acknowledge) that it can't change Indian Map anymore (after 1947). It should concentrate on its basic problems and work with India for mutual benefits, without wasting any time! It will also help the Kashmiris leave a happy and meaningful life! May there be peace and happiness in South Asia.

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PRD, a common Indian

Feb 26, 2015 10:15pm

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Maha raj(Great King)

Feb 26, 2015 10:47pm

Very few will be resolved in the liking of both India and Pakistan and in other issues status quo will be maintained.

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Taimoor Khan

Feb 26, 2015 11:23pm

@TrollMeNot Pakistan has clearly mentioned that Kashmir will be top priority during discussion, so if in your wisdom, India dont recognize it to be a problem to begin with, then why your official coming to Pakistan ? For Eating biryani?

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speculator

Feb 26, 2015 11:40pm

a Lots of speculations going around. Pakistan news says everything is on table for discussion, where as Indian news says the discussions are about SAARC relations. I'd advise against publishing such articles without any research and concrete list of discussion points

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Ghaznavi

Feb 26, 2015 11:40pm

A useless exercise that has been going on for 65 years. None of the sides will give any concession and at the end the meeting will conclude with an agreement to disagree. This is how both countries have been playing with Kashmiris. Talks without Kashmiri representation is useless. Stop this drama and bring on the actual party into the talks! They should not be treated like cattle. Kashmiris deserve Azadi from both India and Pakistan.

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nobody

Feb 27, 2015 01:16am

@Pankaj Sharma.What makes you think Pakistan wants to solve the issue or for that matter India. As long as there is this issue, all the people stay 'relevant'. It is about power, control and money

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rkn

Feb 27, 2015 02:17am

All issues to be discussed....translation, only Kashmir will be brought to the table!

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viva

Feb 27, 2015 02:42am

Pakisthan never digests 1971 war and creation of Bangladesh . So its never go back on Kashmir issue what its started since 89 as a propaganda to avenge 71 war defeat. India will still make sure it will defend Kashmir at any cost. Only time would erase 71 wounds then only real peace to sub continent.

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Imran

Feb 27, 2015 02:58am

@Mahen "Do you think Kashmiris are that stupid and cannot work out where their children and future generatons economic future lies?" Good. Then why are you scared of a plebiscite?

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Imran

Feb 27, 2015 03:00am

@Shashank "If Pakistan refuses, India will go for BBIN(Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal) and interconnect these countries. Pakistan has to decide its path." You go for BBIN by all means.

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major

Feb 27, 2015 03:11am

@Alam "why India is allergic of word resolve"... because there isn't anything to "resolve". As soon as pakistanis are ready to accept to LOC as border, we are done. It's only a matter of time. For India, it's more of a waiting game...

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raj patel

Feb 27, 2015 04:07am

@zak-i-chan Kashmiri should avail this option asap. but did you inform your gov. you are taking this step?

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Helloworld

Feb 27, 2015 05:06am

@Taimoor Khan Indian envoy is coming for SAARC meeting ma'am. We have good biryani in our Hydrabad! Has to cook it and Air conditioners to enjoy while you eat :)

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Devendra

Feb 27, 2015 05:53am

In my opinion if Pakistani army doesn't want peace with India no matter what you do peace will never be acheived. And army will never want because if there is peace with India then more than half of Pak army will have nothing to do. The only way possible to achieve peace is to give this task to general Rahil Sharif and him too has to talk with the jihadists because according to Mr. Zardari there are lots so called non state actors in Pakistan who can only listen to ISI and Army.

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pkj(U.S.A)

Feb 27, 2015 06:44am

its game of musical chair playing by both country?no chance of any substantial solution

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Feb 27, 2015 06:47am

I doubt the Pak government and cabinet can resolve any issues without the blessings of the Pak army. To make these talks meaningful the FO should seriously consider including Gen. Raheel in them.

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lama ji

Feb 27, 2015 07:04am

I understand Pakistan is a great nation fighting since 1947 for cause of Kashmir. It should also fight and support for independence of Tibet from Chinese occupation.

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deven

Feb 27, 2015 07:10am

It is a routine visit of Foreign sec to all SAARC nations. Since the visit is not Pakistan specific it is not a bilateral talk but to know as to what is ailing Pakistan and if some help can be extended to the poor neighbour.

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deven

Feb 27, 2015 07:18am

@sandip jha Dear Sandip, Indian govt is not involved in the affairs of IPL. IPL is purely pvt. Owners are patriotic Indians who have not accepted Pak players after Mumbai attack and will not do so unless SAD (Saeed)HAFIZ is handed over to India.

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