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UNCLAS ISLAMABAD 000034 
 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: KMDR KPAO OIIP OPRC PGOV PREL PK
SUBJECT:  PAKISTAN MEDIA REACTION: JANUARY 06, 2009 
 
Summary:  The Indian government's decision to handover a "dossier" 
to Pakistan regarding alleged "involvement of Pakistani nationals in 
Mumbai attacks" dominated front pages on Tuesday.  All major dailies 
highlighted Assistant Secretary Boucher's remarks that the Mumbai 
"attacks have links to Pakistan or lead to Pakistani soil."  Reports 
and photographs of his (A/S Boucher's) meeting with Pakistani 
officials and receiving of "Hilal-e-Quaid-i-Azam" in recognition of 
his services to "promote a stable, broad-based and long-term 
Pak-U.S. relationship," was extensively displayed.  "Israeli raids 
on Hamas targets" continued to garner extensive media coverage.  All 
newspapers reported that "Israel government fended off worldwide 
calls for a ceasefire." 
 
Most newspapers ran critical editorials on "silence" and 
"insensitivity" of world community over Israeli aggression. 
Commenting on the U.S. role as the "blind supporter of Israeli 
barbarities", English daily, "The Nation," noted that "this would 
further strengthen the anti-U.S. sentiment across the Muslim world 
and provide the extremists and terrorists a cause clhbre, besides 
further marginalizing pro-U.S. and moderate regimes in the Arab and 
Muslim world."  Another English daily, "Dawn," observed that the 
"fire and smoke which have enveloped Gaza's skies serve as a better 
recruitment poster for the Taliban than any sermons in mosques or 
rallying cries emanating from Al Qaeda cells."  The Urdu daily, 
"Ausaf," noted that the "policies of Muslim countries are beyond our 
understanding as every Muslim state is doing nothing except 
rendering lips services."  End Summary. 
 
----------------- 
News Stories 
----------------- 
 
"Mumbai Attacks - India Gives Its Side Of The Story; Pakistan Says 
It Is Examining Information" "The News" (01/06) 
 
"India handed over to Pakistan on Monday what it termed evidence of 
the Mumbai terror attacks.  The 'information dossier' was first 
handed over to Pakistan's High Commissioner Shahid Malik by Indian 
Secretary for External Affairs Shivshankar Menon in New Delhi.... 
There is nothing new in the 'information dossier' Indian High 
Commissioner Satyabrata Pal handed over to Foreign Secretary Salman 
Bashir at the Foreign Office, Western diplomatic sources told 'The 
News.'  Meanwhile, Pakistan said it was examining the contents of 
the 'information' passed on to it and will 'evaluate' it." 
 
"Attackers Have Links That Lead To Pakistani Soil: U.S." "Daily 
Times" (01/06) 
 
"U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian 
Affairs Richard Boucher praised on Monday the exchange of 
information between India and Pakistan on the Mumbai terror attacks, 
but said it is clear the 'attacks have links to Pakistan or lead to 
Pakistani soil,' reported the APP news agency." 
 
"Boucher Awarded For Promoting Pak-U.S. Ties" "Daily Times" (01/06) 
 
"President Asif Ali Zardari conferred the prestigious 
Hilal-e-Quaid-e-Azam award on United States Assistant Secretary of 
State Richard Boucher at a special ceremony held at the Aiwan-e-Sadr 
on Monday.  A statement by the Presidency said the award has been 
conferred on Boucher in the field of 'Services to Pakistan.'  The 
citation read out on the occasion said Assistant Secretary of State 
for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Ambassador Boucher 
has been instrumental in promoting a stable, broad-based and 
long-term Pakistan-U.S. relationship.  Boucher thanked the 
government of Pakistan for conferring the award on him." 
 
"Mumbai Attack Culprits Must Be Punished: U.S." "Dawn" (01/06) 
 
"The United States urged Pakistan on Monday to track down and punish 
culprits involved in the Mumbai terror attacks and welcomed New 
Delhi's move to share information with Islamabad.  Talking to 
reporters after meeting with President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime 
Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, 
National Security Adviser Mehmood Durrani and presidential aide 
Salman Farooqi, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Richard Boucher 
said that the Indian move 'would help Pakistan track down the 
culprits.'" 
 
"U.S. Drone Attacks A Compulsion: Boucher" "The News" (01/06) 
 
"Visiting U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central 
Asian Affairs Richard Boucher Monday said that drone attacks had 
become a compulsion as attacks on the U.S. and allied forces in 
Afghanistan were very alarming." 
 
"Delhi Using Attacks For Political Goals" "The Nation" (01/06) 
 
"According to sources, President Asif Ali Zardari again made it 
clear to the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central 
Asia, Richard Boucher that India is using Mumbai terrorist attacks 
for political goals against Pakistan." 
 
"'Credible' Evidence Needed, Says Gilani" "Dawn" (01/06) 
 
"The Prime Minister apprised Mr. Boucher of efforts being made by 
Pakistan to defuse tension with India and his government's 
commitment to take action against any Pakistani national if credible 
evidence is provided." 
 
"Repatriate Pakistani Citizens, America Told" "The News" (01/06) 
 
"The political leadership also brought up the issue of Dr. Aafia 
Siddiqui and the five Pakistani nationals in Guantanamo Bay prison 
who Pakistan feels should be repatriated as soon as possible.  The 
notorious Guantanamo Bay of the Bush era is being closed down by the 
new administration taking over in Washington.  According to official 
statements, Boucher held out an assurance that he would take up the 
cases of Dr. Aafia and five Pakistani nationals in Guantanamo prison 
with the relevant U.S. authorities for their expeditious 
repatriation to Pakistan." 
 
"Tension-Free Ties With India Govt. Aim, Says PM" "The News" 
(01/06) 
 
"Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani said on Monday that Pakistan 
stands for tension-free relations with all the countries including 
India, as tension would bring no benefit to any state....  About his 
meeting with U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Richard Boucher, the 
Prime Minister said he urged the need for resolving the Kashmir 
issue, which was the core issue between Pakistan and India." 
 
"FBI To Pursue Mumbai Probe 'To Its Conclusion': U.S. Envoy" "Daily 
Times" (01/06) 
 
"The U.S. said on Monday that an FBI team would take the evidence it 
has gathered in the Mumbai terror attacks to Islamabad and pursue 
the probe into the terror strike 'to its conclusion,' according to a 
report in the Indian Express, U.S. Ambassador in Delhi David C. 
Mulford was quoted as saying." 
 
"India Rules Out Joint Probe" "The Post" (01/06) 
 
"Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, Indian Foreign 
Secretary Shiv Shankar Memon ruled out joint investigation with 
Pakistan and vowed to go to any extent for the evidence of Mumbai 
attacks." 
 
"India Launches Diplomatic Offensive" "Daily Times" (01/06) 
 
"India began a diplomatic offensive to build pressure on Pakistan on 
Monday, with its Foreign Secretary Shiv Shankar Menon briefing 
foreign envoys to New Delhi on the 'evidence' linking Pakistan-based 
organizations in the terrorist attacks in Mumbai in November. Menon 
briefed envoys from over a dozen countries including the U.S., the 
U.K., Israel, France, Japan, Germany, Turkey and Canada." 
 
"Jihad Obligatory If India Attacks Pakistan: Ulema" "The News" 
(01/06) 
 
"Noted religious scholars participating in a conference with 
political leaders of the country in Lahore on Monday announced a 
religious edict (Fatwa) that in case of any Indian attack on the 
country, Jihad would become obligatory upon every citizen of 
Pakistan." 
 
"Delhi Promoting Western Agenda: JI" "The News" (01/06) 
 
"The Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) has warned against Indian rulers' 
hegemonic designs in the region with the support of western powers 
by creating a war like situation, observing that Delhi was going to 
suffer dearly in case of any misadventure, sated a resolution passed 
by JI Shoora meeting at Mansoora, issued on Monday." 
 
"Pakistan Hopes For Economic Relief From New U.S. Congress" "Dawn" 
(01/06) 
 
"Pakistan hopes that the new U.S. Congress, which will be sworn in 
on Tuesday, will approve two crucial bills that can help revive the 
country's ailing economy.  One of them - the Biden-Lugar bill - can 
bring as much as $15 billion for Pakistan over a period of 10 years, 
while the other - the Reconstruction Opportunity Zones bill - would 
help establish specially-designated areas in Pakistan and 
Afghanistan that could export products to the U.S. without any 
duty." 
 
"U.S.-Pakistan Military Cooperation On The Increase: WSJ Report" 
"Dawn" (01/06) 
 
"Military cooperation between Pakistan and the United States has 
increased recently as both try to eliminate militants destabilizing 
the region, the Wall Street Journal reported on Monday." 
 
"Israel Is Hell-Bent On Bringing Gaza To Its Knees" "The News" 
(01/06) 
 
"Israeli warplanes on Monday pounded Gaza and carried intensive 
raids on Hamas targets with ground troops surrounding the main city. 
 The death toll in besieged Gaza rose to at least 555 people during 
the 10-day offensive.  Among Monday's victims were 13 members of a 
Palestinian family in an Israeli strike on their home in a refugee 
camp, Palestinian medical officials said." 
 
"Israel Rejects Call For Ceasefire" "The Nation" (01/06) 
 
"Israeli troops battled Hamas fighters in Gaza's main city for the 
first time Monday - after dozens died in a day of clashes - while 
the government fended off worldwide calls for a ceasefire." 
 
"Zardari Visits Kabul Today" "Daily Times" (01/06) 
 
"President Asif Ali Zardari is flying to Afghanistan today (Tuesday) 
for a daylong visit that will include discussions with Afghan 
President Hamid Karzai on various bilateral issues." 
 
"Army Wraps Up Khyber Operation; NATO Supply Route Reopened" "The 
Nation" (01/06) 
 
"Pakistan on Monday reopened during day-time hours a key northwest 
supply route for Western troops in Afghanistan, a local official 
said, as the army wrapped up an anti-militant drive in the area." 
 
"Militants Kill Three 'U.S. Spies'" "Dawn" (01/06) 
 
"Militants in North Waziristan killed three people on Monday after 
accusing them of spying for U.S. forces in Afghanistan." 
 
"11 Bajaur Tribesmen Kidnapped In Mohmand" "Dawn" (01/06) 
 
"Militants kidnapped 11 members of the Mandel tribe of Bajaur in 
Mohmand Agency on Monday and took them to an unspecified place." 
 
--------------------- 
Editorials/Op-eds 
--------------------- 
 
"Ground Offensive," an editorial in the center-right national 
English daily "The Nation" (cir. 20,000) (01/06) 
 
"The U.S., which could have played a key role in the affair, has 
once again acted as a blind supporter of Israel's barbarities.... 
This would further strengthen the anti-U.S. sentiment across the 
Muslim world and provide the extremists and terrorists a cause 
clhbre, besides further marginalizing pro-U.S. and moderate regimes 
in the Arab and Muslim world." 
 
"Blood And Terror In Gaza," an editorial in the Karachi-based 
center-left independent national English daily "Dawn" (cir. 55,000) 
(01/06) 
 
"Strangely enough those who support Israeli actions say they want to 
win the hearts and minds of Muslims.  Gaza's blood-drenched streets 
are certainly not the best way of doing so.  The Taliban hardly need 
to hone their brainwashing techniques, because America and the world 
powers are doing an excellent job for them.  The images being 
watched on television live by millions would move any heart, except 
those immune to human suffering.  The fire and smoke which have 
enveloped Gaza's skies serve as a better recruitment poster for the 
Taliban than any sermons in mosques or rallying cries emanating from 
Al Qaeda cells." 
 
"Is Blood Of Muslims So Cheap?," an editorial in the popular 
rightist Urdu-language daily "Ausaf" (cir. 10,000) (01/23) 
 
"The policies of Muslim countries are beyond our understanding as 
every Muslim state is doing nothing except rendering lips service. 
The oil-rich Arab states have a very effective weapon of petroleum, 
and if they terminate oil supply to Israel, it will not stand that 
'attack.'  The Muslim world must hold their rulers accountable for 
their failings, or else Muslims blood will continue to spill the 
world over." 
 
"Bombardment On Palestinians - Silence Of West," an editorial in the 
leading mass circulation centrist Urdu daily "Jang" (cir. 300,000) 
(01/23) 
 
"If Israel isn't ready to give Palestinians their fundamental and 
legal rights, the U.S. and other big powers are behind this 
aggressor, and they aren't paying heed to the UNSC resolutions, then 
Muslim states must not remain silent as they may also meet with same 
fate at the end of the day.  If the Muslim world don't take serious 
note of this state of affair at this moment, they also will not live 
to tell the tale in the world." 
 
"Israeli Aggression: Insensitivity Of Champion Of Human Rights," an 
editorial note in the Karachi-based, pro Taliban Jihadi Urdu daily 
"Islam" (cir. 15,000) (01/23) 
 
"This is the height of insensitivity of the international community 
that the U.S. and Britain have rejected the resolution in UNSC moved 
by Libya to stop Israeli violence, and the European Union has 
resorted to keep silence on this issue.  All the so-called champion 
of human rights, and the NGOs have also vanished from the scene, as 
perhaps they are stunned with horror?  The role of Arab states are 
also not very laudable, as they are still busy in consultation 
instead of taking any practical steps to stop Israeli assaults." 
 
"International Community Must Try To Stop Israeli Aggression," an 
editorial in liberal Urdu daily "Express" (cir. 25,000) (1/2) 
 
"According to a news report, there have been worldwide protests 
against Israeli ground assault on Gaza and protestors also set fire 
to Israeli, U.S. and British flags.  These protests are proof that 
the world wants peace not war.  Respecting the sentiments of the 
protestors, Israel must immediately stop its aggression in Gaza. 
 
"Israeli Aggression In Gaza," an editorial in the Lahore-based Urdu 
daily "Waqt" (cir. 10,000) (01/06) 
 
"Israeli aggression will not be controlled by UN Secretary General 
Ban Ki Moon's mere expressions of concern.  The United Nation's 
existence itself would be endangered if the bloodshed of innocent 
Palestinians is not stopped; otherwise the UN might meet the same 
fate as the League of Nations." 
 
"Israeli Aggression And International Insensitivity," an editorial 
in the Lahore-based independent Urdu daily "Din" (cir. 5000) 
(01/06) 
 
"In a situation where the international organization and world 
powers have failed to provide security to the Palestinians, the 
Muslim states should reorganize their resources and manpower for 
self-defense.  No matter how larges our number is, we will continue 
to be trampled like ants under the feet of imperialist powers until 
we become powerful in the fields of education, politics, economy and 
technology." 
 
"Storing Anger," an editorial in the centrist national English daily 
"The News" (cir. 55,000) (01/06) 
 
"The twin silences of Obama and the collective Muslim world speak to 
us.  On the one hand we may be seeing the first indications of which 
way the Obama presidency is going to swing regarding an issue 
crucial to the Muslim world generally; and on the other we see the 
weakness of the institutions which may be said to represent the 
Muslim world. Between the two silences sit the children of Gaza, 
storing both anger and energy against the day when they are old 
enough to discharge both destructively.  The vast human battery that 
is Gaza is unlikely to be drained by Israeli action, rather the 
reverse is true - a fact which seems to have escaped the Israeli 
planners of foreign and military policy." 
 
"Ground Assault On Gaza," an editorial in the Islamabad-based 
rightist English daily "Pakistan Observer" (cir. 5,000) (01/06) 
 
"The deafening silence in the Arab world, perhaps not to annoy the 
United States which is the main backer of Israel, has encouraged Tel 
Aviv to suppress the Palestinians under the pretext of responding to 
rocket attacks by Hamas, that is controlling Gaza....  Leadership of 
the neighboring countries, who have opted for silence and witnessing 
the unfolding tragedy must also get out of their slumber and keep in 
mind that today it was Gaza, tomorrow theirs turn may also come." 
 
"Israeli Savagery," an editorial in the Lahore-based liberal English 
daily "The Post" (cir. 5,000) (01/06) 
 
"It is surprising that the U.S., which can influence a peaceful 
settlement, is openly siding with Israel, turning a blind eye to the 
brutalities being committed by the Jewish state against the 
struggling people of Palestine....  The need is to tailor some 
arrangement through peaceful means to settle the issue of Palestine. 
Even European governments, and the media, are drawing a clear line 
between the aggressor and the oppressed, pressing Israel to exercise 
restraint." 
 
"Israel's Refusal Is Insult To International Community," an 
editorial in liberal and independent Sindhi daily "Kawish" (01/06) 
 
"U.S. is leading the world in war on terror, but surprisingly it 
remains silent over Israel's state terrorism against the 
Palestinians.  Its all-out support to Israel shows that it is not 
sincere in its campaign against terrorism.  It seems that this war 
is meant to safeguard the American interests only.  The role of U.S. 
and Britain, the champion of free world, does not match with their 
actions.  Why cannot they stop Israel from these atrocities?" 
 
"Gaza Carnage," an op-ed by Tayyab Siddiqui in the center-right 
national English daily "The Nation" (cir. 20,000) (01/06) 
 
"The ongoing massacre and criminal silence of the world and the OIC 
in the face of such savagery is bound to radicalize the Arab 
masses....  President-elect Obama has maintained studious silence 
but his 'unshakeable commitment to Israel's security' inspires 
little hope of any significant change in the U.S. position.  In the 
present crisis, Hamas may be facing Israel along but as the 
Palestinians have demonstrated, their spirit of resistance shall not 
break and eventually, will prevail over all odds." 
 
"Trio Of Evil: The Entire Muslim Ummah Is The Target, Not Just 
Pakistan," an editorial in the second-largest, center-right 
nationalist Urdu daily "Nawa-i-Waqt" (cir. 125,000) (01/06) 
 
"It is evident that India is all set for waging a war against 
Pakistan at the behest of America.  Indian intelligence agency can 
stage the Mumbai attack like drama elsewhere in India to create a 
justification for action against Pakistan....  Perhaps, that is what 
Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood meant when he said that everything is 
not hunky-dory despite decrease in the level of tension....  The 
satanic triangle of America, Israel and India has begun a bloody 
drama in Palestine, Kashmir, Afghanistan and Iraq and a conspiracy 
is afoot to embroil nuclear Pakistan in this game." 
 
"The Blame Game," an editorial in the center-right national English 
daily "The Nation" (cir. 20,000) (01/06) 
 
"As New Delhi is desperately trying to implicate Pakistan's 
intelligence apparatus in the acts of terrorism on its soil, 
Islamabad needs to counter the move by launching a strong diplomatic 
offensive....  Normalization of relations between the two 
nuclear-armed neighbors is not possible so long as India continues 
to blame Pakistan for last month's carnage without actually 
furnishing any evidence." 
 
"U.S-India Defense Deal," an editorial note in the second-largest, 
center-right nationalist Urdu daily "Nawa-i-Waqt" (cir. 125,000) 
(01/06) 
 
 "India and America have agreed on a defense pact worth 2.1 billion 
dollars which will include supply of 8 planes for Indian navy.  This 
agreement is enough to prove that America is making India dangerous 
for the entire region." 
 
"Religious Hatred And Suicide Attacks," an editorial note in the 
center-right Urdu daily "Pakistan" (cir. 10,000) (06/24) 
 
"Suicide attacks had been known to be driven by religious hatred and 
prejudice.  Looking at D.I. Khan suicide attack it seems that the 
element of vengeance against security personnel has also become a 
part of these attacks....  The Ulema should see as to how this venom 
has been injected in the minds of the people and how to get rid of 
it." 
 
"Suicide-Bombing At D.I. Khan," an editorial in the Lahore-based 
liberal English language daily "Daily Times" (cir. 10,000) (01/06) 
 
"A young boy aged below 18 killed himself in Dera Ismail Khan.... 
He was another in the line of victims of the clerics who train young 
boys as suicide-bombers for the Taliban.  There is no doubt that he 
was accompanied by a 'minder' who would have killed him if he had 
not carried out his 'mission.'  Some clerics under the Taliban boast 
of converting normal human beings into suicide-bombers 'in six hours 
flat.'  Increasingly, the bombers are young boys who cannot turn 
away after once being trapped by their handlers." 
 
 
Patterson