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UNCLAS ISLAMABAD 000330 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: KMDR KPAO OIIP OPRC PGOV PREL PK
SUBJECT:  PAKISTAN MEDIA REACTION: FEBRUARY 17, 2009 
 
Summary:  Reports on the joint declaration of a "Sharia-based 
judicial system for Malakand (Swat) and Kohistan" following an 
agreement between the NWFP government and the Tehrik Nifaz-i-Shariat 
Muhammadi (TNSM) dominated all front pages on Tuesday.  Newspapers 
also front-paged Information Minister Sherry Rehman's remarks that 
"President Zardari will not endorse Malakand Pact until peace 
restored" in Swat valley.  Reports on the "first ever drone attack 
in Kurram tribal region killing 26 suspected militants" received 
extensive coverage in all newspapers.  Several major dailies 
highlighted U.S. Special Envoy Holbrooke's statement that an 
"Islamic militancy in Pakistan's Swat region is a common threat to 
the U.S., India and Pakistan."  All newspapers reported former 
President Musharraf's remarks that a "conspiracy was being hatched 
to weaken Pakistan by launching a 'malicious campaign' against the 
(Pakistan) Army and the ISI." 
 
Most newspapers ran editorials on the implications of the recent 
declaration of "Sharia-based judicial system" in the insurgency-hit 
Swat valley and the adjacent areas.  Criticizing the move, the 
independent English daily, "Dawn," noted that "such drives end up 
being superficial, making crimes out of 'sin,' targeting popular 
culture, purging society of 'western' influence, and leaving 
untouched the main issue of providing justice to the common man." 
Similarly, the centrist national daily, "The News," lamented that 
"this deal shows that the Pakistan military has in fact been 
defeated by the militants; that we are now incapable of retaining 
control of vast tracts of our own territory."  Conversely, the 
center-right nationalist daily, "Nawa-i-Waqt," opined that the "U.S. 
policy to use force has turned Swat into hell after the tribal areas 
and this policy has led to terrorism in other parts of Pakistan. 
This is why we should not listen to the hue and cry raised against 
this agreement by America and its local cohorts."  The 
Islamabad-based daily, "Pakistan Observer," observed that "it is 
regrettable that some people adopted violent means for realization 
of such a highly noble objective, which is apparently in direct 
conflict with the teachings of Islam."  End Summary. 
 
----------------- 
News Stories 
----------------- 
 
"Shariah-Based System Tied To Peace In Swat" "Dawn" (02/17) 
 
"NWFP Chief Minister Ameer Haider Hoti announced a Shariah-based 
judicial system for Malakand and Kohistan on Monday, but denied that 
the proposed system was similar to the one introduced by Taliban in 
Afghanistan.  The Chief Minister linked the enforcement of the 
system with restoration of peace and resumption of proper 
functioning of state institutions in Swat." 
 
"Deal Linked With Peace In Swat" "The Nation" (02/17) 
 
"In a press release issued in Islamabad on Monday, Federal Minister 
for Information and Broadcasting Sherry Rehman has said that 
President Zardari will approve the Nizam-e-Adl Regulation after the 
restoration of peace in Swat region." 
 
"Malakand Accord Step In Right Direction: PM" "Dawn" (02/17) 
 
"Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani said on Monday that the accord on 
enforcing Nizam-e-Adl Regulation in Malakand was a step in the right 
direction which would pave way for restoration of peace in Swat. 
After that troops would be pulled out of the valley, he said, while 
talking to reporters in Islamabad." 
 
"Army To Obey Deal Between NWFP Govt., TNSM: ISPR" "Daily Times" 
(02/17) 
 
"The Pakistan army will abide by the deal between the NWFP 
government and the Tehreek-e-Nifaz-e-Shariat Muhammadi (TNSM), 
Inter-Service Public Relations spokesman Major General Athar Abbas 
said on Monday. Talking to a private TV channel, Athar said the 
military had been asked to back off, but it would only respond if 
attacked." 
 
"U.S. Monitoring Swat Peace Deal" "The Nation" (02/17) 
 
"U.S. special envoy for Pakistan and Afghanistan Richard Holbrooke 
has said the United States is closely monitoring the peace deal and 
Shariah imposition in Pakistan's northwestern districts, apparently 
aimed at pacifying a spreading Taliban insurgency in the region." 
 
"Australia Hails Swat Deal" "The News" (02/17) 
 
"Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith on Monday welcomed the 
Swat Agreement as a positive development, saying problems cannot be 
resolved through military means alone.  Addressing a joint news 
conference along with Foreign Minister Mahmood Qureshi in Islamabad, 
Smith said there was also a need to pursue dialogue and development 
as part of the counter-terrorism strategy." 
 
"Malakand Peace Deal Gets Broad Political Support" "Dawn" (02/17) 
 
"Leaders of most political parties and Tehrik Nifaz-i-Shariat 
Muhammadi on Monday extended their support to the NWFP government's 
decision to enforce Islamic system in Malakand and restore peace in 
the region." 
 
"Religio-Political Parties Back Nizam-e-Adl" "The News" (02/17) 
 
"Except Jamaat-e-Islami, all other political and religious parties 
and public representatives from Malakand Division participated in 
the consultative meeting (Jirga) held at Chief Minister's House 
about Nizam-e-Adl Regulation on Tuesday and appreciated the move as 
a step towards peace in the volatile Swat valley." 
 
"Govt.-TNSM Deal A High Risk Affair" "The News" (02/17) 
 
"Islamabad's decision to sign a peace deal with the 
Tehrik-e-Nifaz-e-Shariaht-e-Muhammadi by enforcing the 'Sharai 
Nizam-e-Adl Regulation' in the Malakand division of the NWFP, 
primarily to bring back peace to the Swat valley, is a highly risky 
affair for both Maulana Sufi Mohammad and the government since both 
sides have put their credibility at stake and will have to prove in 
the coming days that they are capable of honoring their part of the 
treaty unlike the past." 
 
"TTP Welcomes Shariah Regulation" "The News" (02/17) 
 
"Welcoming the draft of the Shariah Regulation, the Taliban leaders 
on Monday expressed the confidence that the government would 
implement it in letter and spirit." 
 
"Swatis Are Flying High As West Is At A Loss" "The News" (02/17) 
 
"People in Swat and rest of Malakand division heaved a sigh of 
relief and expressed happiness following the announcement that 
Nizam-e-Adl Regulation was being enforced in their area but in 
keeping with expectations the Western capitals appear apprehensive 
and their media is critical of the decision." 
 
"First Drone Attack In Kurram Agency Kills 26; Most Of The Dead Were 
Afghan Nationals" "The News" (02/17) 
 
"The U.S. spy planes on Monday carried out first ever attack in 
Kurram tribal region, killing 26 suspected militants and seriously 
injuring several others, official sources said." 
 
"Pakistan, India And U.S. Are In The Same Boat: Holbrooke" "The 
News" (02/17) 
 
"An Islamist militancy in Pakistan's Swat region is a common threat 
to the United States, India and Pakistan, a special U.S. envoy 
Richard Holbrooke said on Monday, after meeting India's Foreign 
Minister and top security officials." 
 
"Mischief Afoot Against Army, ISI, Says Musharraf" "Dawn" (02/17) 
 
"Denouncing claims that he secretly supported the Taliban during his 
days in power, former President Gen. (R) Pervez Musharraf said on 
Monday that a conspiracy was being hatched to weaken Pakistan by 
launching a 'malicious campaign' against the Army and the 
Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI)." 
 
"Official Account Of How U.S. Bugged Pak Generals" "The News" 
(02/16) 
 
"A new book by a New York Times journalist has leveled serious 
allegations against Pakistan and its Army claiming the telephones of 
all senior officers, including the COAS General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani 
were bugged by Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and National 
Security Agency (NSA), the main eavesdropping U.S. agencies around 
the world.  The book written by David E Sanger, which has hit the 
stands a few days back, claims that the American intelligence 
agencies were intercepting telephonic conversations of Army officers 
and the decision to attack Pakistan through drones was taken after 
one such high level conversation was intercepted claiming the 
Taliban as a 'strategic asset' for Pakistan.  The book, titled 'The 
Inheritance: The World Obama Confronts and the challenges to 
American power' claims the decision to invade Pakistani territories 
was taken after the CIA reached a conclusion that the ISI was 
absolutely in complete coordination with the Taliban." 
 
"No Link Between Military, Militants: FM" "The Post" (02/17) 
 
"Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has denied link between 
Pakistan army and militants saying there are certain elements 
outside who want to create differences between Pakistan army and 
government, he said this in an exclusive chat with CNN." 
 
"Military Claims Killing Five Militants In Bajaur" "The New" 
(02/17) 
 
"Amid speculations of a possible peace agreement between the 
government and the militants affiliated with the banned 
Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Bajaur Agency chapter, security 
forces claimed to have killed five insurgents and injured several 
others during shelling by jetfighters in various parts of the 
troubled tribal region." 
 
"U.S., U.K. Anti-Terror Tactics Undermined Int'l Law: ICJ" "The 
Nation" (02/17) 
 
"The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) on Monday in its most 
extensive studies of counter-terrorism and human rights said that 
the U.K. and the U.S. in the past seven years have 'actively 
undermined' international law in the way they fight terrorism." 
 
"India Hikes Defense Budget By 35 Per Cent" "The New" (02/17) 
 
"India has increased its defence budget by 35 per cent in the next 
fiscal (2009-10) as compared with the last year's defence budget, 
citing changed security environment after the Mumbai attacks, 
pumping in an additional amount of Rs 361 billion." 
 
"CIA Helped Pakistan, India On 26/11" "The Nation" (02/17) 
 
"The U.S. Central Intelligence Agency helped arrange back-channel 
intelligence exchanges between India and Pakistan in the wake of the 
Mumbai attacks in order to avoid conflict between the two nations, 
The Washington Post reported Monday." 
 
"Cotton Lab Closed On U.S. Demand" "Dawn" (02/17) 
 
"Pakistan has closed down the country's oldest and biggest cotton 
laboratory in Karachi after a request by the United States, which 
plans to house a part of its Consulate there, Agriculture Secretary 
Ziaur Rehman told the Public Accounts Committee on Monday in 
Islamabad." 
 
--------------------- 
Editorials/Op-eds 
--------------------- 
 
"Shariah Nizam-e-Adl," an editorial in the Karachi-based center-left 
independent national English daily "Dawn" (cir. 55,000) (02/17) 
 
"The latest Shariah Nizam-e-Adl regulation that is to be imposed in 
the Malakand region will neither address the people's demand for 
justice nor help in defeating the militants.  Informed debate on the 
issue has been hampered by the complex legal and political history 
of the area which is often not fully understood. But experience 
tells us that such drives end up being superficial, making crimes 
out of 'sin,' targeting popular culture, purging society of 
'western' influence, and leaving untouched the main issue of 
providing justice to the common man." 
 
"Shariah In Swat," an editorial in the centrist national English 
daily "The News" (cir. 55,000) (02/17) 
"The fact is that this deal shows that the Pakistan military has in 
fact been defeated by the militants; that we are now incapable of 
retaining control of vast tracts of our own territory.  This has 
implications for other parts of the country, where militants hold 
sway.  The day may come when a decision is made to strike deals 
there too - and by doing so allow the militants to seize control of 
a people whose government no longer seems able to protect them or 
safeguard their rights as citizens." 
 
"Shariah Implementation In Malakand; The Duty Of The Provincial And 
Federal Governments And Taliban Leadership," an editorial in the 
second-largest, center-right nationalist Urdu daily "Nawa-i-Waqt" 
(cir. 125,000) (02/17) 
 
"America would surely be wary of enforcement of Shariah and oppose 
agreement with those who are devout Muslims....  The first ever U.S. 
predator drone attack on Kurram Agency is a bid to open up a new 
front....  The U.S. policy to use force has turned Swat into hell 
after the tribal areas and this policy has led to terrorism in other 
parts of Pakistan.  This is why we should not listen to the hue and 
cry raised against this agreement by America and its local 
cohorts." 
 
"Enforcement Of Shariah In Malakand," an editorial in the 
Islamabad-based rightist English daily "Pakistan Observer" (cir. 
5,000) (02/17) 
 
"It is, however, regrettable that some people adopted violent means 
for realization of such a highly noble objective, which is 
apparently in direct conflict with the teachings of Islam that calls 
for promotion of peace, brotherhood, tolerance.  Anyhow, the new 
arrangement can lead to durable peace in the troubled region and, 
therefore, needs to be implemented in letter and in spirit." 
 
"Swat Agreement," an editorial in the center-right national English 
daily "The Nation" (cir. 20,000) (02/17) 
 
"There is a need to hold talks with all militant groups who are 
willing to accept the supremacy of the Constitution and the writ of 
the state.  It would be a bad practice, however, if a parallel legal 
system was to be introduced in a part of the country, over and above 
Parliament.  The agreement needs to be brought before the National 
Assembly for debate." 
 
"Swat Sharia And Taliban," an editorial in the Lahore-based liberal 
English language daily "Daily Times" (cir. 10,000) (02/17) 
 
"We fervently hope that Shariah in Swat brings peace as well as 
justice to the benighted population of the valley.  But the bottom 
line, which no student of political science in the world will deny, 
is that a state of justice cannot exist without a proper writ of the 
state.  It is the obligation of the state of Pakistan to 
re-establish its writ in the region before people can taste the 
fruit of justice." 
 
"Shariah Accord," an editorial in the Lahore-based liberal English 
daily "The Post" (cir. 5,000) (02/17) 
 
"Some critics of the accord fear that the U.S. may object to it, 
terming it a concession to the extremists....  This time the U.S. 
cannot object if through minor changes in the judicial system, 
violence can be controlled and army can be diverted to fighting the 
war against terrorism." 
 
"Implementation Of Agreement - Responsibilities Of Both Parties," an 
editorial in the leading mass circulation centrist Urdu daily "Jang" 
(cir. 300,000) (02/17) 
 
"Following the enforcement of Islamic laws in Swat valley, if 
Taliban do not discard their persistence to form a parallel 
administration and to establish their writ in the area, there is 
likelihood that the agreement between the government and Taliban 
will not prove productive. Indeed, in principle no one can disagree 
to the idea of implementation of Islamic laws, but the scheme of 
challenging the writ of the government and establishing a state 
within a state is not consistent with the national interest, 
independence, and security." 
 
"Agreement On Islamic Laws In Swat Must Be Implemented In Letter And 
Spirit," an editorial in the popular rightist Urdu-language daily 
"Ausaf" (cir. 10,000) (02/17) 
 
"There is no credence to the criticism of some analysts and critics 
that two parallel system cannot go side by side in a country.  In 
fact there are several systems prevalent in Pakistan at the moment. 
Therefore, there is no reason to oppose the idea of Islamic laws in 
Swat valley." 
 
"Swat: Deal Between The Taliban And The Provincial Government," an 
editorial in the center-right Urdu daily "Pakistan" (cir. 10,000) 
(02/17) 
 
"All sensitive citizens of Pakistan are thankful to Maulana Sufi 
Muhammad for his decision to stop the bloodletting in Swat and 
convince the parties to hold talks for peace.  His courageous 
decision seems to be the source to restore peace in Swat....  The 
government should also open heartedly go for political dialogue in 
the tribal areas." 
 
"Nizam-e-Adl Regulation: A Ray Of Hope For Peace," an editorial in 
liberal Urdu daily "Express" (cir. 100,000) (02/17) 
 
"This deal proves that the government is sincere in establishing 
peace in the country. It is important at this point that the two 
parties do not allow any miscreant to sabotage the deal. 
Implementation of the Malakand peace deal is in everyone's 
interest." 
 
"Enforcement of Shariat In Malakand: Deal Between Taliban And 
Government," an editorial in the Lahore-based populist center-right 
Urdu daily "Khabrain" (cir. 50,000) (02/17) 
 
"When the people of that area want the implementation of Shariah, 
there should be no hurdle in its way. At the same time, the Taliban 
must also not destroy girls schools. However, the real situation 
will be clear once the deal is implemented and produces some 
results." 
 
"Islamic System Of Justice And Test Of Both Parties," an editorial 
in the Peshawar-based Urdu-language daily "Mashriq" (cir. 55,000) 
(02/17) 
 
"The agreement between the government and the Tehrik Nifaz Shariat 
Muhammadi (TNSM) and the announcement of ten-day ceasefire are 
commendable and positive steps towards establishment of peace in the 
area.  However, everyone is praying that this agreement should not 
meet the same fate that the agreements in the past met." 
 
"Ceasefire In Swat And Peace Talks: An Appropriate Step," an 
editorial in the Lahore-based Urdu daily "Waqt" (circ. 5000) 
(02/17) 
 
"Circumstances demand that we keep in mind the past events and 
ponder why the similar ANP-Taliban deals failed in the past so that 
there are no fears of the latest peace talks' failure." 
 
"Agreement With Taliban And U.S. Policy," an editorial in Hyderabad 
based independent and liberal Sindhi Daily "Kawish" (Cir. 105,000) 
(02/17) 
 
"We neither say that Sharia-based judicial system should not be 
implemented in any part of the country, nor we suggest that 
government should not make peace deals with anyone. What we believe 
is that such agreements are the outcome of the policy that needs to 
be changed. Pakistan that was waging war against terror has itself 
become a victim of terror." 
 
"Impose Sharia-Based System In Whole Country," an editorial in the 
Karachi-based center-right sensationalist Urdu daily "Ummat" (cir. 
33,000) (02/17) 
 
"The Sharia-based justice system is a demand of not only of the 
Malakand Division, but also of the entire country. People across the 
country have welcomed this move. There are apprehensions that the 
anti-Sharia elements will beyond doubt oppose this system. It is 
also quite obvious that the U.S. will not like this deal.  May God 
bless this agreement, so that Swat may become a 'haven-on-earth' 
again for the people of Pakistan." 
 
"This Peace Agreement Should Succeed," an editorial in Karachi based 
left-wing Sindhi Daily "Awami Awaz" (Cir. 70,000) (02/17) 
 
"Peace agreements with the local Taliban in the past have failed to 
bring in any substantial change, or establish peace in the area. 
Therefore, it is quite normal that everyone fears that the latest 
deal may also not meet with the same fate." 
 
"Nazam-e-Adl: What Next For The Taliban," an op-ed by Asad Munir in 
the centrist national English daily "The News" (cir. 55,000) 
(02/17) 
 
"Negotiations with terrorists should be held on a two-point agenda: 
that they surrender and lay down their arms and that their leaders 
give an undertaking that they will not run a parallel administration 
and not interfere in the state's domain.  If these conditions are 
accepted, and a monitoring system put in place confirms that they 
are being adhered to then a general amnesty to those not involved in 
heinous crimes could be considered." 
 
"Drone Sorties From Islamabad - A Question Mark For Government," an 
editorial in the Karachi-based, pro-Taliban Jihadi Urdu daily 
"Islam" (cir. 15,000) (02/17) 
 
"Government of Pakistan has neither confirmed nor denied the 
statement of the U.S. Senator Feinstein that the U.S. drones fly 
from within Pakistani territory....  It is important to take the 
Pakistani nation into confidence on this issue to end more 
complication and turmoil in the country." 
 
"Mike Mullen's Analysis," an editorial in the second-largest, 
center-right nationalist Urdu daily "Nawa-i-Waqt" (cir. 125,000) 
(02/17) 
 
"Admiral Mike Mullen in his Washington Post article has tried to 
give guideline to Obama administration.  However, if the new foreign 
policy was formulated in keeping with Admiral Mullen's approach then 
existing complications are bound to increase....  Pakistanis and 
Pakistani military do not trust America due to its hypocritical 
policy vis-`-vis our country.  It is not because, as the Admiral 
claimed, the personnel of Pakistan Army do not know America." 
 
"U.S. Intelligence Agencies Want To Prove That Pakistan Army Is 
Weak,?" an editorial in the Lahore-based independent Urdu daily 
"Din" (circ. 5000) (02/17) 
 
"David E. Sanger's book, which recently hit the stands, claims that 
U.S. intelligence agencies were tapping Pakistani Army officials 
phone calls. It could be Pakistan's compulsion to warmly welcome 
U.S. authorities and members of the media, but giving these people 
access to important persons and institutions is no compulsion at 
all....  We are in a state of war right now, and victory in a war 
depends largely on keeping one's plans under wraps.  Pakistan must 
discuss the issue of surveillance with American friends and must 
adopt a strategy to counter the negative effects created by this 
report." 
 
"War For Peace?," an op-ed by Rasul Bakhsh Rais in the Lahore-based 
liberal English language daily "Daily Times" (cir. 10,000) (02/17) 
 
"Two things are important, not for war, but for securing peace: 
national reconciliation within Afghanistan by bringing the Taliban 
into the political process; and promoting a regional approach to 
settling issues between Afghanistan and Pakistan and between 
Pakistan and India.  Building peace is harder than fighting wars. 
Until we take the difficult road to peace, the usual cycle of war in 
Afghanistan will continue, and the objective of peace and security 
in Afghanistan and the region will remain distant." 
 
"Mumbai Attacks Investigation: India Needs To Cooperate With 
Pakistan," an editorial in liberal Urdu daily "Express" 
(cir.100,000) (02/17) 
 
"India has tried its best to allege that the Pakistani state was 
involved in the Mumbai attacks whereas the world knows it was 
non-state actors. The Indian leadership needs to answer who was 
involved on the Indian side. India needs to cooperate with Pakistan 
if it is sincere in the investigation." 
Patterson