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UNCLAS ISLAMABAD 000297 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: KMDR KPAO OIIP OPRC PGOV PREL PK
SUBJECT:  PAKISTAN MEDIA REACTION: FEBRUARY 10, 2009 
 
Summary:  Reports on the U.S. Special Envoy Holbrooke's "exploratory 
trip" to Islamabad received front-page coverage in all newspapers 
today.  All newspapers quoted him as saying that he is here "to 
listen and learn the ground realities of this critically important 
country."  At the same time, all newspapers highlighted report that 
the Defense Committee of the Federal Cabinet described the Delhi's 
dossier (on Mumbai attacks) as "insufficient", and called on India 
to provide "substantial evidence" to reach a logical conclusion. 
Several major dailies reported that the U.S. Ambassador Patterson 
met Pakistani officials to "express U.S. concern" over the Pakistani 
High Court ruling that declared Dr. Khan a free citizen.  Likewise, 
reports on the government's decision to "impose new curbs on Dr. 
Khan after the U.S and Britain expressed serious concern over his 
release" were also received prominent display. 
 
Today most major dailies ran editorials on the pros and cons of Mr. 
Holbrooke's current visit to Pakistan, and any possible change in 
the U.S. approach on Afghanistan and Pakistan.  The prestigious 
English language daily, "Dawn," observed that "Mr. Holbrooke's task 
will be to ensure Pakistan's cooperation while trying to assure it 
that the days of a 'transactional' relationship between the U.S. and 
Pakistan are firmly in the past."  Whereas, the second largest Urdu 
language daily, "Nawa-i-Waqt," connoted that the "war continuation 
in Afghanistan might prove President Obama as the Gorbachev of the 
U.S. as the country faces worst economic crisis due to the war." 
The mass circulation Urdu daily, "Jang," while terming the Mr. 
Holbrooke's visit as crucial opined that "he will be able to 
comprehend the Pakistan's point of view more clearly, and will 
definitely put forward viable proposals to the U.S. Administration 
consistent with the ground realities."  End Summary. 
 
----------------- 
News Stories 
----------------- 
 
"Holbrooke Arrives On 'Exploratory Trip'" "Dawn" (02/10) 
 
"U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan Ambassador 
Richard Holbrooke arrived in Islamabad on Monday on an 'orientation 
and exploratory trip' ahead of a policy review for the region by the 
Obama administration.  'As President Obama's and Secretary of State 
Clinton's Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, I am 
here to listen and learn the ground realities of this critically 
important country,' Ambassador Holbrooke said on arrival." 
 
"Pak-Afghan Bad Blood Behind Holbrooke's Appointment" "Dawn" 
(02/10) 
 
"U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton opted for a special envoy 
for Afghanistan and Pakistan after having witnessed the bad blood 
between the countries' leaders, she said in an interview with the 
New York Times, released on Monday." 
 
"Ball Back In Delhi's Court" "Dawn" (02/10) 
 
"Pakistan has described the information provided by India on the 
Mumbai attacks as 'insufficient' to reach a logical conclusion and 
bring the alleged perpetrators to justice.  Reviewing a report 
prepared by the Federal Investigation Agency, the Defense Committee 
of the Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani decided 
on Monday that Pakistan would also send a dossier to India with 
several questions required for investigation into the case." 
 
"Pakistan To Register Case In Mumbai Attacks" "The News" (02/10) 
 
"Pakistan has made it clear that without substantial evidence from 
India it will be exceedingly difficult to complete the investigation 
into the Mumbai attacks and proceed with the case, said an official 
statement released after the meeting of the Defense Committee of the 
Cabinet (DCC) chaired by Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani on 
Monday." 
 
"FBI Woman Accused Of Sexually Harassing Indian Terror Suspect" 
"Dawn" (02/10) 
 
"An Indian suspect being probed in the wider conspiracy to stage the 
November terrorist attacks in Mumbai has accused a woman officer of 
the FBI of sexually abusing him during his interrogation, Indian 
news reports said on Monday." 
"U.S. Seeks Solid Assurances Over A.Q. Khan" "The News" (02/10) 
 
"The United States has sought 'solid' assurances from Pakistan it 
will take steps to prevent freed nuclear scientist A.Q. Khan from 
nuclear proliferation in the future, a senior U.S. official said on 
Monday.  U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan Anne Patterson met Pakistani 
government officials on Sunday to express U.S. concern over the 
Pakistani High Court ruling on Friday that declared Khan a free 
citizen, said a senior State Department official." 
 
"Patterson Rejects Gillani's Concern At Drone Attacks" "The Post" 
(02/10) 
 
"U.S. Ambassador in Pakistan Anne W. Patterson called on Prime 
Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani in Islamabad at Prime Minister House on 
Monday.  Both the leaders discussed the issues pertaining to the 
progress made in connection with the investigation of Mumbai 
attacks, law and order situation and peace in the region and 
strengthening of bilateral relations between the two countries. 
U.S. envoy has rejected the PM's concern regarding drone attacks in 
tribal areas and took the stance that U.S. administration had the 
right to take action against militants in any part of the world to 
free the world from terrorism; which necessitated drone attacks, 
until it deemed necessary, and the new U.S. Administration had 
already conveyed its stance to Pakistan." 
 
"Govt. Imposes New Curbs On Dr. Khan" "Dawn" (02/10) 
 
"The government is reported to have stopped nuclear scientist Dr. 
Abdul Qadeer Khan from meeting people after the United States and 
Britain expressed serious concern over his release on a court 
order." 
 
"Dr. Khan Remains Potential Risk: U.S." "Dawn" (02/10) 
 
"The United States warned Pakistan on Monday that it believed Dr. 
A.Q. Khan could indulge in further proliferation activities and said 
it would remain engaged with Islamabad over the decision to release 
the nuclear scientist, State Department's deputy spokesman Robert 
Wood said at a regular briefing in Washington." 
 
"Movement Of Dr. Khan Restricted, U.S. Assured" "Dawn" (02/10) 
 
"President Asif Ali Zardari has assured the United States that the 
movement of scientist Abdul Qadeer Khan was still restricted, the 
New York Times said quoting a Pakistan government official.  Mr. 
Khan would be barred from foreign travel and from making financial 
transactions, the official told the Times." 
 
"Musharraf Sees Pressure After Dr. Khan's Release" "Daily Times" 
(02/10) 
 
"Former president Pervez Musharraf on Monday warned that 
international pressure on Pakistan would increase after the release 
of nuclear scientist Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan, a private TV channel 
reported." 
 
"U.K. Appoints Special Envoy For Pakistan, Afghanistan" "Dawn" 
(02/10) 
 
"Britain appointed its own Special Representative for Afghanistan 
and Pakistan and named Sir Sherard Cowper-Coles, currently its 
Ambassador to Afghanistan, for the post on the day U.S. President 
Obama's Special Representative for the two countries arrived in 
Islamabad." 
 
"Tarin Wants U.S. Aid Free Of Conditions" "The News" (02/10) 
 
"Pakistan has asked the Obama administration not to attach stringent 
conditions with proposed Kerry-Lugar bill for providing $15 billion 
non-military aid over the next 10 years, saying that the 
conditionalities would not serve any purpose to help out Pakistan in 
this difficult hour of the need, Advisor to Prime Minister on 
Finance Shaukat Tarin said while talking to reporters in Islamabad 
on Monday." 
 
"Kayani To Visit U.S. This Month" "Dawn" (02/10) 
 
"Chief of Army Staff Gen. Ashfaq Parvez Kayani is coming to the 
United States later this month amid a major review of the U.S. 
strategy towards Afghanistan and Pakistan....  Gen. Kayani arrives 
on February 22 on a week-long trip on the invitation of Gen. George 
¶W. Casey, Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army." 
 
"ISI Briefs Foreign Military Advisors" "Daily Times" (02/10) 
 
"Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) officials on Monday gave a rare 
briefing to military advisers and attachs of foreign missions based 
in Islamabad, a private TV channel reported.  The briefing covered 
the prevailing security situation and the war on terror, with 
evidence being provided of foreign interference in subversive 
activities in NWFP and Balochistan." 
 
"U.S. Choppers, Drones Violate Pakistan Airspace" "The News" 
(02/10) 
 
"The U.S. gunship choppers violated Pakistan airspace thrice within 
14 hours and were seen flying over the area for 15 minutes on 
Monday, while dozens of head of cattle were killed when mortar 
shells fired from across the border fell in the border villages of 
North Waziristan Agency." 
 
"Suicide Attack On Police Post Near Bannu; 18 Injured" "Dawn" 
(02/10) 
 
"A suicide bomber rammed his explosives-laden pick-up into a police 
checkpoint on the Baran Pul in Miramshah, five kilometers from Bannu 
on Monday.  Eighteen security personnel were injured in the blast." 
 
"11 Children Among 26 Killed In Darra Shelling" "The News" (02/10) 
 
"A soldier and 25 persons, including 11 children, were killed while 
38 others sustained injuries when mortar shells hit some houses 
during ongoing clashes between security forces and militants in 
Qasimkhel area of Darra Adamkhel on Monday." 
 
"6 Militants Killed In Bajaur Bombing" "The News" (02/10) 
 
"Amid an indefinite curfew clamped by the political administration, 
the security forces continued pounding suspected hideouts of Taliban 
fighters, killing six more alleged militants and injuring several 
others, including women, in different parts of the restive Bajaur 
tribal region on Monday." 
 
"Five Militants Among 9 Die In Swat" "The News" (02/10) 
 
"Nine people - five of them militants - were killed and 11 others, 
including six soldiers, injured in artillery shelling and incidents 
of violence in military-infested Swat Valley on Monday." 
 
"Taliban Torch Boys' School In Swat" "Daily Times" (02/10) 
 
"Suspected Taliban torched a boys' school and a Basic Health Unit 
(BHU) in Matta tehsil of Swat on Monday.  Following the torching of 
this school, the total number of destroyed schools in Swat has 
reached 190, of which 122 are boys' schools and 68 are girls'." 
 
--------------------- 
Editorials/Op-eds 
--------------------- 
 
"Special Envoy's Agenda," an editorial in the Karachi-based 
center-left independent national English daily "Dawn" (cir. 55,000) 
(02/10) 
 
"Mr. Holbrooke is no shrinking violet but Pakistan surely is a 
unique challenge.  To understand the Americans' approach to Pakistan 
we must begin with flagging up their interests in Afghanistan.... 
FATA has become a hub of militancy from where attacks are planned 
and launched into Afghanistan, giving rise to two American demands: 
eliminate the sanctuaries in FATA and crack down on cross-border 
movement of militants.  Second, Pakistan is a critical supply 
corridor for international troops in Afghanistan....  From this 
security-conscious outlook, Mr. Holbrooke's task will be to ensure 
Pakistan's cooperation while trying to assure it that the days of a 
'transactional' relationship between the U.S. and Pakistan are 
firmly in the past." 
 
"Afghan War: Mr. Holbrooke, Victory Is Not Difficult, It Is 
Impossible," an editorial in the second-largest, center-right 
nationalist Urdu daily "Nawa-i-Waqt" (cir. 125,000) (02/10) 
 
"U.S. special representatives on Pakistan and Afghanistan Richard 
Holbrooke warned allies of grave difficulties in the way to success 
in the war in Afghanistan....  According to a Newsweek report, 
America knows about the ineffectiveness of Karzai and the fact that 
it is losing the war.  This is why the administration is getting 
directly in touch with governors in Afghanistan....  The war 
continuation in Afghanistan might prove President Obama as the 
Gorbachev of America as the country faces worst economic crisis due 
to the war....  Isn't its better for America to learn from its 
mistakes and expand the 'slogan of change' to Pakistan and 
Afghanistan?  This is in the U.S. interest." 
 
"Acknowledgment Of Failure Of U.S. Policy On Afghanistan," an 
editorial in the leading mass circulation centrist Urdu daily "Jang" 
(cir. 300,000) (02/10) 
 
"U.S. Special Envoy Richard Holbrooke has attested the U.S. failure 
in Afghanistan as saying that fighting the insurgency in Afghanistan 
could prove tougher than in Iraq.  The Obama Administration must 
understand his stand and change its policies accordingly.  Mr. 
Holbrooke's visit to Pakistan is very crucial as he will be able to 
comprehend the Pakistan's point of view more clearly, and will 
definitely put forward viable proposals to the U.S. Administration 
consistent with the ground realities.  Now as the U.S. policy makers 
have realized the failure of their policy on Afghanistan, they must 
change their strategy and adopt a positive approach to get resolve 
this issue immediately." 
 
"Appeal To Richard Holbrooke," an editorial note in the popular 
rightist Urdu-language daily "Ausaf" (cir. 10,000) (02/10) 
 
"If the people of the U.S. and the European countries become sad and 
distressed over killing of a dog crushed beneath a car, why do they 
keep mum over the terrible state terrorism against the Kashmiri 
people in Indian held Kashmir?  It is a hard reality that the 
Kashmir issue has made hostage the peace and harmony in South Asia, 
and both Pakistan and India have been undergoing through a sort of 
cold war for the last several decades.  If the U.S. wants to see 
this part of the world peaceful and serene, free from hatred and 
hostilities, it will have to help resolve Kashmir issue, and develop 
congenial ties with Afghan people." 
 
"Obama Aide Richard Holbrooke's Views," an editorial in the 
center-right Urdu daily "Pakistan" (cir. 10,000) (02/10) 
 
"We submit that if you [Richard Holbrooke] have concluded that Bush 
policies did not lead to anything positive then prudence demands 
holding of political dialogue for peace.  Moreover, Mr. Holbrooke 
admitted that terrorism in the region can't be uprooted without 
resolving the Kashmir dispute....  In order to create conducive 
atmosphere for peace talks it is imperative to halt bombing at 
Pakistan tribal areas." 
 
"U.S. Officials' Concern Over Afghanistan And The Kashmir Issue," an 
editorial in the Lahore-based independent Urdu daily "Din" (circ. 
5000) (02/10) 
 
"During U.S. Envoy's visit to Pakistan, the issue that needs to be 
raised is that the difficult Afghan war can be won only through 
strengthening Pakistan, not weakening it - and for that it is 
necessary to stop India from becoming a regional cop.  A major 
portion of Pakistan's defense and diplomatic efforts are linked with 
Kashmir. Dreams of peace in South Asia and victory in Afghanistan 
cannot be fulfilled by neglecting Kashmir." 
 
"Richard Holbrooke's Stance On Kashmir, Afghanistan," an editorial 
in liberal Urdu daily "Express" (cir.25, 000) (02/10) 
 
"Mr. Holbrooke has also emphasized on the need to resolve the 
Kashmir issue for peace in the region. Earlier on, President Obama 
had repeatedly mentioned the importance of resolving the Kashmir 
issue. These [acts] demonstrate his interest in the matter...  It is 
hoped that Mr. Holbrooke, as the President's Special Representative, 
would use all his energies and skills in trying to resolve this 
issues. It is not very farfetched to think that these issues would 
be resolved peacefully during his [President's Obama's] tenure." 
 
"Afghanistan And The Kashmir Issue: U.S. Officials' Latest Views," 
an editorial in the Lahore-based populist center-right Urdu daily 
"Khabrain" (cir. 50,000) (02/10) 
 
"The U.S. needs to stop aggression in Afghanistan and bring India 
towards the negotiating table on Kashmir issue, because as American 
officials themselves are admitting, the region will be cleansed of 
unrest and terrorism only if the Kashmir issue is resolved." 
 
"Holbrooke Lands In Troubled Waters," an editorial in the 
Lahore-based liberal English language daily "Daily Times" (cir. 
10,000) (02/10) 
 
"He (Mr. Holbrooke) did a good job in Bosnia but the Balkans, 
despite Serb savagery, were still much easier than this part of the 
world where at least two states are armed with nuclear weapons and 
that fact reduces the ability of external actors, even one as 
powerful as the United States, to influence their behavior." 
 
"Need To Change Policy To Combat Terrorism," an editorial in the 
Lahore-based independent Urdu daily "Waqt" (circ. 5000) (02/10) 
 
"In the current scenario, it is important for the Pakistani 
leadership not to be complacent that Pakistan is not being declared 
a terrorist state or that the world is supporting us, and has not 
succumbed to anti-Pakistan propaganda.  They also need to look into 
how best to deal with those who want to term Pakistan a failed state 
and want to damage Pakistan's solidarity and are tightening the 
noose at every level.  It is hoped that the new U.S. President will 
change all such policies due to which the world has been 
devastated." 
 
"A New Approach," an editorial in the center-right national English 
daily "The Nation" (cir. 20,000) (02/10) 
 
"As it undertakes a policy review the Obama Administration needs to 
realize the futility of the policy of reliance on military means 
alone to end insurgency in Afghanistan, and its fallout on 
Pakistan....  There is a need under the circumstances to stop the 
drone attacks which have caused widespread resentment.  To stabilize 
the tribal areas, large-scale economic development should be 
undertaken....  The Obama Administration has won elections on the 
promises of peace in Iraq. It must not get bogged down in 
Afghanistan now." 
 
"Beyond Borders," an editorial in the centrist national English 
daily "The News" (cir. 55,000) (02/10) 
 
"Addressing the 45th Security Conference at Munich, Shah Mehmood 
Qureshi stressed that only an approach worked out collectively 
between nations in the South Asian region could successfully 
overcome militancy....  Greater security and harmony in South Asia 
would benefit the poverty-stricken people who live here.  And an 
improvement in their plight would eventually serve as the most 
potent weapon to use against the militancy that remains the biggest 
threat to stability and safety in the region." 
 
"Pakistan's Loss," an editorial in the Karachi-based center-right 
sensationalist Urdu daily "Ummat" (cir. 33,000) (02/10) 
 
"Pakistan Foreign Minister Qureshi while addressing at the Security 
Conference in Munich has held that his country incurred loss worth 
35 billion dollars owing to the ongoing war on terror.  Last year, 
more or less two thousand Pakistanis lost their lives in 
approximately 600 terrorist attacks. We believe that whenever the 
U.S. and its allies criticize the Pakistan's performance in the 
global war on terror, they must consider these facts, indeed, 
Pakistan has suffered enormous losses while playing pivotal role in 
this drive." 
 
"The Holbrooke Mission," an op-ed by Shahid Javed Burki in the 
Karachi-based center-left independent national English daily "Dawn" 
(cir. 55,000) (02/10) 
 
"Richard Holbrooke begins his mission to Afghanistan and Pakistan at 
a particularly difficult time for the two countries....  At this 
time Pakistan is faced with a perfect storm: its political system 
and the structure of its economy are in tatters.  Both need to be 
fixed....  How could Holbrooke help the country make progress in 
developing a system of governance that is durable and meets the 
wishes of the people?  He could possibly play the role of an 
intermediary for different political groups.  However, it is in 
economics that the United States could be really helpful." 
 
"American General Admits," an editorial in the Karachi-based 
right-wing pro-Jamaat-e-Islami Urdu daily "Jasarat" (cir. 3,000) 
(02/10) 
 
"U.S. General David Petraeus has admitted that Afghanistan has 
become a burial ground for foreign forces.  It is surprising that 
despite realizing this truth, why does the U.S. Administration still 
consider sending additional 30,000 troops to Afghanistan?  Perhaps, 
they (Americans) have refused to learn lesson from the history, and 
continue to inflict destruction on Afghan people." 
 
"Pakistan Cannot Afford Such Incidents," an editorial in the 
Lahore-based liberal English language daily "Daily Times" (cir. 
10,000) (02/10) 
 
"The engineer (Piotr Stanczak, a Polish Geologist) was abducted from 
a settled area bordering NWFP and shows the reach of terrorist 
groups.  We also do not know what efforts the government mounted to 
get him released but it does not seem that Islamabad was losing too 
much sleep over the incident.  This plays right into the hands of 
elements who want Pakistan isolated economically, socially and 
diplomatically.  Their savagery is indicative of their strategy. 
Unlike Pakistan, which needs to assure the world that it is a safe 
place, the Taliban have no PR campaign to run.  For them acts such 
as this is a plus factor in terms of what they need to signal to the 
world." 
 
"Barbarians Rule?," an editorial in the centrist national English 
daily "The News" (cir. 55,000) (02/10) 
 
"The threat to other foreign nationals must have sent a chill 
through every foreign embassy and consulate in the country.  It will 
have sent fear into the hearts and heads of those who come from 
far-off lands as volunteer doctors, nurses, teachers and engineers 
and is a powerful advertisement for just how heedless of normative 
values - and powerful - these Taliban groups have become.  They are 
beyond the law or the writ of the state and now murder at will our 
guests, our friends and supporters, and unless stopped in their 
tracks, and soon, will establish their own writ across this scarred 
and mangled land....  The point, and we are perilously close to it, 
at which it may be said that the extremists have won.  We are not at 
that point yet, but it is going to take decisive action to ensure we 
never reach it." 
 
"Terrorist Targets," an editorial in the centrist national English 
daily "The News" (cir. 55,000) (02/10) 
 
"The destruction of life in that (Swat) valley has been swift and 
the assault came unexpectedly.  The same sequence of events can be 
replicated in other places.  The most recent attack has shown the 
terrorists are capable of striking in Punjab too....  For these 
reasons we need a holistic, carefully planned policy to defeat them. 
There is no alternative....  Otherwise the dangers we face will grow 
and the demoralization within security forces will increase, further 
impeding the ability to tackle terrorism." 
 
"The Remaking Of America," an op-ed by Roedad Khan in the centrist 
national English daily "The News" (cir. 55,000) (02/10) 
 
"If you want to know what happens to an ill-led and ill-governed 
small country which attaches itself to a powerful country like the 
United States, visit Pakistan.  Nuclear Pakistan has lost its 
independence.  It is now virtually an American satellite and is 
portrayed in American media as a 'retriever dog.'  Pakistan lost its 
manhood, its honor, its dignity, and its sense of self-respect 
during the presidency of George W. Bush....  The decision to send 
additional troops to Afghanistan is simply an extension of the 
failed policy of George W. Bush.  Beefing up the American occupation 
in Afghanistan is not the solution.  It is part of the problem.  The 
presence of foreign troops on their soil is perceived by Afghans as 
deeply humiliating, a constant reminder of the loss of everything 
they cherish, everything they hold dear: Freedom, sovereignty, 
liberties, honor and national pride.  They will never accept foreign 
occupation of their country.  The least America can do in its own 
national interest is to follow the first rule of holes and stop 
digging." 
Patterson