Pak media welcomes Indian PM's 'no war' statement

The Pakistani media on Thursday welcomed Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's declaration that there was 'no question of war', as one top analyst underlined that it is encouraging that Islamabad and New Delhi are keeping diplomatic channels open.

"Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's statement on Tuesday that there is 'no question of war' between the two neighbours will have allayed some of the fears that the tension on our eastern border may spiral out of control," the Dawn daily said on Thursday.

In an editorial headlined 'The right response', the Dawn said the 'with chest-thumping bravado still evident in some quarters on both sides of the border, statements designed to reduce the tension are a welcome sign of responsible statesmanship'.

According to the Daily Times, the Indian premier has 'trimmed the sails' of Indian response "probably after being put off" by the Hardline adopted by External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee, who had threatened unilateral action if Pakistan did not hand over the terrorists New Delhi had demanded.

Noted Pakistani analyst Talat Masood said even as India has been intensifying diplomatic and military pressure on Pakistan since the Mumbai attacks, "it is encouraging that Islamabad and New Delhi are keeping diplomatic channels open".

"Talks should continue to manage the crisis and put the peace process back on track," he said.

Holding that the threat of war "unleashes forces that do not lend themselves to any discipline", Daily Times said: "Neither the threatening state nor the one that is threatened ultimately knows how to put the genie back in the bottle once it is let out."

"This is the moment for India and Pakistan to cooperate and sincerely investigate the Mumbai attack and follow up with steps that put an end to a dark chapter of hostility that has undermined all efforts at normalisation of relations for a decade," the Daily Times said in an editorial 'Cooperate, give proof'.

... contd.

ALSO READ

Most terror plots in UK hatched in Pak: Police

Italy earthquake rescuers hit by aftershocks

Indonesia votes in general election

26/11 attackers got significant support from India: Pak