VZCZCXYZ0000
OO RUEHWEB

DE RUEHIL #0420/01 0570913
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 260913Z FEB 09
FM AMEMBASSY ISLAMABAD
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 1631
RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHINGTON DC IMMEDIATE
RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK IMMEDIATE 9062
RUEHNO/USMISSION USNATO IMMEDIATE 4941
RHEHAAA/THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON DC IMMEDIATE
RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC IMMEDIATE
RHMFISS/HQ USCENTCOM MACDILL AFB FL//CCPA// IMMEDIATE
RHMFIUU/HQ PACAF HICKAM AFB HI//CCPA// IMMEDIATE
RUEKJCS/JOINT STAFF WASHINGTON DC IMMEDIATE
RHEFDIA/DIA WASHINGTON DC IMMEDIATE
RUEHLO/AMEMBASSY LONDON 9758
RUEHFR/AMEMBASSY PARIS 7024
RUEHMO/AMEMBASSY MOSCOW 1010
RHHMUNA/HQ USPACOM HONOLULU HI

UNCLAS ISLAMABAD 000420 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: KMDR KPAO OIIP OPRC PGOV PREL PK
SUBJECT:  PAKISTAN MEDIA REACTION: FEBRUARY 26, 2009 
 
Summary:  Supreme Court's verdict "disqualifying Sharif brothers 
(Nawaz Sharif and Shahbaz Sharif) from holding any public office and 
contesting election," dominated front pages in all newspapers on 
Thursday.  All newspapers also highlighted reports that the judgment 
"triggered countrywide protests by the PML-N workers."  Reports on 
the "imposition of Governor Rule" in the Punjab province for a 
period of two months received extensive coverage.  Newspapers 
reported that PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif "blamed President Zardari for 
the disqualification verdict."  In other news, all dailies reported 
that Secretary of State Clinton "pledged close strategic 
consultations with Pakistan" as she met with Foreign Minister 
Qureshi in Washington.  Pakistan Army Chief Kiyani's meeting with 
Secretary of Defense Gates also received prominent display. Several 
major dailies highlighted President Obama's first address to the 
Congress warning that "he will not allow terrorists sitting half a 
world away to plot attacks against the American people." 
 
Almost all major dailies ran editorials on the ineligibility of the 
two PML-N leaders, and its ramification on national politics.  The 
prestigious English daily, "Dawn," noted that the "judiciary has 
done a disservice to the people by injecting itself into a patently 
political issue in a way that will only worsen short-term 
instability and do nothing for long-term betterment."  The 
second-largest Urdu daily, "Nawa-i-Waqt," observed that "it is 
ironic that country has been pushed towards instability just one 
year after formation of civilian democracy."  The independent Urdu 
daily, "Din," wrote: "No matter how the issue is analyzed, the 
outcome is that the present democratic set-up has been dealt a 
severe blow."  End Summary. 
 
----------------- 
News Stories 
----------------- 
 
"Supreme Court Makes Public Office Out Of Bounds For Sharif 
Brothers" "Dawn" (02/26) 
 
"The Supreme Court on Wednesday disqualified Sharif brothers from 
holding any public office and contesting election.  Consequently, 
Shahbaz Sharif lost the office of Chief Minister of Punjab and elder 
brother Nawaz Sharif is barred from contesting elections." 
 
"Nationwide Protests Today" "Dawn" (0/26) 
 
"The Pakistan Muslim League-N announced on Wednesday its plan for 
country-wide protest against the Supreme Court's decision of 
disqualifying its leaders Nawaz Sharif and Shahbaz Sharif and 
imposition of governor's rule in Punjab." 
 
"N-League Workers Take To Streets" "Dawn" (0/26) 
 
"Workers and activists of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) on 
Wednesday took to main highways and streets of the twin cities where 
they not only staged protest and sit in but also set tyres on 
fire." 
 
"President Imposes Governor's Rule On PM's Advice" "Dawn" (02/26) 
 
"On the advice of Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani under Article 
237 of the Constitution, President Asif Ali Zardari imposed 
governor's rule in Punjab with immediate effect for two months on 
Wednesday and made Governor Salman Taseer head of the provincial 
set-up." 
 
"Nawaz Blames Zardari" "The News" (02/26) 
 
"PML-N Quaid Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday urged the nation to rise up 
as he blamed President Asif Zardari for the disqualification verdict 
passed against him (Nawaz) and Shahbaz Sharif by the Supreme Court 
on Wednesday." 
 
"Nawaz Terms SC Decision 'An Edict'" "Daily Times" (02/26) 
 
"Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) chief Nawaz Sharif criticized 
a Supreme Court decision to disqualify him from being a 
parliamentarian, and said it was an 'edict.'" 
 
"Gilani Proves Bush's Remarks" "The News" (02/26) 
 
"By agreeing to the imposition of the Governor's rule in the Punjab, 
Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani has proven right the prophetic 
comment of former U.S. President George W. Bush who, after a White 
House meeting in July 2008, had called him 'a sophisticated but 
powerless politician.'  These remarks by Bush turned out to be 
prophetic when Gilani decided to fall in line instead of defying 
President Zardari's instructions for the imposition of the 
Governor's rule in the politically influential province." 
 
"Sherry Denies Center's Hand In SC Verdict" "The News" (02/26) 
 
"Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Sherry Rehman has 
said that the Federal Government has nothing to do with the Supreme 
Court's verdict regarding the disqualification of Sharif brothers 
but we commiserate with them." 
 
"Disqualification Pakistan's Internal Matter, Says U.S." Daily 
Times" (02/26) 
 
"The U.S. has termed the Supreme Court decision to disqualify 
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Nawaz Sharif and his 
brother Shahbaz Sharif Pakistan's internal matter and Washington 
would not comment on it, U.S. State Department said in a 
statement." 
 
"U.S. Concerned Over Pak Situation" The Nation" (02/26) 
 
"The United States on Wednesday voiced concern over the imposition 
of Governor's Rule in Punjab after Supreme Court disqualified 
Shahbaz Sharif from elected office, State Department spokesman 
Robert Wood said." 
 
"Political Parties Voice Concern Over Supreme Court Decision" "The 
News" (0/26) 
 
"The Leaders from various political parties expressed concern over 
the verdict of the Supreme Court verdict disqualifying Sharif 
brothers and apprehended that such decisions could lead the country 
towards political crisis and enhance the problems of the already 
overburden nation." 
 
"Unpopular Decisions Never Pay Off: Iftikhar" "The News" (02/26) 
 
"Deposed Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry on Wednesday said 
unpopular decisions would never be accepted by the people as they 
rejected the recent judgment of the Supreme Court (disqualifying the 
Sharif brothers)." 
 
"Clinton Pledges Close Consultations With Pakistan" "The News" 
(02/26) 
 
"U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Tuesday pledged close 
strategic consultations with Pakistan on devising a way forward in 
the high-stakes Pak-Afghan region, as she met with Pakistan's 
Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi at the start of a three-way 
American policy review, also engaging Afghanistan.  Appearing 
jointly with the top U.S. diplomat after discussions lasting well 
beyond the scheduled one-hour, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi 
assured the Obama Administration of Islamabad's determination to 
address the menace of violent extremism." 
 
"Pakistan Seeks Drones From U.S. To Fight Terror" "The Nation" 
(02/26) 
 
"Pakistan has asked the U.S. to provide un-manned planes (drones) 
that would allow it to strike at militants hiding along the Afghan 
border, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said on Wednesday. 
Qureshi, who is in Washington for three-way talks with his 
counterpart from Afghanistan and U.S. Secretary of State Hillary 
Clinton, said Pakistan, and not the U.S., should control the missile 
strikes." 
 
"Gen. Kayani Discusses Regional Security With Gates" "The News" 
(02/26) 
 
"Army Chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, who is currently on an 
official visit to the United Sates, called on U.S. Secretary of 
Defence Robert Gates on Wednesday.  According to the ISPR, the Army 
Chief discussed matters of mutual interest with particular reference 
to security situation in the region.  Meanwhile, Kayani called on 
Lieutenant General Mapples, Director Defence Intelligence Agency. 
During the day, the COAS also visited Pentagon and held a detailed 
meeting with Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Admiral 
Michael Mullen in which they continued their discussions on regional 
strategic matters.  Official bilateral round table talks were also 
held between the COAS and General George Casey, U.S. Army Chief." 
 
"Kayani Awarded Legion Of Merit" "The Nation" (02/26) 
 
"Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani has been 
awarded the Legion of Merit (degree of commander) as a mark and in 
recognition of his services by the U.S. Army." 
 
"Only 5pc Afghan Taliban Are Hard-Core Militants: Holbrooke" "Dawn" 
(0/26) 
 
"Only five percent of the Taliban militants in Afghanistan are 
hard-core, others can be persuaded to abandon violence, says Richard 
Holbrooke, the U.S. special envoy for Pakistan and Afghanistan.  In 
a television interview, Mr. Holbrooke strongly opposed an 
arrangement Pakistan reached with the Taliban militants in Swat 
earlier this month, saying that this would allow the militants to 
re-arm and regroup." 
 
"U.S. Detects Double Billing By Pakistan Navy" "Dawn" (02/26) 
 
"A recent report by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) 
accuses Pakistan Navy of submitting 'duplicative charges' for 
transport facilities provided in aid of war against terror. The 
double billing was detected during an audit by the Office of the 
Defense Representative at the U.S. Embassy, Islamabad." 
 
"No Deal In Bajaur: Official" "Dawn" (0/26) 
 
"The government denied on Wednesday having reached a peace agreement 
with militants in Bajaur and said that security forces would 
continue their operation in the restive agency.  There is no peace 
deal, the operation is continuing as originally planned, a FATA 
Secretariat statement said on Wednesday." 
 
"Taliban Alliance Only Against U.S., Says Maulvi Nazir" "Daily 
Times" (02/26) 
 
"The top three Taliban factions in Pakistan have unified 'only to 
act together against the United States,' Taliban leader Maulvi Nazir 
told Ahmedzai Wazir elders in South Waziristan in a meeting earlier 
this week, a tribal elder told 'Daily Times' on Wednesday." 
 
"IDPs Return Homes As Taliban Remove Check Posts" "The News" 
(02/26) 
 
"The Swat Valley on Wednesday witnessed positive and negative 
developments as acts of looting and killing continued in Matta, 
Kabal and Khwazakhela, while internally displaced persons (IDPs) 
returned to their homes....  Meanwhile, Taliban fighters on 
Wednesday disbanded check-points and stopped carrying weapons in 
public a day after announcing indefinite ceasefire in Swat Valley." 
 
"India Urged To Respond Quickly To Pakistan's Queries" "Dawn" 
(0/26) 
 
"Pakistan urged India on Wednesday to quickly respond to its queries 
so that the Mumbai attack accused could be interrogated during their 
physical remand, Interior Advisor Rehman Malik said on Wednesday." 
 
--------------------- 
Editorials/Op-eds 
--------------------- 
 
"Sharif's Disqualification," an editorial in the Karachi-based 
center-left independent national English daily "Dawn" (cir. 55,000) 
(02/26) 
 
"The grounds for the Sharifs' disqualification were laid by a 
dictator and no one with an iota of common sense could accept that 
Pervez Musharraf was trying to uphold the rule of law or some 
elevated principle of justice by shutting the Sharif brothers out of 
electoral politics....  If Pakistan is ever to escape the morass of 
a dysfunctional polity, those issues must be resolved in the 
political realm.  The judiciary has done a disservice to the people 
by injecting itself into a patently political issue in a way that 
will only worsen short-term instability and do nothing for long-term 
betterment." 
 
"Sharif Brothers' Ineligibility: Country Once Again Pushed Towards 
Political Chaos," an editorial in the second-largest, center-right 
nationalist Urdu daily "Nawa-i-Waqt" (cir. 125,000) (02/26) 
 
"Although Mian Shahbaz Sharif has announced contesting by-election 
from the PA seat vacated due to his disqualification, his win this 
time would not make him the Chief Minister owing to a ban on holding 
CM officer for the third time.  This ban could be undone only by the 
parliament and that does not seem to be happening....  It is ironic 
that country has been pushed towards instability just one year after 
formation of civilian democracy." 
 
"Decision To Disqualify Sharif Brothers," an editorial in the 
Lahore-based independent Urdu daily "Din" (circ. 5000) (02/26) 
 
"No matter how the issue is analyzed, the outcome is that the 
present democratic set-up has been dealt a severe blow.  The courts 
may have  decided the case according to the law, but effigies would 
not be burning today had the political forces - especially those in 
power - shown sincerity in working together and foiling 
anti-democracy moves." 
 
"Political Repercussion Of Disqualifications Of Sharif Brothers," an 
editorial in the popular rightist Urdu-language daily "Ausaf" (cir. 
10,000) (02/26) 
 
"It is regrettable that the former President Pervaiz Musharraf, who 
is involved in killing of hundreds of innocent Pakistanis, is 
roaming around scot free, and the popular leaders like Nawaz Sharif 
and Shahbaz Sharif are facing disqualification from the Supreme 
Court.  Time has come for the Pakistani nation to stand up for the 
cause of justice, or else there is likelihood that anarchy will 
reign the country." 
 
"Disqualification Of Sharif Brothers ... Beginning Of Political 
Wrangling?," an editorial in the Karachi-based, pro Taliban Jihadi 
Urdu daily "Islam" (cir. 15,000) (02/26) 
 
"PML-N was forced to keep a soft corner for the PPP government in 
Islamabad owing to its (PML-N) administration in Punjab, but now it 
has no such stake in the present political setup and it will 
definitely concentrate all of its energies to pave way for mid-term 
polls." 
 
"Instability Rules," an editorial in the centrist national English 
daily "The News" (cir. 55,000) (02/26) 
 
"If ever there was a wrong time for a fight-to-the death by the 
country's two leading political parties - this is it.  If ever there 
was a time when we needed cross-party unity in the face of multiple 
onslaughts - this is it.  The government is seen as floundering and 
weak....  The Taliban, whittling away at our sovereignty on the 
north-western borders, know well the benefits of negotiating with a 
weak government and will doubtless be quietly rubbing their hands in 
glee at this latest development.  No political leader or 
representative of any party other than the PPP thinks that the 
judgment is anything other than bad news for Pakistan." 
 
"Tough Times Ahead For PPP After SC Decision," an editorial in the 
Lahore-based liberal English language daily "Daily Times" (cir. 
10,000) (02/26) 
 
"There is no constitutional provision for any mid-term election but 
there is a tradition of military intervention to cut short prolonged 
agitation that threatens the 'security of the state.'  This 
intervention can force the Prime Minister to dissolve the Parliament 
and order fresh elections under a neutral caretaker set-up.  With 
terrorist elements uniting against the trio of 
'Obama-Karzai-Zardari' and letting the Pakistan army off the hook, 
the PPP will face a tough test in the days and weeks to come." 
 
"Testing Times," an editorial in the Lahore-based liberal English 
daily "The Post" (cir. 5,000) (02/26) 
 
"It is indeed unfortunate that the country has once again been 
thrown into the vortex of uncertainty.  Positions seem to be 
hardening on all sides....  What lies ahead of us?  A long period of 
turmoil and chaos?  Or is there still hope?  The signs are not 
encouraging.  Ever since the two major parties signed the Murree 
accord to work together in the interest of democratic consolidation, 
things have been on a downward slide." 
 
"After The Verdict," an editorial in the center-right national 
English daily "The Nation" (cir. 20,000) (02/26) 
 
"Being an all-powerful President as well as the Co-Chairman of the 
PPP, he (Zardari) is expected by many to stop the country, already 
reeling under the threat of militancy, from sliding into a crisis. 
He has to realize that what is at stake is the stability of the 
country and the future of democracy." 
 
"Political Fallout Of Court Verdict," an editorial in the country's 
premier business newspaper, "Business Recorder" (cir. 25,000) 
(02/26) 
 
"Imposition of a Governor's rule would be a setback for the 
democratic dispensation....  The general perception of citizens is 
that justice in this case is not seen to have been done.  No doubt, 
the man in the street is intrigued by the course of events leading 
to the Sharifs' disqualification.  We tend to believe that the 
turmoil within the higher judiciary has the potential to boomerang 
and erode rule of law and justice." 
 
"Sharif Brothers Ineligibility Upheld," an editorial in the 
Lahore-based populist center-right Urdu daily "Khabrain" (cir. 
50,000) (02/26) 
 
"It is in the national interest that the government and the affected 
party do not take any step in the wake of the Supreme Court verdict 
that endangers the democratic process or affects the honor of the 
judiciary." 
 
"Decision And Its Consequences," an editorial in the Karachi-based 
right-wing pro-Jamaat-e-Islami Urdu daily "Jasarat" (cir. 3,000) 
(02/26) 
 
"The first outcome of the Supreme Court's verdict is that the 
Governor Taseer's dream to rule Punjab has come true. We think that 
there was no need to impose Governor Rule in Punjab, as this act is 
going to set the country on fire. PML-N will benefit more from this 
verdict, and whenever elections will be held, PML-N will be the 
biggest beneficiary of this politically motivated judgment." 
 
"Disqualification of Sharif Brothers," an editorial in Karachi based 
left-wing Sindhi Daily "Awami Awaz" (Cir. 70,000) (02/26) 
 
"The verdict of the Supreme Court against Sharif brothers is 
continuation of the Musharraf era as it has been proved that our 
courts pronounce judgments keeping interests of the incumbent 
governments. This judgment has given a big below to the 
reconciliation process in the country." 
 
"Yet Another Positive Decision By Taliban," an editorial in the 
Lahore-based populist center-right Urdu daily "Khabrain" (cir. 
50,000) (02/26) 
 
"During an FM radio address, Taliban leader in Swat Maulana 
Fazlullah has said that the Taliban will not attack government 
officials. Meanwhile, Mullah Umar has also asked the Taliban to 
immediately stop attacks on the Pakistan Army.  This order by the 
Taliban leaders can become the basis of durable peace in the 
country.  The Taliban's real demand of imposition of Shariat in Swat 
has been met and is being implemented.  Therefore, the situation so 
far is heading in a positive direction.  America and NATO are 
perturbed over the peace deal because they do not want Pakistan to 
be politically and economically stable." 
 
"Need To Be More Vigilant After Ceasefire," an editorial note in the 
leading mass circulation centrist Urdu daily "Jang" (cir. 300,000) 
(02/26) 
 
"The government must not sit idle following the peace treaty in Swat 
valley, and ceasefire in Bajaur, as unrest and turmoil take time to 
settle down completely. At a time when Pakistan is facing 
conspiracies of the neighbor countries and some big powers want to 
transfer the theatre of war to Pakistan, it is essential to remain 
more vigilant and cautious." 
 
"Need For Swat Like Treaties," an editorial in the second-largest, 
center-right nationalist Urdu daily "Nawa-i-Waqt" (cir. 125,000) 
(02/26) 
 
"Foreign Minister Shah Mahmud Qureshi has briefed U.S. envoy 
Holbrooke on the advantages of the Swat peace deal.  If America 
still has concerns about the peace deal then the solution is our 
withdrawal from this so-called war against terrorism.  Peace could 
return to Pakistan territories only through talks and not through 
use of force." 
 
"Need To Spread Peace," an editorial in the center-right national 
English daily "The Nation" (cir. 20,000) (02/26) 
 
"In an address to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday, President 
Obama emphatically remarked, 'I will not allow terrorists to plot 
against the American people from safe havens half a world away.' 
However, at the same time, one hopes that the strategists sitting in 
Washington would see the wisdom of our argument that the violation 
of our territorial sovereignty, particularly that which murders 
innocent civilians as well, does not help get rid of the extremist 
scourge." 
 
"The Malakand Imbroglio," an op-ed by I.A. Rehman in the 
Karachi-based center-left independent national English daily "Dawn" 
(cir. 55,000) (02/26) 
 
"The U.S. is an important party that considers itself affected by 
the ceasefire deal....  However, to say that the Malakand type deal 
could be good for Afghanistan but not for Pakistan....  References 
to a new U.S. strategy on Afghanistan do not include a willingness 
to accept the Afghan people's right to be the sole masters of their 
destiny and until that happens U.S. hopes that Pakistan will be able 
to maintain order on its side are unrealistic.  Under these 
circumstances, optimism will be at a discount." 
 
"Peace In Swat Hanging By A Thread," an op-ed by Aziz-ud-Din Ahmad 
in the center-right national English daily "The Nation" (cir. 
20,000) (02/26) 
 
"It remains to be seen if the TTP is genuinely seeking peace or has 
chosen talks only to gain time to provide its war wary fighters some 
respite and for reinforcement and regrouping.  Another source of 
threat to the accord is the American administration, which thinks 
the accord would embolden other militants while it might be used to 
turn Swat into another safe haven....  Can the Taliban and their 
American adversaries be persuaded to abandon their extreme positions 
and allow peace have a chance remains a question." 
 
"Hardliners, Moderates, Liberals And The State," an editorial in the 
centrist national English daily "The News" (cir. 55,000) (02/26) 
 
"There are many complexities.  The agreement on Shariah rule is 
terrifying in terms of the implications it has for the rest of the 
country.  It is also an outcome of the failure to bring tracts 
across the country into the mainstream of nationhood and offer them 
the same rights offered - at least in theory - to the majority of 
its citizens under the Constitution....  The unjust and dangerous 
precedent of permitting different legal codes to operate in 
different parts of the country is set by the state itself." 
 
"It Is Af-Pak-Ind, Mr. Obama," an op-ed by Asif Ezdi in the centrist 
national English daily "The News" (cir. 55,000) (02/26) 
 
"What Pakistan should insist on in talks with the Obama 
Administration is that India should stop using its presence in 
Afghanistan to fuel terrorism, insurgency and subversion in 
Pakistan. It will not be easy to get India to kick its old habits. 
But Washington should try.  The success of the regional approach to 
Afghanistan, which the Obama Administration advocates, depends to a 
great extent upon good behavior on the part of India.  Clearly, 
'Af-Pak' requires a further hyphenation.  It should be 
'Af-Pak-Ind.'" 
GFeierstein