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'Khar's meeting with Hurriyat leaders did not derail process'

An element of greater trust was developed during the Indo-Pak foreign ministers' talks in New Delhi that raises hope for a tension-free relationship between the two countries, top Pakistani newspapers commented on Friday, highlighting the need to build on the achievement.

Although there had been no breakthrough, it is encouraging that during the talks, a few steps have been taken on the path leading towards peace, they said.

The editorials in Pakistani newspapers referred to the Indian anger at Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar's meeting with Hurriyat leaders but said that fortunately, the development did not derail the process.

"The joint statement itself contains nothing that could be considered a breakthrough. But, given the complicated nature of the Indo-Pakistan relationship and the intractable nature of some 'core' issues, nobody really expected one.

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'Talks raise hope for tension-free relationship'

"Nevertheless, what Pakistan's foreign minister and S M Krishna, her Indian counterpart, have achieved arouses hopes for a tension-free relationship between the two South Asian neighbours," Dawn newspaper said in its editorial.

Even the right-wing The Nation newspaper seemed pleased over the outcome of the foreign ministers' talks.

"On the face of it, the discussions on the Kashmir issue held between Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar and her Indian counterpart S M Krishna at New Delhi on Wednesday and their agreement on 'the need for continued discussions, in a purposeful and forward looking manner, with a view to finding a peaceful solution by narrowing divergences and building convergences' is a welcome development," it said.

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'Krishna, Khar appear to have established a good rapport'

Kashmiri leaders were meant as a sop to the anti-India brigade The News daily under "Warmer Weather" wrote "The news that has come in from New Delhi after talks between the Indian External Affairs Minister S M Krishna and Khar is encouraging.

"The two ministers appear to have established a good rapport, and this fact in itself may have facilitated the agreements reached to combat militancy together, improve trade ties and do more to advance people-to-people contact".

The editorial comments also gave credit for achievement to 34-year-old Khar, the youngest and Pakistan's first woman foreign minister.

"Given her gender, relative youth and inexperience, Pakistan's notoriously male and aged establishment would be worried that she may give the house away. The talks with the Kashmiri leaders were meant as a sop to the anti-India brigade, a lobby that a new foreign minister must appease, at least initially.

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'Khar has become a bona fide celebrity in India'

"Just how little was achieved at the summit is demonstrated by the fact that the talks themselves were a sideshow obscured by Khar's star power. In just one day, she has become a bona fide celebrity in India, not for her diplomatic skills but for her looks, sense of style and pricey handbags," The Express Tribune's editorial said.

Editorial of the liberal Daily Times read: "On another note, Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar seemed to be an instant hit with the Indian media.