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UNCLAS ISLAMABAD 000373 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: KMDR KPAO OIIP OPRC PGOV PREL PK
SUBJECT: PAKISTAN MEDIA REACTION: FEBRUARY 20, 2009 
 
Summary:  U.S. Special Envoy Holbrooke's statement underlining that 
"those who were involved in the 9/11 incident and the Mumbai 
attacks, and the people who seized Swat all come from the same 
roots" dominated headlines in all major newspapers on Friday.  His 
remarks that "U.S. was not sure if the Pakistani military and ISI 
backed President Zardari's commitment to eradicate terrorist 
sanctuaries from the NWFP" received front page coverage.  Pakistan 
Foreign Office's rejection of growing international criticism on the 
Swat peace deal and warning that "speculations would not be helpful" 
garnered wide coverage.  Newspapers highlighted reports that the 
"Punjab government ordered closure of NATO logistics depot in 
Attock."  Also prominently displayed were reports of "countrywide 
protests against killing of Swat journalist". 
 
Most newspapers continued to run editorials on the future of the 
"Peace Deal" in Swat with special reference to the assassination of 
journalist in the area.  The centrist national daily, "The News," 
(the slain reporter's employer), noted that "there is suspicion that 
Musa was killed in an attempt to sabotage this deal.  But by whom 
and why? There are no immediate answers."  The Peshawar-based Urdu 
daily, "Mashriq" observed that the "tragic assassination of a local 
journalist in Swat has posed serious doubts and reservations on the 
efficacy of the recent peace deal in Swat."  The Lahore-based 
liberal daily, "Daily Times," opined that the "Baitullah Mehsud's 
Waziristan Taliban fired another warning shot to the Taliban of Swat 
when they blew up two more girls' schools in Bajaur on Wednesday. 
This again was ritualistic and symbolic because the girls no longer 
go to school in Bajaur. Given this atmosphere, it is going to be 
difficult for Sufi Mohammad to persuade his son-in-law to relent and 
let peace return to the valley."  End Summary. 
 
----------------- 
News Stories 
----------------- 
 
"Holbrooke Says Swat Taliban Same As 9/11 Perpetrators" "The News" 
(02/20) 
 
"U.S. Special Representative to Pakistan and Afghanistan Richard 
Holbrooke said on Wednesday those who were involved in the 9/11 
incident and the Mumbai attacks, and the people who seized Swat all 
come from the same roots and all are located in the same area." 
 
"U.S. Throws Doubt On Military's Role In Terror Fight" "Dawn" 
(02/20) 
 
"The United States was not sure if the Pakistani military and ISI 
backed President Asif Ali Zardari's commitment to eradicate 
terrorist sanctuaries from the NWFP, the U.S. special envoy for 
Afghanistan and Pakistan said on Thursday.  Ambassador Richard 
Holbrooke, in his first media interview said this issue 'will be 
pursued at very high levels' in U.S.-Pakistan talks scheduled in 
Washington next week....  Ambassador Holbrooke also linked this 
week's peace agreement in Swat to the military's reluctance to 
support President Zardari's anti-terrorism policies and said the 
U.S. was 'troubled and confused' about this deal." 
 
"FO Rejects World Concern Over Swat Peace Deal" "The News" (02/20) 
 
"Pakistan on Thursday brushed aside as 'speculative' the concerns of 
the international community on ramifications of the Swat peace deal 
and cautioned that speculations in the matter would not be helpful. 
Pakistan attaches immense importance to eliminating militancy and 
terrorism, Foreign Office spokesperson Abdul Basit categorically 
stated at the weekly news briefing." 
 
"'Resting Areas' For NATO Supply Trucks Shut In Punjab" "Dawn" 
(02/20) 
 
"Provincial Law Minister Rana Sanaullah Khan informed the Punjab 
Assembly on Thursday that two NATO supply facilities, one in Attock 
and the other in Mianwali, had been closed.  The Minister said there 
was a privately-owned 'resting area' in Attock for trucks carrying 
NATO supplies to Afghanistan." 
 
"Countrywide Rallies To Protest Reporter's Killing" "The Nation" 
(02/20) 
 
"Condemning the brutal assassination of Musa Khankhel, a working 
journalist in Swat, the journalist community along with civil 
society held protest demonstration across the country on Thursday 
and asked the government bring the culprits behind this heinous 
crime to book and provide foolproof security to media persons." 
 
 "Terrorists Have Found 'Haven' In Pakistan: Hillary Clinton" "The 
News" (02/20) 
 
"U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has said that the 
terrorists have found safe haven in Pakistan, a country, which she 
said is now under greater pressure because of the economic crisis. 
In an interview to the ABC news, Clinton agreed with Director of the 
National Intelligence Dennis Blair that the economic crisis poses 
the greatest threat to the security now and this needs to be fixed 
urgently." 
 
"Pakistan Serious To Combat Terrorism, Says Scheffer" "The News" 
(02/20) 
 
"NATO officials have said they are confident that Pakistan's 
government remains a dedicated partner in the fight against 
terrorism despite a decision to impose the Islamic law in a 
strategic north-western territory, NATO Secretary-General Jaap de 
Hoop Scheffer said on Thursday." 
 
"Islamabad Trying To Ensure Border Security: U.S. Gen." "The Nation" 
(02/20) 
 
"A top U.S. military commander on Wednesday said Pakistan is 
striving to control the Pak-Afghan border.  'There is a growing 
recognition, I would say, that is in the mutual interest of both 
countries (Pakistan and Afghanistan) to improve the border 
security,' Gen. David McKiernan, told a Pentagon briefing." 
 
"Troika Decides To Keep Army In Swat" "The News" (02/20) 
 
"The troika - President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza 
Gilani and Army Chief Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani - on Thursday decided 
to keep the Army in Swat till complete restoration of peace in the 
area.  According to sources, after reviewing the Swat situation, it 
was decided to adopt wait and see policy and keep the Army in Swat 
till complete restoration of peace and writ of the government." 
 
"Swat Deal To Isolate Militants: Qureshi" "The News" (02/20) 
 
"Foreign Minister Mahmood Qureshi said on Thursday that the 
government's objective by signing the Swat deal was to distinguish 
between the peaceful citizens and militants.  In an interview to the 
state-run TV, he said: 'we have isolated militants through this 
deal.'" 
 
"TNSM In Talks With Swat TTP To End Fighting" "The News" (02/20) 
 
"The leaders of the Tanzim Nifaz Shariat-e-Muhammadi (TNSM) held 
talks with the Swat chapter of the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) 
somewhere in Matta Tehsil of the troubled Swat Valley on Thursday to 
convince them to lay down their arms after the enforcement of the 
Nizam-e-Adl Regulation." 
 
"U.S. Asked To Cough Up $1 Billion Immediately" "The News" (02/20) 
 
"The government has asked the Obama administration to immediately 
reimburse at least $1 billion out of $1.350 billion spent during the 
last nine months for services Pakistan has provided in the war on 
terror." 
 
 "Another U.S. Writer Endorses Charges Against Musharraf" "The News" 
(02/20) 
 
"Despite repeated denials by former President Pervez Musharraf, 
another American writer also accused him of playing a 'double game' 
with the Americans and the Taliban in the war on terror, claiming 
that the U.S. had indisputable evidence in this regard.  In an 
interview with 'The News,' Ron Suskind - a seasoned U.S. journalist 
and author of many books - confirmed that Musharraf was also under 
the U.S. surveillance, and his phone and activities were monitored, 
he claimed." 
 
"14 Militants Killed In Bajaur Agency" "The News" (02/20) 
 
"Fourteen militants were killed and several others injured when 
security forces shelled suspected hideouts of militants in different 
areas of the restive Bajaur Agency on Thursday." 
 
"Asif Proceeds On China Visit Today" "The News" (02/20) 
 
"During President Asif Ali Zardari's four-day official visit to 
China which begins Friday (today) three bilateral pacts will be 
signed, two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) in the agriculture 
sector and one agreement on Trade, according to diplomatic source." 
 
 
--------------------- 
Editorials/Op-eds 
--------------------- 
 
"Death On Duty," an editorial in the centrist national English daily 
"The News" (cir. 55,000) (02/20) 
 
"There is suspicion that Musa was killed in an attempt to sabotage 
this deal.  But by whom and why?  There are no immediate answers.... 
 We need to know who killed the journalist.  This discovery may 
throw light on what is happening in Swat." 
 
"Killing Of a Journalist Following Peace Deal In Swat," an editorial 
in the Peshawar-based Urdu-language daily "Mashriq" (cir. 55,000) 
(02/20) 
 
"The tragic assassination of a local journalist in Swat valley has 
posed serious doubts and reservations on the efficacy of the recent 
peace deal in Swat." 
 
"Omens Against Peace In Swat...," an editorial in the Lahore-based 
liberal English language daily "Daily Times" (cir. 10,000) (02/20) 
 
"The Taliban, who actually rule Swat, have announced a ten-day truce 
and have made public their reverence for the Sufi; but they could 
not have liked the Shariah accord in which the charismatic Sufi has 
given away some of the fundamental positions taken by the Taliban's 
central leadership.  For instance, Baitullah Mehsud's Waziristan 
Taliban fired another warning shot to the Taliban of Swat when they 
blew up two more girls' schools in Bajaur on Wednesday. This again 
was ritualistic and symbolic because the girls no longer go to 
school in Bajaur.  Given this atmosphere, it is going to be 
difficult for Sufi Muhammad to persuade his son-in-law to relent and 
let peace return to the valley." 
 
"Swat Peace," an editorial in the Lahore-based liberal English daily 
"The Post" (cir. 5,000) (02/20) 
 
"Those opposed to peace in Swat are active as evidenced by the 
killing of a local journalist covering the peace caravan of Sufi 
Muhammad.  He is the fourth journalist killed in Swat....  Some 
foreign powers are opposing the agreement.  There are some elements 
within the country who consider the peace agreement a bid to give 
support to the militants." 
 
"Democracy Is Islamic: Maulana Sufi Should Desist From Starting A 
New Debate," an editorial in the second-largest, center-right 
nationalist Urdu daily "Nawa-i-Waqt" (cir. 125,000) (02/20) 
 
"In an interview with private TV channel, TNSM chief Sufi Muhammad 
said that democracy is against Quran and that he considers it as 
infidelity....  Maulana Sufi and his followers should limit 
themselves to enforcement of Shariah in Malakand and peace in Swat 
and should not indulge in debates that could harm their position, 
jeopardize efforts for peace and create chaos in Pakistan." 
 
"Keep An Eye On Enemies Of Peace," an editorial in the 
second-largest, center-right nationalist Urdu daily "Nawa-i-Waqt" 
(cir. 125,000) (02/20) 
 
"Situation is fast moving toward normalization in Swat following the 
agreement between the Frontier government and TNSM....  Enemies of 
peace have begun activities to sabotage the agreement by destroying 
two schools in Bajaur and killing a journalist in Swat....  The 
parties of the agreement should remain vigilant against those 
elements that are unhappy with the treaty." 
 
"Swat: Doctrine Of Necessity (In Its Purest Form)," an op-ed by Ayaz 
Amir in the centrist national English daily "The News" (cir. 55,000) 
(02/20) 
 
"The Swat accord is certainly proving more effective against the 
Swat Taliban than anything done by the army....  The government 
should be extra careful not to give the Taliban any excuse to break 
the accord. If they do so nevertheless, the onus will be upon them 
to justify the return to arms.  So whether Sharia law in the real 
sense is imposed in Malakand or not, it is in our interest to say 
that Islamic justice has come. Instead of sowing doubts about the 
accord, we should put the best face on it.  The Americans of course 
are being stupid and sotto voce are muttering capitulation but for 
once we should ignore their signals of distress.  This is not our 
war but it is our country and the Americans are not going to save it 
for us.  We have to do this ourselves.  Let the presidency and the 
army, the two key players from our side, resist American bullying 
and stick to the Swat accord." 
 
"Justice In Swat?," an op-ed by Ayesha Siddiqa in the Karachi-based 
center-left independent national English daily "Dawn" (cir. 55,000) 
(02/20) 
 
"The agreement comes in the wake of revelations from the U.S. that 
American drones fly from Pakistani bases.  If true, this would not 
only mean that the Pakistani government has been economical with the 
truth, but that the military too was not being entirely honest by 
publicly questioning Washington's position on directing attacks at 
Pakistan's territory....  The acceptance of the Swat deal is no 
different either.  One of the reasons that the deal was negotiated 
and is being sold hard by the present government is because it suits 
Islamabad, Washington and the Taliban to have a ceasefire.  While 
the Taliban get de facto recognition, Pakistan, NATO and the U.S. 
forces get some breathing space." 
 
"What The Swat Agreement Means," an op-ed by M.A. Niazi in the 
center-right national English daily "The Nation" (cir. 20,000) 
(02/20) 
 
"In Swat, what happens if the so-called Shariah does not deliver the 
swift justice it should?  Will Islam get the blame or the Wali? 
That is a separate issue which Maulana Sufi Nek Muhammad, whose 
son-in-law, Maulana Fazlullah, has an FM radio station of his own, 
will probably not have to answer, but if he does, will probably have 
no answer for.  But this is a sign that the country is returning to 
a conservatism that will make the Americans unhappy.  Also, it 
provides an alternative that at present anti-Americanism does not 
have." 
 
"Implications Of The Swat Deal," an op-ed by Najmuddin A. Shaikh in 
the Lahore-based liberal English language daily "Daily Times" (cir. 
10,000) (02/20) 
 
"Sufi Mohammad and Fazlullah do not control all elements involved in 
the insurgency.  If rumors are to be believed, there have been 
insurgents from Uzbekistan and Punjab that have moved into Swat.  It 
is a sad but almost foregone conclusion that this agreement will be 
no more effective than the ones concluded in the past, and that 
while there will be a welcome albeit temporary respite from the 
daily bloodletting in Swat, the strife will soon resume with the 
government in an even worse position than it is now." 
 
 "Assassination Of Geo TV Reporter," an editorial in the leading 
mass circulation centrist Urdu daily "Jang" (cir. 300,000) (02/20) 
 
"Several journalists have been killed, abducted, or tortured in FATA 
and other tribal areas while performing their duties during last few 
years.  But the assassination of Musa Khan Khel is one of its kind 
incident as he was covering the peace rally in Swat following the 
much-projected peace deal.  His gory murder also elucidated the 
growing sense of insecurity among the people of Pakistan." 
 
"In The Line Of Duty," an editorial in the Karachi-based center-left 
independent national English daily "Dawn" (cir. 55,000) (02/20) 
 
"The identity of the assassins remains unknown and as such the 
motive behind the killing is a mystery as well....  If the 
government cannot guarantee the safety of media persons - in some 
situation it simply cannot but in other instances it surely can - at 
least an effort must be made to bring the guilty to book.  On this 
count the performance of successive governments has been a 
resounding failure." 
 
"Googled!," an editorial in the centrist national English daily "The 
News" (cir. 55,000) (02/20) 
 
"The presence of bases used by the U.S. within the country is simply 
unacceptable.  Opinion about this is unanimous. The suggestion 
coming in from the U.S. that the raids be re-cast as 'joint 
operations' needs to considered carefully by our decision-makers. 
This may, for the present, seem to be the only way out.  But a 
crucial prong in this approach must be to persuade people that the 
war against terrorists is one led and planned by Islamabad; that it 
is being fought for the sake of the people of Pakistan.  This 
conviction has still to be created and in its absence the U.S. 
involvement is, naturally, one that arouses a great deal of anger 
even though the drone attacks have removed a number of high-level 
targets." 
 
"More Troops For Less War," an editorial in the country's premier 
business newspaper, "Business Recorder" (cir. 25,000) (02/20) 
 
"The prevalent thinking in some of the coalition quarters that war 
must be won and democracy and development can wait is too crass a 
thought to be entertained after having paid in blood for over seven 
years.  Surely President Obama is not militaristic.  We would hope 
that by sending additional troops to Afghanistan he wants to contain 
war and thus win the battle for Afghan hearts and minds." 
 
"American President's Concern Over Prolonged Afghan War," an 
editorial in liberal Urdu daily "Express" (cir. 25,000) (02/20) 
 
"In an interview, President Obama has admitted that he is concerned 
about the prolonged Afghan war....  President Obama is right in 
saying that use of force alone cannot end extremism; in fact it 
could lead to an increase in extremism....  Former President Clinton 
has warned President Obama that Afghanistan could prove to be 
another Vietnam if British and Russian policies are adopted.  The 
Iranian President has also warned that President Obama's position 
could be even worse than President Bush's if the U.S. foreign policy 
is not changed.  The U.S. administration must pay heed to these 
warnings and keeping in view the changing ground realities bring 
about a suitable flexibility in its policy - thus helping the U.S. 
President." 
 
"Diplomacy, Not War," an editorial in the Karachi-based center-left 
independent national English daily "Dawn" (cir. 55,000) (02/20) 
 
"South Asia lives under the pall of nuclear weapons.  There is no 
way back from the use of them and all the military planning and 
strategizing is useless if political rhetoric and jingoism take 
over....  An alternative to war, diplomacy, has worked.  Mr. 
Mukherjee's statement should be modified to 'war should never be an 
option.'" 
 
Patterson