Pak editorials have mixed views to NSA talks

Editorials appearing in several newspapers in Pakistan have lampooned the Indian Government for placing Hurriyat leaders under house arrest ahead of the visit of Sartaj Aziz, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif' Advisor on Foreign Affairs And National Security, to Delhi on August 23 And 24.

According to The Nation, attempt to physically restrain the Hurriyat from meeting with the Pakistan High Commission, would surely be a step too drastic by any standard - one taken based on sentimental outrage rather than sound strategic insight."

The paper further states that if India hopes to have a constructive dialogue regarding its concerns, then it must give equal weight to Pakistan's concerns - foremost of which is the Kashmir issue.

It states firmly that Hurriyat leaders are representatives of the Kashmiri people, and under every law of dialogue and negotiation, their voices must be heard.

It also suggests that Pakistan can take placatory steps without changing the crux of their stance.

The Frontier Post, in its editorial, which is more of a background to the forthcoming talks, reminds India of the missed opportunities of the past year to have a dialogue with Pakistan, and suggests that both New Delhi and Islamabad should show a greater level of understanding and long-term vision to get bilateral relations back on track.

A third paper, The Daily Times, in its editorial, calls on all countries in South Asia and Afghanistan to give up the game of blame and counter blame for better ties.

It also seeks to understand why the goal posts for the August 23 and 24 meeting have been suddenly changed.

The meeting between Aziz and Doval was supposed to discuss terrorism, but now it seems it will be an open agenda, which means either side can raise its concerns.

Whether that will mean both sides talking to or at each other remains to be seen, says the Daily Times.