Delhi gushes over new Pakistani minister
(Read: Talks in New Delhi)
Hina Rabbani Khar appeared to have had an instant impact on one of the world's most tense bilateral relations, with her photo adorning the front pages of most Indian newspapers amid high interest in her arrival."Pak Puts On Its Best Face," noted The Times of India, the biggest-selling English-language daily, while mass circulation Hindi newspaper Navbharat Times said India was "sweating over model-like minister."
(Read: Does your foreign minister own a Birkin?)
"Pak bomb lands in India," joked the Mumbai Mirror tabloid in a tongue-in-cheek reference to the history of wars between the countries and attacks by Pakistani militant groups on Indian soil.
In a rarity for the Indian media, not known for assessing the dress-sense of previous Pakistani visitors, the Mail Today tabloid devoted extensive space to her choice of outfit as she flew in to New Delhi airport on Tuesday.
"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.
The Telegraph newspaper meanwhile compared fresh-faced Khar, a married mother of two who caused a stir at home after being photographed in tight jeans, with her elderly counterpart SM Krishna.
"In the unkind world of adjectives, the odds are stacked against SMK and in favour of HRK," it said, using the ministers' initials.
"Khar carries with ease descriptions such as 'stunning' and 'petite'.
"Krishna, a 79-year-old who takes great pride in his tailored suits, might face a tough job attracting attention later Wednesday when the two pose for photographs at the start of their talks.
"All eyes on glamorous Pak minister," said the Rediff website. "She is clearly being looked at as a perfect combination of beauty and brains."
The Indian Twittersphere was also ablaze with commentary on the Pakistani envoy, who has taken over from Shah Mehmood Qureshi who drew criticism in the Indian media over his strong language last time he met Krishna.
Journalist and author Seema Goswami saw a link between the monsoonal downpour that struck the Indian capital Wednesday morning and the generally fawning coverage of Khar.
"Even the Delhi skies are drooling," she wrote.
In Pakistan, headscarf-wearing Khar has drawn inevitable comparisons to Benazir Bhutto, the charismatic female prime minister of Pakistan who was assassinated when trying to regain power in 2007.
Like Bhutto, she comes from one of Pakistan's leading political and land-owning families and her clan has extensive farms in Punjab, the richest and most populous province.
The foreign ministers of the nuclear-armed niehgbours are holding their first talks in a year, looking to breathe fresh life into a peace process still stifled by the trauma of the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
India suspended contacts with its arch-rival after the attacks and their peace dialogue has struggled to gain any real traction since its formal resumption earlier this year.
Observers expect little to emerge from Wednesday's meeting beyond some modest confidence-building measures connected to relatively uncontentious issues such as cross-border trade and people-to-people contacts.
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COMMENTS (96)
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@naveed khan: Could you please explain the language you have used in your post. "Religious facists" is that what you call practicing Muslims. You should be ashamed of yourself. I dont know where you come from but I am sure your people might not be that proud of you..
Why the hell do we always talk about beauty when it comes to women?? Hina is a professional woman and we have to see her in that light. What she wears should never be the topic of our dicussion. GROW UP EVERYONE!!!
HRK is good looking smart and I hope her thinking is par with her self, she should sit with her counterpart and do us all kashmiris including the one's in AJK a favour and say to him we in Pakistan are sorry we have let down these people and we have let down the people of pakistan we are unable to run a country, we are a failed nation therefore I am handing you over all of Kashmir if not including Pakistan. HRK and her family are not short of a few Rupees, they have foreign education behind them most likely will have bank accounts like all other ruleing class all over Europe including USA but go ask ordinary pakistani whats life like and they will tell you. What good is this country where there is no power to get the water from the wells the citizens spend more money on the basics, then the government. They are only busy on thinking of new ideas of how to get more money out of the country. It's about time the ruling class thought about the country they and their forefathers have been robbing and has made them millionaires.
I think Mrs. Hina Rabbani Khar is the ideal FM for Pakistan, she is the one who can talk over the issues which are taboo over here in Pakistan. She with her competency, sharpness and keeness has not only won the hearts of the people of Pakistan but so also remained in close focus of the Indian Media and its people. For a moment every body forgot the so called enemity between two countries and started dialogues in a refreshing mood. The F/policies of both the countries should be changed immediately for the benifits of poor and needy citizens and both countries should increase their annual budget towards the Health, Education, Municipal Services, Clean Water, Food, and better future. There should be "NO" to war against each other, rather create an invironment to improve trust and confidence between the two. People would like you both once they are provided basic human facilities.It has been unanimously agreed by all casts of life that HINA has won the battle in the Media. I wish she would have done on the table as well. The matters are of prime importance, and beauty must have brain as well to settle long pending isues.
First of all i would like to ask those who said "yes khar represented Pakistan in proper way" By representing we both sides mean what she went for has been done or not simple. Not that she is wearing brands or wearing tight jeans that doesnt matter. She went for a purpose which surely will not happen as we all know so the purpose is useless. then how come people vote in favour to khar. Please nation this is the time to understand and to take a stand for ur rights as no one will put it at ur plate. as i know most of them voted in favour to khar because of her looks and brands. again i am asking the nation it doesnt matters that khar will represent pakistan or someone else with ugly face. main thing is of the purpose who can deliver it the best that what we all should be concern of not that whats happening now.
Doesn't matter if her bags or sunglasses are designer overall a great fashion sense and she looks very neat and presentable for her post. On the political side hope she does a good work for our country. Good look Hina!
@Pardesi, we'd have much more sense if we were.
It is high time we should encourge our youth to put their efforts in solving problems faced by both countries.
I don't mean to provoke anyone here but I just cannot get over how just a small "bindi" would illumine that fair visage to a completely different level to dazzle the world wherever she walks. For the information of Pakistanis, Muslim women in India do put on "bindis" on their foreheads.
KP and Baluchistan are part of Pakistan and accepted as such by world community. So no need to waste resources on already settled questions posed by Indian trolls.
before talking about Kashmir lets hold plebiscite in Balochistan and KP this will set a good example of pakistan in the world and will put enormous pressure upon india to follow suit.
India should stop its illegal occupation of Kashmir.
@Muhammad farhan; Its not our men but our religion that defines the way a women should dress. I recommend that u read some about Islam instead of propagating the stance of western NGO's. Hina i guess is not just representing pak but Islam and muslim women too and if this is the way women should dress than i assume that the indian media Headlines added to her dignity. Islam comes before any thing ......
@Amjad
Our civilizational heritage is 5000+ years old, about 4 times older than Islamic faith. So, Try to think of your civilization roots in terms of more than just a religion or rulers of one religion! First muslim kingdom (Delhi Sultanate) in India was in 12th century , just about 200-300 years before British invasion of India.
The Europeans ruled India for hundreds of years as well, so does it make us part of European civilization?
The reality is that the word 'Mughal' itself is a derivative of their ancestry - Mangol. Mughals were invaders & were proud of their Timurid family tree. Babur says as much in his memoirs, and says how he hates India! Most Islamic rulers of India plundered India and resorted to coerced religious conversions, and imposed Jizia on non-converts.
So, most Islamic rulers of India were as foreign to Majority Indians, as European colonizers of India! Europe's influence over India was for about 400 years. The Afghani, Timurid & Parsi influence over India is about 800 years. Just 400+ years more than European influence!!
@Realist:
I believe you need to see the documentary film Bhutto, which features new clippings which Benazir is shaking hands with non-mehram men.
@who are you: Well said buddy... I think you deserve to be the Prime Minister of the country like Pakistan. Your thoughts if put into practice will really bring an end to the India obsession, fear & resultant instability in the region.
I think this discussion who ruled who will not take us any further. Let us accept all realities and learn from history, let us learn like Europeans did, soft borders, economic progress, and health and education sharing... India is far ahead from us in research and education. Let us benefit from that by being friends.
It's getting hard to read anything she's involved in without rolling your eyes half way through and losing interest. All you see are people talking about how attractive she is instead of the things that matter. When looking for anything informative it's already becoming common sense to skip over anything her name is in. It looks like women are still going to have to wait if they're looking for political respect based on competency until all the little boys injure themselves to the point of no return with their zipper burn.
Singh: Yes, some of us are converted muslims. And we are proud that we made a right decision.
@Mr. Naveed: there's nothing to be ashamed of keeping a dupatta on her head. Its our way. The way females should represent themselves anywhere they go.
@Silent Observer:
Show me where Benazir Bhutto shook hands with non Mahram men after becoming Prime Minister of Pakistan. What she did before did not matter but afterwards she knew she was representing an Islamic nation and thus never shook hands. Hence Miss Khar here is no Benazir.
@vibhu: You mean that when one Brahmin rules over other castes in India, you cannot say Hindus are ruling over other Hindus because only a small portion of Hindus are Brahmin? I don;t follow your logic. The Mughals were in fact Muslim rulers over South Asia for hundreds of years whether you like it or not. They were part of a civilization from which Pakistan claims heritage for obvious reasons. They were one of many different Muslim rulers before the British who tried to change South Asia for the Indians. Trying to change history won't work here even though many Indians ignore these obvious facts. As for Hina Rabanni Khar, she is a very plain looking woman so I don't see why Indian media are gushing over her when no one in Pakistan would give her a second look even.
What is non meharam? non muslim?
So far as the substance of her meeting & its outcome little needs to be said as this time too like all Indo Pak diplomatic fixtures the result is already decided .
She is a lot better than the Grumpy, sour faced blokes that came in the past.
This is an improvement in Indo Pak ties !
@Realist: Move on man. Come out of your cave.
Guys,
Stating negativity about Indians will not solve your country problems. India media was sarcastic and in a way right. A foreign minister of a country where basic needs of life is hard to get for the entire nation is carrying a bag worth 1 million plus. Nothing to be proud of, Indian FM and PM are far better than ours in academics and professional careers. The country is one of the world fastest growing economies and one of the most respected in western world.
I am sorry to say but many of us Pakistanis are short sighted and lack the ability to accept we are no better than them .... in fact we are now behind. No harm in learning from someone who is better or doing well.
@Ali
The issue with this is A) She's not doing it out of personal choice, just to conform to societal "norms. B) What does her physical appearance have to do with her role as the Foreign Minister? and C) Why is this misogyny so deeply embedded that the majority of you can't see how backward the thought process involved is?
Waqas,
If we go back in history we will find that India has been ruled by all manner of kings, Hindu and Muslim. In fact parts of Afghanistan were ruled by Hindu kings too. Not to mention your province of Sindh. As I read the comments, I was amused. For some Pakistanis, it seems that history begins when Muslims come to that place.
W.r.t. Ms Khar, I really do not care how she looks. As long as she and SMK can bring back some sanity to this relationship.
it's not the owning of the birkin which is an issue- it's the very public appearance of it, which bothers me. when the average man can't even access clean drinking water for his children, let alone food or shelter - it seems pretty crass for a member of our nations leadership to be carrying a $20,000 bag. she owns that bag because it's a status symbol and it seems pretty inappropriate to flaunt it when the people she represents are living in a country without electricity for up to 8 hours a day. apart from that, this article is totally ridiculous- it states that hina khar has had an instant impact on one of the world's most tense bilateral relations and then it references nothing but her fashion sense! the woman has no credentials to speak of and for some reason, as a pakistani, we ought to be proud of the fact that there is some positive representation of us in the news? so, if we're not descending into complete lawlessness, then what? we should be happy that we're on top of this season's colour palette?
@Waqas: In which history book is this mentioned ? As far as we know the Rajputs and Moghuls ruled and other ruling families have ruled the subcontinent. Are you from one of the ruling families? As far as I know I have Rajput blood in me. Which ruling family of the subcontinent do you belong to ?
Why are there so many atheists over here who jump on every opportunity to bash islam in hidden words?
If Kashmir is not the core issue.. then what is the issue between the two countries. said Hina Rabbani khar, in response to a question by the indian media. Very well said, Ms. Khar.
In my country, where my people are finding it increasingly hard to make ends meet, where putting food on table is becoming a challenge, we are being represented by a lady who wears top designers stuff on official trips, whose only qualification is her family name. No wonder, we are in a big mess today and we keep digging the hole deeper. As a woman, i also find it very shallow, that a woman is being judged, not by her qualifications, achievements and what she has to say but her designer clothes and looks.
@naveed khan: dude she prefers her self to keep the head scarf covered like many other women how adapt it as a habit being comfortable with...and her modesty make her look more attractive as proven in the news papers dont talk biased.
@Saad Sikander: Sir. All the reason listed there are real concerns but if we Indians are ashamed of these situation than think about your lovely Pakistan. Just compare India and Pakistan keeping those parameter in your mind.
naveed khan
The same reason the Indian PM wears an old fashion turban.
And besides that, it gives her modesty and respect.
dear she is minister of islamic state. If you didnt have studied religion then please dont comment about it. If Iranian President does not shake hand with female minister of USA when she was intending to do so then please dont take it as religious fscists@naveed khan:
@rock: Well they werent indians either, I think the term Muslim applies best, wouldnt you agree stone brain?
@ realist
You need to get your info right about Benazir.By shaking hands your not kicked out of heavens.
She is what she is. Beautiful, well dressed, intelligent.I knew she will be closely watched both by media and common person on the street. This is an encouraging step for young on both sides of the border. Our country picked her for this important post which she certainly deserved. In fact we even need a Chief Justice of Supreme Court headed by young and able people. Yes, it is most important to have a women as CM Of Punjab. Our country is in dire need to induct more young men and women in their system of governance. India is also surely in need to introduce some young blood in their system. Good luck Hina Bibi. God Bless you.
@Waqas: unless you claim be a descendant of mughal, ibrahim lodi.... those muslim ruler families were also ruling over your muslim forefathers...
@Waqas: In which history pakistani were rulers of India. Did they teach you like this? Mughals ruled delhi and neighbouring area not entire India. Mughals were not pakistani. :)
Who cares about her fashion & style? Lets hope she does a good job ! Go HRK !
@Hindustani: Then let us first of all feed all the destitute, poor, hungry and thirsty footpath people of our countries who are no doubt the majority of our countries? What is the nationality of these helpless humans treated as outcasts in our countries? Does it matter a hungry, thirsty and homeless child whether it is an Indian, Pakistani or Bangladeshi national? Or whether it is a Hindu, Sikh, Muslim or Atheist? Dear friend let us first become humans before we adopt any religion or nationality!
@Waqas"if we were to go back in history then my dear friend, we were the rulers and you the subservient". Is this a part of the fake history you learnt? Including pakistan won all wars etc. LOL
@Waqas, Check every pakistani family tree & go back in history, you will find that every one of you has Hindu DNA. Some convert to Islam due to cast system, some due to been poor couldn't pay zazia or some out of fear or greed. That is your history. Islam start from Arabia and 99.999% Pakistani don't have Arabian DNA. Every one of you can get your DNA tested & find out the truth about Arabian or Mongolian.
Fingers crossed, looks like a very promising appointment, one that yields success i hope.
We ruled the Sub-continent for a 100 years n now also we rule. It aint a big deal for us to rule again n we will IA :) Chao
Indians Drooling over an Average Looking Pakistani Lady. If you See Headlines of Indian Newspapers & Indian TV channels they're acting like cheap perverts. Looks like average pakistani woman is much better than bollywood actresses.
Finally some progress on the minister's FRONT (Get it!!). Time to respond in kind. Aiswaya Rai for FM is my VOTE!!!
Hey Pak, if you have more of these, please bring em on!!
Mother with two kids: mama mia!
@Hindustani,
if we were to go back in history then my dear friend, we were the rulers and you the subservient! How often you forget that :)
@naveed khan:
People like you (secular Facists) seem to forget that she is the minister of Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
Well, will she deliver.... This government is not known for competence.
@muhamad farhan:
Yes you are right in that sense, however the dupatta is part of formal national dress. A person is only as honourable as their deeds. However, the dupatta on the head lends a certain credence and air of formality and respectability. Most powerful women in Pak do this, including BB who was never without one.
Well it is impressive, if only because Pakistan shows the courage to put young people in positions of responsibility.
That in itself a novelty for us Indians, who are sick of geriatric dinosaurs as our leaders.
Hindustani, all I have is this for you.
http://pigsarefly.hauntin.com/2011/07/are-you-ashamed-yet/
Take care of your own businesses. You have a lot to worry about. Who knows, you might be the next one to commit suicide.
With love from your Pakistani Enemy
Hina: Its really challanging to keep all traditions and expections of the nation.Lot of challages could be seen/forcasted in current political scenario. God Bless You and Our Nation as a whole. Ameen
She can have anything from India. Kashmir? Water? Anything!! All she has to do is ask.
@Blr: Good suggestion because at the end of the session the younger one will prevail.
I've always associated the "forced for propriety's sake" dupatta with the PTV newscasters of Zia's era. You can say all you want about traditions and culture, but patriarchy is traditional too, that doesn't make it right. Its sad that commentators care about how she looks or what she wears. I'd rather we withheld judgment until the actual outcome of these talks becomes known.
@Ali:
a dupatta doesn't make a woman honourable neither does the absence of a dupatta make a woman dishonourable.our misogynistic men should get stop trying to determine what a woman can and what she cannot wear.This assumption that it is a man's right to decide what a woman can or cannot do is the reason behind the sorry state of women's rights in our society.
A woman in a position of political power is a step forward; so she's from a wealthy family; she's educated; travelled and hopefully can look at things from a global perspective and not just from an Indo-Pak perspective... There are people inthis world that are happy that Indo-Pak relationships are somewhat fraught mostly; which leaves them hamstrung by it...the sooner you come to some long term peaceful accord the more opportunities for bilateral trade and investment can begin! Your both missing out!
the only good thing (hopefully!) that I'll remember this PPP government for!
Is it possible we could get the links of those Headlines and Articles in the Indian print media online?
Naveed Khan
The dupatta on a lady's head is graceful and beautiful it is also the sign of an normal honourable Pakistani lady. She keeps the dupatta on as is the norm for respectable women from our country and as she is in public and representing the country she wears the dupatta.
It has nothing to do with religious fascism but pure Pakistani culture, now, if she was wearing a Hijab then you could say what you said, but not the dupatta, that is part of our national secular dress that has nothing to do with religion.
Pakistanis love to bring down people because they themselves aren't any better! I felt good after reading this article even though I do think it was mostly centering around her glamorous looks and fashion, still, if she was able to impress people on the other side of the border, I wish her all the best for the future!
good decision by president zardari 2 appoint her as FM. hina has handled finance ministry before elevated 2 the current post. she z an educated and experienced young woman.i wish her all the best.
rich ministers of poor nation.........
@Palvasha von Hassell:
there's nothing graceful of feeling ashamed of your gender or your body.there's nothing " graceful' in hiding your head ,our men should learn to accept women in positions of power.forcing them to remain hiddent behind layer upon layer of black cloth doesn't serve society well.
She is no Benazir. For starters, Benazir Bhutto never shook hands with Non-Mehram men.
I think she looks so graceful with the dupatta on her head. Why she keeps it on is her business, and she surely can't do much wrong with that! Tread softly, Hina, and serve Pakistan well!
Fairly sexist comments, but I think most people will take it lightly. More concerned about what she can do as foreign minister. And carrying on from what cnic said: I think its a bit distasteful to talk about all these brands when hundreds of millions are dying both sides of the border. There's nothing wrong with consumerism and expensive accessories, but elected officials need to be more careful of public sentiments.
Any progress in today's talks depends upon mental and physical health of Mr Krishna...
our Foreign minister is very capable and good capacity to handle situation and purpuseful talks and initiative we must appreciate it she may be having little experienc but she is qualified and competent enough to deal with the situation we should avoid negative crtcism and groundless allegations before time let us give her chance an to seewhat is end result i hope she would do better than her predecessors
New Delhi clean bowled by Hina Rabbani.
oohhh... nyshh.. Hina Rabbani Khar surely has impressed Indian tabloid and Politicians.. lets hope for the best hope she is able to do what others couldn't
If Hina asks we are ready to hand over Kashmir on a plate....
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.
What else this elite class can offer? what a pity!!
If they're going that gaa gaa over her wonder whyat would have happenned if it had been Marvi Memon. (who knows that is possible post 2013)
as long as she wears headscarves, she is a behnji.