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UNCLAS ISLAMABAD 000413 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: KMDR KPAO OIIP OPRC PGOV PREL PK
SUBJECT:  PAKISTAN MEDIA REACTION: FEBRUARY 25, 2009 
 
Summary:  Reports of the Taliban's declaration of "indefinite 
ceasefire in Swat valley" and order to militants to "stop attacks on 
security forces" dominated all front pages on Wednesday and 
overshadowed reports of Prime Minister Gilani's announcement to 
"wind up the National Security Council (NSC)."  U.S. Special Envoy 
Holbrooke's remarks that the "review consultation meetings between 
the top diplomats of the three allies would help build mutual trust" 
received prominent coverage in several major dailies.  Foreign 
Minister Qureshi and Army Chief Kiyani's visit to Washington and 
their meetings with the U.S. officials continued to garner extensive 
media coverage. 
 
Most major newspapers continued to run editorials on the recent 
peace accord in Swat, and its impact on other parts of the country. 
The centrist national English daily, "The News," noted that "there 
is nothing in the peace plan about punishment for those who 
committed all kinds of atrocities for months in Swat."  The 
Lahore-based liberal daily, "Daily Times," observed that the 
"developments in Swat will remain uncertain until all ambiguities 
are removed."  However, the Peshawar-based Urdu daily, "Mashriq," 
described the peace deal in Swat as "pragmatic approach" of the NWFP 
administration.  End Summary. 
 
----------------- 
News Stories 
----------------- 
 
"Militants Declare Indefinite Swat Ceasefire" "Dawn" (02/25) 
 
"The Taliban announced on Tuesday an unconditional ceasefire for an 
indefinite period and ordered militants to stop attacks on security 
forces.  They also asked all NGOs to leave Swat.  After the 
ceasefire announcement, the militants released seven police and FC 
personnel." 
 
"Bajaur Calm As Government Responds To Taliban Ceasefire" "The News" 
(02/25) 
 
"Almost seven months after a military operation was launched in 
Bajaur, calm and peace prevailed in the militancy-torn tribal region 
on Tuesday where the government announced a four-day ceasefire to 
reciprocate the unspecified armistice of Maulvi Faqir Mohammad-led 
Taliban militants." 
 
"Four-Day Truce Sparks Jubilation In Bajaur" "Dawn" (02/25) 
 
"There was widespread jubilation in Bajaur as security forces 
announced on Tuesday that they were suspending military operation 
against militants in the agency for four days in response to a 
ceasefire announced by Taliban, Political Agent Shafeerullah Khan 
told journalists." 
 
"Militants Reshape Future Strategy" "The Nation" (02/25) 
 
"Taliban and Al Qaeda have started preparations for what they 
anticipate a major spring offensive of U.S. and NATO forces in 
Afghanistan, and the decision to silence guns in Swat and Bajaur is 
a part of their new strategy." 
 
"Swat Deal Not Enough: Holbrooke" "The Nation" (02/25) 
 
"U.S. special envoy for Pakistan and Afghanistan Richard Holbrooke 
underlined on Tuesday that the U.S. would always stand by the people 
of Pakistan through thick and thin. Holbrooke met Foreign Minister 
Shah Mehmood Qureshi in Washington and noted that the government of 
Pakistan must do more on Swat agreement.  Terming it the so-called 
accord, Holbrooke said the agreement is not enough." 
 
"Trilateral Talks On U.S. Policy Review Tomorrow" "The News" 
(02/25) 
 
"U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will meet with both her 
Pakistani and Afghan counterparts on Thursday to discuss the 
situation in Afghanistan.  'We obviously want to hear from a wide 
variety of voices about the situation with regard to Afghanistan and 
Pakistan,' State Department sp0okesman Robert Wood told reporters." 
 
"U.S. Will Not Quit Region, Says Holbrooke" "Dawn" (02/25) 
 
"Richard Holbrooke, the U.S. special envoy for Pakistan and 
Afghanistan, has said that the United States will not quit the 
region and will stay as long as it takes to eradicate terrorism from 
there.  Holbrooke said in an interview to PBS television." 
 
"NSC To Be Abolished Soon, Says Gilani" "Dawn" (02/25) 
 
"Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani said on Tuesday that the 
government had decided to wind up the National Security Council 
(NSC).  Talking to journalists in Islamabad, the Prime Minister said 
'a bill will soon be tabled in the National Assembly and the law 
Minister has been asked to prepare the bill.'" 
 
"Review To Help Build Trust, Says Holbrooke" "The News" (02/25) 
 
"U.S. Special Representative for Pakistan and Afghanistan Richard 
Holbrooke has expressed the hope that the review consultation 
meetings between the top diplomats of the three allies would help 
build mutual trust for effective cooperation for security in the 
region, the diplomat told newsmen in brief remarks at the Pakistani 
Embassy on Monday." 
 
"Swat Deal A Local Solution To Local Problem: Qureshi" "Dawn" 
(02/25) 
 
"Foreign Minister Mahmood Qureshi said on Tuesday that the Swat 
peace deal was only a 'local solution to a local problem,' which is 
quite dispensation of justice.  It is not any appeasement towards 
the militants, he said to the media in Washington." 
 
"Army Chief Attracts Washington's Elite" "Dawn" (02/25) 
 
"Pakistan's Army Chief is the most sought after man in Washington, 
although both the Pakistani and U.S. defense establishments are 
being very secretive about his engagements in the U.S. capital.... 
Washington's elite queued up outside the Pakistan Embassy on Monday 
evening when Ambassador Husain Haqqani hosted a dinner for him and 
Foreign Minister Shah Mehamood Qureshi." 
 
"Kayani Meets CIA, NI Chiefs" "The News" (02/25) 
 
"Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani on 
Monday called on CIA Director Leone Panetto, National Intelligence 
Director Admiral Dennis C. Balir and Commander Special Operations 
Command (SOCOM) Admiral Eric T. Olson.  During the separate 
meetings, matters of mutual interest and cooperation were 
discussed." 
 
"COAS Visits U.S. National Defence University" "The News" (02/25) 
 
"Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani who is 
currently on an official visit to the U.S., on Monday visited the 
National Defence University, Washington.  According to a statement 
of the Inter-Services Public Relations, the Army Chief gave a talk 
on 'strategic stability in South Asia, Challenges and Way Forward.' 
Besides, faculty and students, selected intellectuals from local 
think tanks were also invited to the talk." 
 
"Pakistan, U.S. Need Strategic Ties Based On Shared Worldview: 
Haqqani" "Daily Times" (02/25) 
 
"Political transitions in the administrations of both Pakistan and 
the U.S. are likely to shape the foreign policies adopted by both 
nations, Pakistan's Ambassador to the U.S. Hussain Haqqani told a 
conference sponsored by the Heinz College and the Centre for 
International Politics and Innovation. 'The U.S. and Pakistan need 
to establish a strategic relationship based on a shared worldview, 
and President Obama and Vice President Biden understand that." 
 
"Pakistan Needs The Kiss Of Life" "The News" (02/25) 
 
"The United States and Europe must give Pakistan 4-5 billion dollars 
in urgent aid or risk seeing the nuclear-armed country slip into 
chaos, two leading U.S. foreign policy voices warned on Tuesday. 
Democratic Senator John Kerry and Republican former senator Chuck 
Hagel, now chair of the Atlantic Council think tank, were to release 
a formal report on Wednesday appealing for international help to 
stabilize Pakistan." 
 
"U.S. Senators Urge Major Rethink On Pakistan" "The News" (02/25) 
"U.S. Senators on Monday urged a rethink on aid to Pakistan after a 
watchdog said more than 12 billion dollars in U.S. spending had 
failed to eliminate the country's militant haven.  The call came as 
the Foreign Ministers of Pakistan and neighboring Afghanistan start 
a week of talks in Washington with President Barack Obama's 
administration on how to combat extremism." 
 
"American Military Aid For Pakistan Short Of Money" "Daily Times" 
(02/25) 
 
"The U.S. Defence Department effort to help Pakistan secure its 
border with Afghanistan and root out Taliban fighters is underfunded 
by as much as 73 percent - a budget shortfall so severe that it 
could slow down operations next month, according to a report 
released on Monday." 
 
"Government Urged To Ensure End To Drone Attacks" "The News" (02/25) 
 
 
"The parliamentary committee on national security on Tuesday urged 
the government to use all options to stop the drone attacks on 
Pakistani territory." 
 
"FBI Team Due On 27th To Question Mumbai Suspects" "The Nation" 
(02/25) 
 
"A seven-member FBI team is likely to visit Pakistan on February 27 
to quiz a few suspect masterminds of 26/11 Mumbai attacks who have 
been arrested by Pakistani authorities." 
 
"China Willing To Improve Strategic Ties With Pakistan" "Daily 
Times" (02/25) 
 
"Chinese President Hu Jintao told Pakistani President Asif Ali 
Zardari in a telephone conversation on Tuesday that his visit to the 
Chinese cities of Wuhan and Shanghai was conducive to promoting 
pragmatic cooperation between the two countries." 
 
--------------------- 
Editorials/Op-eds 
--------------------- 
 
"Scot-Free In Swat?," an editorial in the centrist national English 
daily "The News" (cir. 55,000) (02/25) 
 
"There is nothing in the peace plan about punishment for those who 
committed all kinds of atrocities for months in Swat.  The extent of 
the depravity of these people is almost unparalleled....  Is there 
to be no accountability in Swat?  Will those who carried out these 
atrocities walk away scot-free?  Will the rapists of women walk 
gaily past their families in the streets of Mingora?  Will the 
murderers of young men scoff at the parents of victims?  The message 
such a situation would send out could have grave repercussions. 
These must be considered by the authorities." 
 
"Debate Over Swat 'Peace Deal'," an editorial in the Lahore-based 
liberal English language daily "Daily Times" (cir. 10,000) (02/25) 
 
"The evenly poised debate over the ANP government's 'peace deal' in 
Swat will heat up further with Sufi Muhammad's announcement of 
conditions applicable to both the state troops and the Taliban.... 
Interpreting these demands will once again divide the political 
analysts.  Developments in Swat will remain uncertain until all 
ambiguities are removed.  There are things to be said in favor of 
the two opposed positions.  Until the situation becomes clearer it 
is advisable to let the debate be academic and eschew bitterness." 
 
"Positive Attitude Of Sufi Mohammad," an editorial in the 
Peshawar-based Urdu-language daily "Mashriq" (cir. 55,000) (02/25) 
 
"The fundamental principle of democracy is to honor the wishes and 
aspirations of people, therefore it will be wrong to say that the 
government has retreated against a handful extremists.  In fact, the 
government has shown pragmatic approach that it is against any such 
move that exacerbate the security situation and cause any further 
bloodshed in the otherwise a calm area." 
 
"Mullah Mohammad Omar's Censure To Tribal Militants - A Creditable 
Step," an editorial in the popular rightist Urdu-language daily 
"Ausaf" (cir. 10,000) (02/25) 
 
"Mullah Mohammad Omar has sent a letter to the newly formed alliance 
of Taliban to refrain from targeting the Pakistan Army 
contingents...  It is a praiseworthy idea that the Jihad cannot be 
declared against the security forces of our own country.  It is hard 
reality that all the infidel forces are united, but Muslims are 
divided in different groups and factions.  India is supporting 
Israel, and the vice versa. Likewise, the U.S. helps Israel and the 
latter killed hundreds of Muslims in Gaza Stripe with the U.S. 
backing.  It is surprising that fourteen thousands American Jewish 
people have joined the Israeli Army.  If non-Muslim forces can unite 
together, why can't Muslims across the world stand united?  Fighting 
between the Pakistan Army and the militants in FATA are not in the 
interest of Pakistan as a Muslim country, as both are Muslims." 
 
"Enemy Spy Agencies' Role In The Unrest In Swat And Tribal Areas," 
an editorial in the Lahore-based independent Urdu daily "Din" (circ. 
5000) (02/25) 
 
"Now that it is clear that enemy spy agencies are involved in the 
unrest in Swat and Tribal areas, the Pakistan armed forces would 
have hundred percent support from the local populace if it [the 
army] engages in jihad against these elements.  The need is to 
target the real enemy." 
 
"The Political Cost," an editorial in the center-right national 
English daily "The Nation" (cir. 20,000) (02/25) 
 
"Director General ISPR Maj. Gen. Athar Abbas could not get it more 
right when he said that the government had to stop the military 
operation in the restive Swat valley in view of the rising political 
cost but it was impolitic on his part to say that the option of the 
use of force remained open.  Coming as it did, the comment could 
militate against the peace process initiated by the NWFP government 
and Tehrik-i-Nifaz-i-Shariat-i-Muhammadi." 
 
"Peace In Swat And Maulana Soofi Muhammad," an editorial in the 
center-right Urdu daily "Pakistan" (cir. 10,000) (02/25) 
 
"A careful review of the situation shows that the unrest, terrorism 
and bloodshed in Pakistan are a result of U.S. interference...  We 
can say with certainty that the Army is an institution that holds 
the nation's welfare paramount, and does not want to aim its guns at 
compatriots.  Militants and citizens should also not put the Army to 
test.  Restoration of peace in Swat and Malakand is a source of 
great joy for us.  May this peace be permanent?" 
 
"The Deal Starts Paying," an editorial in the Islamabad-based 
rightist English daily "Pakistan Observer" (cir. 5,000) (02/25) 
 
"The successful talks between the Provincial Government and TNSM 
have proved that beyond any doubt.  Though some circles are trying 
to portray the agreement with TNSM as a sort of surrender to 
militants, in fact this is a major achievement of the authorities in 
which the Government has moved closer to its object of securing 
peace in the troubled region....  And a report about a similar deal 
in Bajaur is another measure of the success and hopefully it will be 
replicated in the rest of the troubled areas as well." 
 
"Swat: Education In Disarray," an editorial in the Karachi-based 
center-left independent national English daily "Dawn" (cir. 55,000) 
(02/25) 
 
"The reopening of schools in Swat is encouraging, particularly given 
the controversy over the government's decision to task Maulana Sufi 
Mohammad of the banned Tehrik Nifaz-i-Shariat Muhammadi with 
brokering a peace deal with the Taliban.  However, this is merely an 
initial step on the long road to enforcing the writ of the state in 
Swat." 
 
"Sufi's Peace Agenda," an editorial in the Lahore-based liberal 
English daily "The Post" (cir. 5,000) (02/25) 
 
"It is encouraging that the TNSM has taken the initiative to bring 
normalcy in the troubled valley. However more steps are needed to be 
taken by both sides for permanent peace in the region.  The basic 
step to bring normalcy is Swat is that all schools should be opened 
immediately. At present there are 350,000 students registered in 
Swat, 250,000 are enrolled at government schools and 100,000 at 
private schools.  Militants have destroyed 191 schools, including 
122 girls' schools, leaving 62,000 pupils without schools.  It is 
the foremost responsibility of both sides to take such measures 
which are helpful in bringing atmosphere conducive for educational 
activities." 
 
"Malakand Agreement: Necessary But Insufficient," an op-ed by Nasim 
Zehra in the centrist national English daily "The News" (cir. 
55,000) (02/25) 
 
"There are three objectives the government will seek to achieve to 
actually demonstrate that the Malakand peace agreement has actually 
'delivered.'  One to not allow the TTP-Swat to implement its own 
interpretation of Shariah, within and beyond the public space in 
Swat.  Two, the government should debilitate organizationally and 
resource-wise, through establishment of check-posts, terror and 
public trials etc of organized and armed militias in Swat and 
beyond. Three, to prevent the TTP from functioning as a deadly and 
armed militia which pursues the objective of forcing its own version 
of Shariah through terror.  The only viable effort to re-establish 
the writ of the state requires that the government does not 
compromise on these three objectives." 
 
"Peace, But On Whose Terms?," an op-ed by Naveed Ashraf in the 
Karachi-based center-left independent national English daily "Dawn" 
(cir. 55,000) (02/25) 
 
"It is perhaps pragmatic to end the violence with a peace deal.  But 
such a deal should be on the government's terms, not on the 
militants'.  The truce should be viewed as a short-to mid-term 
tactic, and not a permanent settlement, giving the government time 
and space to maneuver." 
 
"How Much Sovereignty Has Pakistan Conceded?," an op-ed by Shireen 
¶M. Mazari in the centrist national English daily "The News" (cir. 
55,000) (02/25) 
 
"The issue of the Pakistani state's deception of its own people, the 
net result is that there is no credibility left.  That is why 
interlocutors like Sufi Mohammed become necessary.  If the 
credibility of the government and the establishment is to be 
re-established, they must first come clean on the extent of the 
sovereignty already surrendered to the U.S.  Then they must delink 
from the U.S. and claim back the lost sovereignty before it is too 
late.  Whether one likes it or not, unless Pakistan creates space 
between itself and the U.S., there will be no peace and security and 
the space for moderates will continue to shrink." 
 
"The Imperative Of Peace In Swat," an op-ed by Mazhar Qayyum Khan in 
the center-right national English daily "The Nation" (cir. 20,000) 
(02/25) 
 
"The return to normal life, already partly in evidence, like the 
resumption of female education that suffered most at the hands of 
militants should be unequivocally greeted with satisfaction. 
Somehow, the U.S. whose policies of force laced with unfulfilled 
promises of socio-economic development have been responsible for 
causing outrage in the country." 
 
"More Revelations By U.S. Military Officials," an editorial note in 
the center-right Urdu daily "Pakistan" (cir. 10,000) (02/25) 
 
"Pentagon spokesman has confirmed the report [about the presence of 
70 U.S. experts in Pakistan] and said that the presence of war 
experts in Pakistan is no secret....  The government is constantly 
insisting that drone attacks are initiated outside the country while 
Google Earth has revealed otherwise.  There is now no doubt about 
the fact that drones take off from Shamsi airbase, Balochistan,  and 
land there safely on return....  Offering a Pakistani airbase to 
carry out attacks inside the country under the pretext of pursuing 
terrorists is extremely shameful.  The government must also inform 
the nation about the latest revelation about the presence of a team 
of U.S. experts and advisers training Pak Army." 
 
"Mumbai And Terrorism," an editorial in the Karachi-based 
center-left independent national English daily "Dawn" (cir. 55,000) 
(02/25) 
 
"One of the unfortunate consequences of the Mumbai attacks is that 
India fell back on its old 'Pakistan the terrorist, India the 
victim' framework, which eschews nuances of transnational religious 
extremists bent on causing mayhem in both countries.  India must 
avoid the knee-jerk reaction of dismissing Pakistan's concerns on 
that front." 
GFeierstein