Islamabad: Terming as a "major development" the decision by India and Pakistan to continue with their comprehensive dialogue on Kashmir without sticking to their rigid stands on the issue, Pakistani media today (Jun 30, 2004) also said both countries can enter into an elaborate strategy of peace talks under the Simla Agreement.

Referring to the mention of Simla Agreement in the joint statement issued after the Foreign Secretary-level talks in New Delhi, 'The Daily Times' said, "It is true that hawks in both India and Pakistan dislike the Simla Agreement for different reasons but this is the document under which India and Pakistan can enter into an elaborate strategy of peace talks."

Commenting editorially, it said, "All countries, including the International Court of Justice, which was unsuccessfully approached by Pakistan in 2000, refer to the Simla Agreement when advising the two counties to engage in talks."

Another daily 'Dawn' said that the Foreign Secretaries discussed the Kashmir issue comprehensively and after a long hiatus they will once again be negotiating on the question. That, in itself, is a major development.

"Had they stuck rigidly to their guns on Kashmir, the dialogue would have ended in a deadlock, as previous attempts have. Both sides now realise that the Kashmir dispute cannot be allowed to remain a festering wound between them."