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UNCLAS ISLAMABAD 000286 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: KMDR KPAO OIIP OPRC PGOV PREL PK
SUBJECT:  PAKISTAN MEDIA REACTION: FEBRUARY 09, 2009 
 
Summary:  Today's newspapers differed in their choice of lead 
stories. Some major dailies highlighted U.S Ambassador Richard 
Holbrooke's remarks that "fighting the insurgency in Afghanistan 
could prove tougher than in Iraq." Whereas,  Prime Minister Gilani's 
statement made while talking to reporters in Multan that "Pakistan 
enjoys world support and its diplomacy and foreign policy are strong 
enough to defeat Indian designs of isolating Pakistan" received 
prominent coverage in other major daily newspapers.  Most newspapers 
highlighted reports that the "authorities clamped a curfew on entire 
Swat district, as nine more people were killed in the restive 
valley."  All newspapers reported that the "Taliban militants 
released a videotape showing the beheading of a Polish geologist." 
The English language daily, "Dawn," reported that the "Government 
may file appeal against Dr. AQ Khan's release." 
 
Newspapers ran editorials on a host of subjects including the visit 
of Ambassador Holbrooke, release of Dr. A.Q. Khan, war on terrorism 
and the U.S. economic meltdown.  Commenting on the Ambassador 
Holbrooke's visit, the center-right national daily, "The Nation," 
underlined that a "comprehensive strategy to deal with the terrorist 
phenomenon should involve a clear roadmap of the exit of foreign 
forces from Afghanistan."  The Lahore-based liberal daily, "Daily 
Times," noted that the "primary target is securing Afghanistan 
against the Taliban.  But it would be folly to think that an 
American leadership will spend scarce funds during a historic 
economic crisis to give Pakistan a free ride."  The Urdu daily, 
"Jang," observed that the "sole purpose of the baseless charges and 
apprehensions of the U.S. and other western circles that the 
Pakistan's nuclear arms might fall prey to the extremists and 
terrorists are that they want to give reason for hitting Pakistani 
nuclear program."  End Summary. 
 
----------------- 
News Stories 
----------------- 
 
"Afghanistan Tougher Than Iraq: Holbrooke; Pakistan Needs Aid, 
Sympathy" "Dawn" (02/09) 
 
"The United States warned its allies on Sunday that fighting the 
insurgency in Afghanistan could prove tougher than in Iraq and 
appealed, along with Britain, for more troops and equipment.  U.S. 
Ambassador Richard Holbrooke insisted that a new approach was 
required to turn the strife-torn country around, involving all of 
Afghanistan's neighbors, particularly Pakistan...." 
 
"Holbrooke Arrives Today For Talks On Terrorism" "The News" (02/09) 
 
"Richard Holbrooke, President Barack Obama's troubleshooter for 
Pakistan and Afghanistan, will visit Islamabad today (Monday) before 
going to Kabul and New Delhi to devise a grand strategy to rid the 
region of Islamist militancy." 
 
"By No Means Can India Isolate Pakistan: Gilani" "The News" (02/09) 
 
"Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani has said that Pakistan enjoys 
world support and its diplomacy and foreign policy are strong enough 
to defeat Indian designs of isolating Pakistan.  He was talking to 
media persons in Multan on Sunday." 
 
"Gilani Asks U.S. To Strengthen Capacity Of Pakistan Force" "Dawn" 
(02/09) 
 
"Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has called upon the United States 
to develop a new strategy wherein there is 'more intelligence 
sharing between the two countries.'  'So when actionable and 
credible information is shared with us, we would be allowed to hit 
[targets] ourselves instead of the Americans.'  In an interview with 
Newsweek published on Sunday, Mr. Gilani appealed to the world and 
to the Americans that they should 'strengthen the capacity of our 
law-enforcement agencies.'" 
 
"Call For Regional Approach To Defeat Terrorists: Qureshi Stresses 
Battle For Hearts And Minds" "Dawn" (02/09) 
 
"The international community needs to adopt a comprehensive regional 
approach focusing on "a generous focus on reconstruction, 
development and social welfare with participation of all 
stakeholders" for eradicating terrorism and extremism, says Foreign 
Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi." 
 
"Pakistan Seen Most Urgent Challenge To U.S." "Dawn" (02/09) 
 
"The U.S. Central Command has concluded a study which claims that 
the most urgent foreign policy challenge facing the Obama 
administration is Pakistan.  The CENTCOM, which is directly 
responsible for all American military activities in the 
Afghan-Pakistan region, is expected to submit the report to 
President Barack Obama in a few days." 
 
"Drone Strike Killed High-Value Targets, U.S. Tells Pakistan" "Dawn" 
(02/09) 
 
"The United States wants to continue drone strikes inside Pakistan's 
tribal areas because U.S. military experts believe the strikes have 
killed a large number of Al Qaeda leaders and local militants and 
have destroyed their hideouts.  A U.S. account of the strikes, 
conveyed to Pakistan and obtained by 'Dawn,' depicts a picture which 
is very different from the public perception in Pakistan that the 
strikes only kill innocent civilians and children." 
 
"Afghan Conflict Inflicts $35 Billion Loss on Pakistan: FM" "The 
Statesman" (02/09) 
 
"Foreign Minister Mahmood Qureshi has said that for the last three 
decades, Pakistan has suffered the gravest fallout of the conflict 
in Afghanistan, while addressing the 45th Munich Security 
Conference, Qureshi said Pakistan's economy has suffered direct and 
indirect losses of more than $35 Billion." 
 
"Defense Committee To Get Mumbai Report Today" "Dawn" (02/09) 
 
"Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that the report of 
investigation into the Mumbai terror attacks will be presented to 
the cabinet's Defence Coordination Committee at a meeting on Monday. 
 The Prime Minister said the government would give its opinion after 
studying the report." 
 
"Indian Army Chief Terms Surgical Strikes Feasible" "The News" 
(02/09) 
 
"Indian Army chief General Deepak Kapoor on Sunday said the option 
of surgical strikes against 'the terror infrastructure' in Pakistan 
was 'very much feasible' militarily, but whether you wish to take 
that decision or not is a separate issue, he said when asked by PTI 
whether such strikes were feasible." 
 
"Internal Hand Involved In Mumbai Attacks" "Daily Times" (02/09) 
 
"Indian Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Singh Modi hinted on Sunday 
that the Mumbai terror attacks could not have been carried out 
without internal help - comments that are in sharp contrast with 
claims by other Indian officials who hold Pakistan solely 
responsible for the attacks." 
 
"Swat Under Curfew As Nine More Die In Violence" "The News" (02/09) 
 
 
"As the authorities clamped a curfew on entire Swat district, nine 
more people, including three militants and a soldier, were killed in 
shelling and incidents of violence in the restive valley." 
 
"Militants Release Videotape Of Engineer's Beheading" "Dawn" 
(02/09) 
 
"Taliban militants on Sunday released a videotape showing the 
beheading of Polish geologist Poitr Stancza and warned other 
kidnapped foreigners would meet the same fate if their demands were 
not met....  The video includes a statement by the Taliban, claiming 
they had other foreign nationals in their custody, including a 
Chinese, who would be beheaded if the government of Pakistan did not 
accept their demands." 
 
"10 Militants Among 14 Killed In Bajaur" "The News" (02/09) 
 
"Fourteen people, including 10 militants, were killed and three 
others sustained injuries when security forces targeted hideouts of 
militants with gunship helicopters and heavy artillery in the Bajaur 
Agency on Sunday." 
"Pakhtoons Getting Up The Nerve To Fight Taliban" "The News" 
(02/09) 
 
"The Pakhtun Peace Jirga (PPJ) announced Sunday it would approach 
the International Court of Justice to seek punishment for 'the 
enemies of the Pakhtoon people who imposed Taliban on them.'  The 
convener of PPJ and former Provincial Minister, Syed Kamal Shah, 
told a peace rally in Mardan on Sunday." 
 
"Parking Bays For NATO Supplies Shifted To Punjab" "The News" 
(02/09) 
 
"Parking bays for transshipment of NATO supplies were shifted to 
Punjab because of the frequent attacks on container terminals by 
suspected militants, a source told 'The News.'  A number of 
contractors, a source said, have shifted their terminals to 
Hassanabdal and Tarnol towns in Punjab while the rest are packing up 
to move goods in a couple of days." 
 
"UN Appeals For Release Of Its Kidnapped U.S. Official" "The News" 
(02/09) 
 
"The United Nations on Sunday called for the immediate release of 
its refugee agency's representative in southwest Pakistan, abducted 
in an ambush on February 2.  'The United Nations remains deeply 
concerned over the fate of Solecki, the UN said in a statement.'... 
The UN is seeking further information on a group called Balochistan 
Liberation United Front, which claimed through local media it was 
holding Solecki." 
 
"Govt. May File Appeal Against Dr. Khan's Release" "Dawn" (02/09) 
 
"The government is considering filing an appeal against Islamabad 
High Court's verdict declaring nuclear scientist Dr. A. Q. Khan a 
'free citizen.'  Government sources told 'Dawn' on Sunday that the 
court decision might be challenged because of concerns expressed by 
the United States and the United Kingdom over the 'release' of Dr. 
Khan." 
 
"Pakistan 'Will Not Allow' Nuclear Secret Leaks Again" "Business 
Recorder" (02/09) 
 
"Pakistan will not allow its scientists to leak the secrets of 
nuclear weapons to other countries, Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah 
Mehmood Qureshi said in Munich on Sunday, two days after his country 
released a nuclear scientist who confessed to leaking nuclear 
secrets." 
 
"Dr. Khan Can't Interfere In N-Policies: Qureshi" "The News" (02/09) 
 
 
"Minister for Foreign Affairs Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Sunday said 
Dr. A.Q. Khan has already been relieved of his duties and he is no 
more in a position to interfere in the country's nuclear-related 
policies." 
 
"Dr. A. Q. Khan's Release Gets On Western Diplomats' Nerves" "The 
News" (02/09) 
 
"The western diplomats including the U.S. and some Asian countries 
are desperately trying to dig out the so-called secrets working in 
the backdrop of sudden release of Pakistan's nuclear scientist Dr. 
A.Q. Khan through the superior judiciary....  The West is 
contemplating to put pressure on Islamabad to go for an appeal in 
the apex court against the verdict, well-placed diplomatic sources 
told 'The News' in Islamabad." 
 
--------------------- 
Editorials/Op-eds 
--------------------- 
 
"Holbrooke's Visit," an editorial in the center-right national 
English daily "The Nation" (cir. 20,000) (02/09) 
 
"As U.S. special envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan Richard Holbrooke 
lands at Islamabad today, a western diplomatic source has ventured 
to surmise that he would be delivering a strong message from the 
Obama administration when he meets the Pakistani leadership.... 
There can be little doubt about the efficacy of Mr. Holbrooke's 
prescription for Pakistan's ills....  As for Mr. Holbrooke's 
reference to 'a new policy for the tribal areas' is concerned, the 
sooner the Obama administration realizes that recourse to drone 
attacks is creating more converts to militancy, the better for its 
cause." 
 
"No Afghan Strategy Without Pakistan," an editorial in the 
Lahore-based liberal English language daily "Daily Times" (cir. 
10,000) (02/09) 
 
"The primary target is securing Afghanistan against the Taliban. 
But it would be folly to think that an American leadership will 
spend scarce funds during a historic economic crisis to give 
Pakistan a free ride.  Mr. Biden, while taking a more comprehensive 
view of the developments in Afghanistan and Pakistan, makes no bones 
about the purpose of his policy: 'America will do more, but America 
will ask for more from our partners.'" 
 
"[Iran's] Denial Of Nuclear Cooperation From Pakistan," an editorial 
note in the leading mass circulation centrist Urdu daily "Jang" 
(cir. 300,000) (02/09) 
 
"The sole purpose of the baseless charges and apprehensions of the 
U.S. and other western circles that the Pakistan's nuclear arms 
might fall prey to the extremists and terrorists are that they want 
to give good reason for hitting the Pakistani nuclear program.  The 
western forces don't want to see a Muslim country to seek or develop 
the nuclear technology that is why there fears are linked with the 
nuclear program of Pakistan, Iran and Syria." 
 
"Hue And Cry Over Release Of Dr. Khan," an editorial note in the 
Karachi-based, pro Taliban Jihadi Urdu daily "Islam" (cir. 15,000) 
(02/09) 
 
"The big powers are raising hue and cry over the release of the 
Pakistani nuclear scientist Dr. Khan, and they think that his 
release will accelerate the wave of terrorism.  Obviously, who can 
be a bigger 'terrorist' other than Dr. A.Q. Khan, as he made a poor 
Muslim country a nuclear-armed state?  Someone must ask from these 
western powers that more than 200 nuclear bombs of Israel aren't a 
threat to anyone?  Or the thousands of nuclear bombs in the arsenals 
of the U.S., Britain, Germany and Russia are simple showpieces, and 
no one should be afraid of these 'playthings'? 
 
"Questions Stemming Out Of Dr. AQ Khan's Release," an editorial in 
Karachi based left-wing Sindhi Daily "Awami Awaz" (Cir. 70,000) 
(02/09) 
 
"With the release of Dr. Khan, it would become extremely difficult 
for the Government of Pakistan to avoid the demand of the western 
countries to permit the UN nuclear watchdog IAEA grill Dr. Khan on 
proliferation issue." 
 
"A.Q. Khan, Again," an op-ed by Ejaz Haider in the Lahore-based 
liberal English language daily "Daily Times" (cir. 10,000) (02/09) 
 
"The timing of the court verdict is interesting, come as it did just 
days before the four-day visit to Pakistan by Richard Holbrooke, 
President Obama's special representative for Afghanistan and 
Pakistan. Is there signaling involved here too, in addition to other 
factors that forced the government's hand in making the deal?  If 
there is, we need to discuss what exactly Islamabad wants to do with 
the U.S. and whether such a policy has been adequately debated." 
 
"Dealing With Terrorism," an editorial in the center-right Urdu 
daily "Pakistan" (cir. 10,000) (02/09) 
 
"U.S. Vice President Joe Biden says that the war against terrorism 
in Afghanistan can't succeed with Pakistan's participation.  On the 
other hand informed Pakistani circles believe that the terrorism in 
Pakistan was a result and reaction of Pakistan's Afghanistan policy. 
 They say that Pakistan would not have faced suicide attack had it 
not cooperated with America in the war on terror." 
 
"Encouraging Statement By The U.S. Vice President," an editorial in 
liberal Urdu daily "Express" (cir. 25,000) (02/09) 
 
"Talking in Munich, U.S. Vice President Joe Biden has said that no 
U.S. strategy in Afghanistan can succeed without Pakistan's' 
help....  U.S. Vice President's statement points towards favorable 
circumstances for Pakistan. It is said that Biden has a soft spot 
for Pakistan.  Pakistan should also establish cordial relations with 
the new U.S. administration so that its position in South Asia is 
strengthened." 
 
"U.S. Is Giving Second Thought To Afghanistan," an editorial in the 
Islamabad-based rightist English daily "Pakistan Observer" (cir. 
5,000) (02/09) 
 
"While the U.S. Vice President urged western countries in Munich to 
share responsibility in Afghanistan, NATO's Secretary General 
blasted Europe's reluctance to respond to American calls for more 
troops in Afghanistan.  Lack of any more interest in Afghanistan by 
major NATO countries was a message that might have forced the Obama 
Administration to have a new strategy for the area.  If and when it 
happens this will have a positive impact on this side of the Durand 
Line as well and help stabilize the situation." 
 
"Global And American Interests," an editorial in the Karachi-based 
center-right sensationalist Urdu daily "Ummat" (cir. 33,000) 
(02/09) 
 
"U.S. Vice President Joe Biden's speech at the Security Conference 
in Munich reflects new approach of the Obama Administration towards 
Pakistan and Afghanistan.  Though this change is not absolutely in 
the interest of these two countries, it does usher an era where U.S. 
feels compelling need of Pakistan to be a part of the solution. With 
a improved and vibrant diplomacy, Pakistan can remind the U.S. that 
President Bush had pledged to help resolve the Kashmir dispute as a 
reward of Pakistan's support in the war on terror.  Today when U.S. 
is entangled in Afghanistan, this is the right time to demand for 
the solution of Kashmir issue." 
 
"Foreign Minister's Protest Over Drone Attacks And Airspace 
Violation," an editorial in the Lahore-based independent Urdu daily 
"Din" (circ.5000) (02/09) 
 
"U.S. drone attacks point to the fact that the NATO troops have 
failed to control the terrorists in Afghanistan....  As a result of 
these drone attacks, hundreds of tribal women and children have been 
killed, despite being innocent....  Pakistan's foreign minister has 
said in Munich that the real causes for terrorism are unemployment 
and unfair division of resources.  Ever sane citizen of the world 
understands that terrorism cannot be eliminated until these issues 
remain unresolved." 
 
"Foreign Interference In Tribal Areas Must Be Stopped To Restore 
Peace In Tribal Areas," an editorial note in the popular rightist 
Urdu-language daily "Ausaf" (cir. 10,000) (02/09) 
 
"Although the present government initiated some steps to restore 
peace in the tribal areas, but the external forces changed this part 
of the world into a war theater to serve their own purpose.  The 
foreign interference is still there, and the drone attacks are not 
halted so far.  The growing law and order situation paved the way of 
economic downturn in the country.  Now it is essential to form a 
consultative committee in collaboration with all political and 
religious parties to bring back peace and harmony, and eliminate 
extremism from the border areas." 
 
"U.S. Arms For Sale," an editorial in the center-right national 
English daily "The Nation" (cir. 20,000) (02/09) 
 
"The sale of high-tech U.S. weapons in Peshawar is extremely 
disturbing to say the least....  It is quite alarming to learn that 
militant organizations like the Taliban and various others with 
their own terrorist agendas could easily acquire them posing a 
serious risk to the security of the country.  There are already 
reports indicating that a number of modern combat vehicles like 
Humvees are in possession of the Taliban.  That these weapons are 
falling into the hands of militants suggests that there is a whole 
mafia involved in weapon's acquisition and sale, apart from the 
looting of NATO convoys." 
 
"Terrorism Returns To Punjab," an editorial in the Lahore-based 
liberal English language daily "Daily Times" (cir. 10,000) (02/09) 
 
"As the Pakistan army has joined the battle against the terrorists 
in the Tribal Areas with an increasing number of victim populations 
giving it their backing, the warlords of Al Qaeda are activating 
their 'sleeping cells' in the Madarassa network of South Punjab.  So 
we should expect the wave of killings to come up north and strike 
central Punjab too, including Lahore, in a major way." 
 
"Obama's Fate," an op-ed by Dr. Haider Mehdi in the center-right 
national English daily "The Nation" (cir. 20,000) (02/09) 
 
"The fact of the matter is that the Taliban in Afghanistan and 
Pakistan are not the problem.  In absolute earnest, they can be the 
ultimate solution to political impasse in both countries.  The real 
problem is the Americans and their allies' occupation of 
Afghanistan.  End the political-military occupation and the 
so-called 'terrorism' will cease immediately.  But Obama will not be 
allowed to do so.  The primary motive for the 2005 invasion of 
Afghanistan was not to fight terrorism, but to create a base for the 
assertion of U.S. influence over the rich resources of former Soviet 
republics in Central Asia." 
 
"Honeymoon Over," an editorial in the centrist national English 
daily "The News" (cir. 55,000) (02/09) 
 
"President Obama has enjoyed the briefest of honeymoons after his 
inauguration on January 20.  The mess that the American economy was 
dragged into by the Bush administration is not going to go away, and 
the newly minted President has managed to shoot himself in the foot 
a couple of times already.  His appointment of at least two members 
of his cabinet who appear to be unable to correctly fill in their 
tax returns and consequently had to vacate the chairs they had only 
just begun to warm - looks bad.  Also not looking too good is the 
so-called 'stimulus package' that is currently rattling around in 
Congress....  President Obama may be new but the system he inherits 
is not, and if anybody thought that the works of Bush and Co. were 
easily undone then they lived in a fool's paradise." 
 
"U.S. Economic Stimulus," an editorial in the Karachi-based 
center-left independent national English daily "Dawn" (cir. 55,000) 
(02/09) 
 
"While the Democrats control the executive and the legislature, the 
spending plan ran into trouble in the Senate where they are two 
votes short of the 60 needed to pass a stimulus bill.  To fiscal 
conservatives in the Republican Party, President Obama's stimulus 
program is reckless and they would rather he focus on their economic 
panacea: tax cuts.  On the other hand, the Democratic Party has many 
liberals who fervently support bigger government.  But since the 
Democrats can't go it alone in the Senate, they have been forced to 
make concessions to win over moderate Republicans." 
Patterson