Thaindian News

Islamabad, July 28 (IANS) The India-Pakistan talks were splashed across the front pages of most Pakistani newspapers Thursday though some news websites decided not to play it up.

Pakistan Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar held talks with her Indian counterpart S.M. Krishna in New Delhi Wednesday.

India and Pakistan sought to open a new chapter of “peaceful and cooperative” ties by pledging to intensify counter-terror cooperation and unveiled a host of initiatives to spur trade and travel between the divided halves of Kashmir.

Dawn gave prominent display to the New Delhi talks with its report headlined, “Pakistan, India revive search for enduring dialogue process”.

It cited the joint statement as stating that the two countries had agreed that terrorism posed a continuing threat to peace and security and reiterated their “firm and undiluted commitment” to fight and eliminate the scourge in all its forms and manifestations.

Daily Times noted that the relationship was back on track.

Although the New Delhi meeting produced little in the way of substantive agreements, it said, the tone was one of forward-looking optimism that acknowledged a joint responsibility to bring stability to South Asia.

The media report observed that the pre-talks atmosphere had been soured by Khar’s decision to meet Kashmiri separatist leaders on her arrival in New Delhi Tuesday.

The Nation in its story “India willing to talk Kashmir” said the two ministers discussed Jammu and Kashmir, counter-terrorism measures, including progress in the Mumbai attacks trial in Pakistan, humanitarian issues, commercial and economic cooperation, Sir Creek, Siachen, peace and security and promotion of friendly exchanges.

Some news websites, however, gave short shrift to the crucial talks.

Geo News did not display the India-Pakistan talks on its first page, though it did have a story in its Pakistan section on Khar creating a media stir in India.

It said that she won over the hearts of the Indian media and mentioned an Indian tabloid that said the 34-year-old minister scored full marks on the fashion front when she was spotted at the Delhi airport in a monotone outfit of blue — “the colour of the season”, it said.

“Tasteful accessories — Roberto Cavalli sunglasses, oversized Hermes Birkin bag and classic pearl jewellery — added a hint of glamour to her look,” it added.

Geo News also carried a small story on Khar meeting Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. The media report said that they discussed bilateral matters of mutual interest.

The News International’s website too did not have the talks between the two foreign ministers on its front page. Its nation page had the story on Khar causing a media stir.