...we can still bank on the smile

“This is indeed a new era in bilateral cooperation between the countries,” Pakistan's Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar stated on her first trip to India as FM. Let's be honest. The notion of a 'new era' arriving has been reiterated far too many times now - and if these talks go the way they usually do, then we'll be left waiting for a long, long time for the era that never arrived.

There are hopes that these rounds of Pak-India talks will be different but the language says something else.

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Manzoor M. Panhwer

Jul 27, 2011 05:15pm

Everybody is talking about Ms Khar's glamour but I think we should be concerned about her ability to be Foreign Ministers of our country in such crucial time. It does not matter who is making our polices-army of politicians. But, can she handle such pressure and face the giant minds? That is the real question. I appreciate her confidence but still there is a great gulf to be filled being a skilled representer.

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G.A.

Jul 27, 2011 05:20pm

She is defintely not at this post due to merit. But if I may play on Sidney Potier's lines from Guess Who Is Coming To Dinner: There willl be no progress until the dead weight of the older generation is off our backs. Let's give her a chance.

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Mahendra

Jul 27, 2011 05:31pm

Her beautiful face is likely to have a beautiful mind. India can never think of being hostile to the country from which she hails!

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romi

Jul 27, 2011 05:39pm

Ms Khar has definately brought some charm & fresh breeze into indo Pak relations This trip possible is a "get to know each other " North & South Korea problems & Pak India problems been going on since last six decades -

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Gurpreet Singh

Jul 27, 2011 06:00pm

I think She is the most beautiful woman on the earth ....

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sudarshan r kottai

Jul 27, 2011 06:05pm

India and pakistan share a common ancestry and are the children of the same mother.There could be differences and hostilities between siblings but we know during adversities each fall back on each other's shoulder.Let us hope the siblings wil mature enough in the near future after which the relationship would be more deep,stable and unique.May God help both our countries to rewrite the future.

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Shubs

Jul 27, 2011 06:38pm

...and we can still bank on sarcasm!

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AKNasir (usa)

Jul 27, 2011 07:21pm

I am an engineer, went to an American university for 4 years .After my graduation from the university, I spent 1 year as apprentice, then as supervisor for 6 years, 2 year as assistant manager & finally department manager. MS. Khar must have taken short courses in international politics to secure such a coveted position in the government in such a short time. Good luck to her..

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Amarnath

Jul 27, 2011 07:27pm

ha ha. pic number 5 best shows the skepticism

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Shujaat Ayub Khan

Jul 27, 2011 07:41pm

Pakistan needs young blood who can put the past behind and start a new era of friendship with India which will help both countries.

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Amarnath

Jul 27, 2011 07:51pm

pic 8 caption: "We now know at least that Khar’s smile will leave an impression, even if nothing else does." To say the least it needs more than a smile dealing with a very seasoned and fine politician like Krishna.

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Rasesh A Dhru

Jul 27, 2011 08:16pm

I am an Indian who loves Pakistani culture. India is a big country and to improve relations with Pakistan India need to open up without any fear and take chances for better relationship and prosper togather. With Ms. Khar I have a gut feeling that we can achieve better relationship with Pakistan. God guide us to the right path !!! Enough is enough.

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Rohidas Raut

Jul 27, 2011 08:29pm

The ties between India and Pakistan need to be improved.The two contries have seral things in common which can help them bring together.The tour of Ms. Khar will become a step further in bettering the ties.

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Pakistani

Jul 27, 2011 08:31pm

interesting photos but dedication and will to work honestly for the country matters the most then looks or faces and hope she will work on her best efforts for the country and nation tough apparently she is way too young and inexperienced then Mr. Krishna.....Pakistan Zindabad!

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Forbidden Fruit

Jul 27, 2011 08:41pm

hahaha.. this is awesome. What a refreshing change! Pic no.5 sure is the best!

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jalaluddin S. Hussai

Jul 27, 2011 10:07pm

It is a breakthrough of historical proportions! Let us old people (I am 70) give chance to the younger generation, like Pakistan's Foreign Minister. Please give peace a chance!

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syed baqar ahsan

Jul 27, 2011 10:33pm

Initiative and confidence was there in her all actions,what impact she has let on India only time will tell.

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naveed

Jul 27, 2011 11:26pm

If she can do the job then age should not matter.

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syed

Jul 27, 2011 11:56pm

Obviously some people are brighter than others - and vice versa!

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Sohail

Jul 28, 2011 12:36am

Forget about keep pulling "dupatta" on your head and focus on the bigger issues. India has a lot to offer so learn from them. We are keep focusing on foreign affairs where our internal affairs are all messed up. Start at home because no country would be willing to work with you when you are so messed up in your internal issues. Bring internal peace first before going out and try to peace with other countries. This country requires a very long term plan with the right leaders all the way to bring it to the present. We are keeping on moving backward with no hope in sight.

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Tehmina Ahmed

Jul 28, 2011 03:21am

Is she in Delhi for serious talks or a fashion show?.. Seriously a birkin bag!!!! I am sure she has the funds to afford a birkin bag but plzzzzzz... What are is she trying to prove by carrying one on an official trip to India, especially when she's representing a third world country where people have no food to eat and the bombs are going off every minute... Btw is she really paying her full taxes??? Hmmm a birkin!!!!!

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Randhir

Jul 28, 2011 03:30am

Hina must have felt at home in Delhi. By looking at an India or Pakistani face, you can not tell the difference. I hope Hina takes back a good impression of India. We need younfg faces like Hina for India and Pakistan as the problems can be solved by those who wre not a part of the problem. Best of luck to Hina..

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amber

Jul 28, 2011 03:48am

what is her qualification for this job with a degree in hotel management.its called massacre of merit

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Anwar

Jul 28, 2011 05:59am

You are an engineer means you are are a worker. A person work for someone else, do you understand? She is a leader even though if she not education at all still lead nations.

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Anwar

Jul 28, 2011 06:31am

In the history of Pakistan professional politicians have made all decisions and none of them were right except of Jinnah. Lets unprofessional do some work if it help our nation.

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anwar

Jul 28, 2011 06:38am

In the history of Pakistan professional politicians have made all decisions and none of them were right except of Jinnah at that time. Lets unprofessionals do some work if it help our nation.

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Syed Waqar

Jul 28, 2011 06:41am

Well I think Pakistani Government was shooting in the dark and somehow they manage to hit the bulls eye. I have been waiting to see people who advocate change, change in mindset and change in approach. I think HRK has that change factor and will bring that change in the Pakistani Politics but only if she is allowed to do that (those fimiliar with Pakistani Politics will understand what I mean).Anyhow this is a good opportunity for India and Pakistan to resolve their outstanding issues. There is nothing in War. War only kill people.

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pad

Jul 28, 2011 07:17am

Instead of glorifying her beautiful features, lets ask the Pakistanis what has this smile done for Pakistan????? Pakistani government is corrupt from top to bottom. We are one of the poorest countries in the world thanks to this government.

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whatever

Jul 28, 2011 07:22am

Pakistan needs to wake up, we cannot live in a democratic country, we need an islamic country. We Pakistan unfortunatly have very big issues coming to us soon, and India wether they shake our hands tommorrow will be ready to cut them off. Wake up Pakistan

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Nizar

Jul 28, 2011 07:46am

In Pakistan, you need to have family connections. Education is secondary for landing such coveted position. Ms. Khar is the daughter of a wealthy landlord family with political connections.

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Ranjeet

Jul 28, 2011 07:49am

I love pic no 4 and 5... In 4 Advand.. Present her Red roses and she says.. thank you... and Advani says... na ... na... thank you say kaam nahi chalega... coffee pilani hogi :) pic5 : HRK ... sir .. this suite looks good on you... Krishna... WOW you looks awesome in this dress :) ha ha maja aa gaya

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.amit

Jul 28, 2011 08:54am

Let move forward in a determined and spirited approach...

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Neil

Jul 28, 2011 10:01am

Just another round of tamasha fellows.....bit of excitement that's all.....I am referring to pics 4 and 5. One is stating how excited he really is and the other with his hands in his pockets caught unawares.....lol. Wonder what the hand offer was for?

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Hanif Shah

Jul 28, 2011 11:33am

She apparently is good, hope that she can live up to the aura that she is creating.

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Hussain Mittar

Jul 28, 2011 11:40am

Miss Khar has to prove that youngs of today are capable enough to lead the nation during all the difficult moments.She has the courage & confident needed to sit in the FM's chair.

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Anil Sharma

Jul 28, 2011 12:03pm

Too much beauty and glamour is a problem, isn't it ? Most of the news paper and comments from readers are bordering the limits of decency. Presentability is important on international stages, of course. Mrs Indira Gandhi and Mrs Benazir Bhuto both enjoyed the additional appeal the looks brought to them apart from the powerful positions they held in the past. If Pakistan's new Foreign Minister, if performs reasonably well in her job, she will be a celebrity, where ever she goes. India should replace SM Krishna with the glamour boy Shashi Taroor, at least for the time being.

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singhrex

Jul 28, 2011 12:52pm

Hina Rabbani must be the most popular Pakistani in India right now. And trust us.. she came and she conquered the heart and offcourse all rich ladies are enquiring about the Bag she had. Talk need not to be always about one-upmanship. After a long time talks between India and Pakistan ended up with all sides smiling. Guys you have a charming minister. Just see our ministers...Old.. Change will be brought out by young generation.

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Palwasha

Jul 28, 2011 12:57pm

Beauty matters alot in present world, harsh but truth, a kind of human nature. Well at diplomatic level that matters up to the peak, what ever, lets wait for the final output.

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ashique advocate

Jul 28, 2011 01:55pm

yes dear, we youngersters should take efforts to build good relationship between our countries, and we should forget all the mistakes,happenings of past now the chapter of jeliousy should be closed and we should stop talking adverse agaist each other, in the long term both the country will get advantages of that let the youngerster should come forward for making peace and have good relation with each others .

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ghouri

Jul 28, 2011 03:07pm

Smile is nice but will India try to resolve the issues if I think back since independance then the answer is no? I wrote a comment yesterday in Times of india was really a bitter response (you can see in facebook) So many promisses and accord were made since independance none was implemented and will never as we are Muslims. Look Sudan has been divided and in Indonesia they have cut a part but Kashmir is burning and will remain burning as the indian mand set to decieve like Israelis.

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anila

Jul 28, 2011 03:38pm

Well if she has the potential then y not give her chance too. but i have serious doubts whether she can deal with such delicate matter. She is into politics coz of her family background not coz of her abilities. Our Govt. is just making lame decisions. Anways hope for the best thats only what can v do.

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Raju

Jul 28, 2011 03:50pm

Not only she is carrying accessories with her, she is carrying a great responsibility on her shoulder also.

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Prem

Jul 28, 2011 05:01pm

I agree with you the Pic # 5 is THE best Cheers to Krishna!!

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John

Jul 28, 2011 05:42pm

You see, this is what is called people to people contacts. Now all the ladies in India and Pakistan are thinking how to get one of those bags, no matter how expensive it is. It looked like a diplomatic pouch to me. Let us talk about bags, shawls and pearls instead of Kashmir. I am sure we will make some progress here.

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Replier

Jul 28, 2011 07:00pm

yar let her carry the bag of her choice, at least we should expect the results for Pakistan and not the accessories she carry.

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Riaz

Jul 29, 2011 03:13am

We had some of the best minds from India and Pakistan occupy the FM slot? What accomplished nothing. Germany has united, Hong Kong went back to China, Taiwan subdued and practically owns mainland now. Why India and Pakistan are living in the past. I say let us give peace a chance. India and Pakistan working together can created a bigger market then all of europe. We could have trading relations from Indonesian to Central Asia as one huge markt in India and Pakistan could overcome their history.

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Nasim Gill

Jul 30, 2011 09:35am

India and Pakistan have lost many opportunities in the past to achieve long lasting peace and build on each other's strengths. Let this visit be the beginning of big things to come, the leaders on both sides and the new FM Hina Khar has to overcome belligerant views and rigid positions - use the policy of give and take and do something big for the people of two great nations. I live overseas and will be watching with great curiosity how this dialogue evolves. Goodluck Ms. Khar and the Indian FM.

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Hasnain Ahmed

Jul 30, 2011 02:42pm

Sometimes, intelligence outperforms education & experience! That's what is going to happen. This is going to open the doors for the younger generations to come in the Political scene of both nations & overthrow the ancient political policies on both ends. Yes, we are actually going to make a Big Difference this time. Bringing in the emotional understanding & relationship between the people, for the people. We are going to change how the people take things. May Harmony & Peace be the outcome of these efforts. InshALLAH, Ameen.

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ashok

Jul 31, 2011 02:39am

Yes,you are right.Only young generation will bring some change. None other than Indian PM said she has come with no burden of history on her head.I wish every success for her endeavor.

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Ashok

Jul 31, 2011 02:47am

"Globalization" dilutes the regional interests politically and economically.It can be prevented if India Pakistan compromise.So far China has played no negative role and that is the best motivation for both.Make the most.

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Ashok

Jul 31, 2011 02:57am

Politicians have made the matter "Delicate" In fact only common sense and obvious considerations must work.Keep aside fear and suspicion.That's the obvious.For this Pakistan immediately agree "No first attack" as like India has done.Everything shall be alright.

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Ashok

Jul 31, 2011 03:03am

You are right.Let us agree for what is agreeable.Let us get dry fruits of Peshawar and give enough sugar and tea to them.Every one Hindu or Muslims,all will enjoy.

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Ayaz Ahmad

Jul 31, 2011 11:33am

Well, ifshe is smart and carries herself with poise, even on that account she is putting up a better picture of Pakistan than most of our withered and vile politicians. But why dwell on petty points. Wht not elaborate on her ability as a FM? I think as she has no personal history to hide, and is better educated and more respectable than even the President, I am confident she will represent Pakistan better than any other representative of the people today. My prayers are with her

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Farnaz

Jul 31, 2011 09:36pm

If beauty mattered in taking a nation ahead then India would not be miles ahead of Pakistan in the queue of developed nations. Also, Angelina Jolie would be the president of USA. i think we need to get out of this rut about beautiful faces and beautiful words...action is what is required in the world of reality

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Rev. Eldrick Lal

Aug 01, 2011 06:31am

Absolutely right! Ms. Khar is a foreign minister with tremendous popular charisma and she is aware that to be chosen to represent her country especially in India is the highest accolade.

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Engr. Saad Khan

Aug 02, 2011 08:49am

Its really nice to see a good and positve image portrayed by our government for HRK. but my area of concerned is that, she has been assisting the affairs of finance, how could she has been given assignment all the way out of her acumen to foreign ministry? and in my opinion FM should and must be extremely experienced and should have through understanding of our foreign policy and history.

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