Keep Us Strong WikiLeaks logo

Currently released so far... 143912 / 251,287

Articles

Browse latest releases

Browse by creation date

Browse by origin

A B C D F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Y Z

Browse by tag

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
AORC AS AF AM AJ ASEC AU AMGT APER ACOA ASEAN AG AFFAIRS AR AFIN ABUD AO AEMR ADANA AMED AADP AINF ARF ADB ACS AE AID AL AC AGR ABLD AMCHAMS AECL AINT AND ASIG AUC APECO AFGHANISTAN AY ARABL ACAO ANET AFSN AZ AFLU ALOW ASSK AFSI ACABQ AMB APEC AIDS AA ATRN AMTC AVIATION AESC ASSEMBLY ADPM ASECKFRDCVISKIRFPHUMSMIGEG AGOA ASUP AFPREL ARNOLD ADCO AN ACOTA AODE AROC AMCHAM AT ACKM ASCH AORCUNGA AVIANFLU AVIAN AIT ASECPHUM ATRA AGENDA AIN AFINM APCS AGENGA ABDALLAH ALOWAR AFL AMBASSADOR ARSO AGMT ASPA AOREC AGAO ARR AOMS ASC ALIREZA AORD AORG ASECVE ABER ARABBL ADM AMER ALVAREZ AORCO ARM APERTH AINR AGRI ALZUGUREN ANGEL ACDA AEMED ARC AMGMT AEMRASECCASCKFLOMARRPRELPINRAMGTJMXL ASECAFINGMGRIZOREPTU ABMC AIAG ALJAZEERA ASR ASECARP ALAMI APRM ASECM AMPR AEGR AUSTRALIAGROUP ASE AMGTHA ARNOLDFREDERICK AIDAC AOPC ANTITERRORISM ASEG AMIA ASEX AEMRBC AFOR ABT AMERICA AGENCIES AGS ADRC ASJA AEAID ANARCHISTS AME AEC ALNEA AMGE AMEDCASCKFLO AK ANTONIO ASO AFINIZ ASEDC AOWC ACCOUNT ACTION AMG AFPK AOCR AMEDI AGIT ASOC ACOAAMGT AMLB AZE AORCYM AORL AGRICULTURE ACEC AGUILAR ASCC AFSA ASES ADIP ASED ASCE ASFC ASECTH AFGHAN ANTXON APRC AFAF AFARI ASECEFINKCRMKPAOPTERKHLSAEMRNS AX ALAB ASECAF ASA ASECAFIN ASIC AFZAL AMGTATK ALBE AMT AORCEUNPREFPRELSMIGBN AGUIRRE AAA ABLG ARCH AGRIC AIHRC ADEL AMEX ALI AQ ATFN AORCD ARAS AINFCY AFDB ACBAQ AFDIN AOPR AREP ALEXANDER ALANAZI ABDULRAHMEN ABDULHADI ATRD AEIR AOIC ABLDG AFR ASEK AER ALOUNI AMCT AVERY ASECCASC ARG APR AMAT AEMRS AFU ATPDEA ALL ASECE ANDREW
EAIR ECON ETRD EAGR EAID EFIN ETTC ENRG EMIN ECPS EG EPET EINV ELAB EU ECONOMICS EC EZ EUN EN ECIN EWWT EXTERNAL ENIV ES ESA ELN EFIS EIND EPA ELTN EXIM ET EINT EI ER EAIDAF ETRO ETRDECONWTOCS ECTRD EUR ECOWAS ECUN EBRD ECONOMIC ENGR ECONOMY EFND ELECTIONS EPECO EUMEM ETMIN EXBS EAIRECONRP ERTD EAP ERGR EUREM EFI EIB ENGY ELNTECON EAIDXMXAXBXFFR ECOSOC EEB EINF ETRN ENGRD ESTH ENRC EXPORT EK ENRGMO ECO EGAD EXIMOPIC ETRDPGOV EURM ETRA ENERG ECLAC EINO ENVIRONMENT EFIC ECIP ETRDAORC ENRD EMED EIAR ECPN ELAP ETCC EAC ENEG ESCAP EWWC ELTD ELA EIVN ELF ETR EFTA EMAIL EL EMS EID ELNT ECPSN ERIN ETT EETC ELAN ECHEVARRIA EPWR EVIN ENVR ENRGJM ELBR EUC EARG EAPC EICN EEC EREL EAIS ELBA EPETUN EWWY ETRDGK EV EDU EFN EVN EAIDETRD ENRGTRGYETRDBEXPBTIOSZ ETEX ESCI EAIDHO EENV ETRC ESOC EINDQTRD EINVA EFLU EGEN ECE EAGRBN EON EFINECONCS EIAD ECPC ENV ETDR EAGER ETRDKIPR EWT EDEV ECCP ECCT EARI EINVECON ED ETRDEC EMINETRD EADM ENRGPARMOTRASENVKGHGPGOVECONTSPLEAID ETAD ECOM ECONETRDEAGRJA EMINECINECONSENVTBIONS ESSO ETRG ELAM ECA EENG EITC ENG ERA EPSC ECONEINVETRDEFINELABETRDKTDBPGOVOPIC EIPR ELABPGOVBN EURFOR ETRAD EUE EISNLN ECONETRDBESPAR ELAINE EGOVSY EAUD EAGRECONEINVPGOVBN EINVETRD EPIN ECONENRG EDRC ESENV EB ENER ELTNSNAR EURN ECONPGOVBN ETTF ENVT EPIT ESOCI EFINOECD ERD EDUC EUM ETEL EUEAID ENRGY ETD EAGRE EAR EAIDMG EE EET ETER ERICKSON EIAID EX EAG EBEXP ESTN EAIDAORC EING EGOV EEOC EAGRRP EVENTS ENRGKNNPMNUCPARMPRELNPTIAEAJMXL ETRDEMIN EPETEIND EAIDRW ENVI ETRDEINVECINPGOVCS EPEC EDUARDO EGAR EPCS EPRT EAIDPHUMPRELUG EPTED ETRB EPETPGOV ECONQH EAIDS EFINECONEAIDUNGAGM EAIDAR EAGRBTIOBEXPETRDBN ESF EINR ELABPHUMSMIGKCRMBN EIDN ETRK ESTRADA EXEC EAIO EGHG ECN EDA ECOS EPREL EINVKSCA ENNP ELABV ETA EWWTPRELPGOVMASSMARRBN EUCOM EAIDASEC ENR END EP ERNG ESPS EITI EINTECPS EAVI ECONEFINETRDPGOVEAGRPTERKTFNKCRMEAID ELTRN EADI ELDIN ELND ECRM EINVEFIN EAOD EFINTS EINDIR ENRGKNNP ETRDEIQ ETC EAIRASECCASCID EINN ETRP EAIDNI EFQ ECOQKPKO EGPHUM EBUD EAIT ECONEINVEFINPGOVIZ EWWI ENERGY ELB EINDETRD EMI ECONEAIR ECONEFIN EHUM EFNI EOXC EISNAR ETRDEINVTINTCS EIN EFIM EMW ETIO ETRDGR EMN EXO EATO EWTR ELIN EAGREAIDPGOVPRELBN EINVETC ETTD EIQ ECONCS EPPD ESS EUEAGR ENRGIZ EISL EUNJ EIDE ENRGSD ELAD ESPINOSA ELEC EAIG ESLCO ENTG ETRDECD EINVECONSENVCSJA EEPET EUNCH ECINECONCS
KPKO KIPR KWBG KPAL KDEM KTFN KNNP KGIC KTIA KCRM KDRG KWMN KJUS KIDE KSUM KTIP KFRD KMCA KMDR KCIP KTDB KPAO KPWR KOMC KU KIRF KCOR KHLS KISL KSCA KGHG KS KSTH KSEP KE KPAI KWAC KFRDKIRFCVISCMGTKOCIASECPHUMSMIGEG KPRP KVPR KAWC KUNR KZ KPLS KN KSTC KMFO KID KNAR KCFE KRIM KFLO KCSA KG KFSC KSCI KFLU KMIG KRVC KV KVRP KMPI KNEI KAPO KOLY KGIT KSAF KIRC KNSD KBIO KHIV KHDP KBTR KHUM KSAC KACT KRAD KPRV KTEX KPIR KDMR KMPF KPFO KICA KWMM KICC KR KCOM KAID KINR KBCT KOCI KCRS KTER KSPR KDP KFIN KCMR KMOC KUWAIT KIPRZ KSEO KLIG KWIR KISM KLEG KTBD KCUM KMSG KMWN KREL KPREL KAWK KIMT KCSY KESS KWPA KNPT KTBT KCROM KPOW KFTN KPKP KICR KGHA KOMS KJUST KREC KOC KFPC KGLB KMRS KTFIN KCRCM KWNM KHGH KRFD KY KGCC KFEM KVIR KRCM KEMR KIIP KPOA KREF KJRE KRKO KOGL KSCS KGOV KCRIM KEM KCUL KRIF KCEM KITA KCRN KCIS KSEAO KWMEN KEANE KNNC KNAP KEDEM KNEP KHPD KPSC KIRP KUNC KALM KCCP KDEN KSEC KAYLA KIMMITT KO KNUC KSIA KLFU KLAB KTDD KIRCOEXC KECF KIPRETRDKCRM KNDP KIRCHOFF KJAN KFRDSOCIRO KWMNSMIG KEAI KKPO KPOL KRD KWMNPREL KATRINA KBWG KW KPPD KTIAEUN KDHS KRV KBTS KWCI KICT KPALAOIS KPMI KWN KTDM KWM KLHS KLBO KDEMK KT KIDS KWWW KLIP KPRM KSKN KTTB KTRD KNPP KOR KGKG KNN KTIAIC KSRE KDRL KVCORR KDEMGT KOMO KSTCC KMAC KSOC KMCC KCHG KSEPCVIS KGIV KPO KSEI KSTCPL KSI KRMS KFLOA KIND KPPAO KCM KRFR KICCPUR KFRDCVISCMGTCASCKOCIASECPHUMSMIGEG KNNB KFAM KWWMN KENV KGH KPOP KFCE KNAO KTIAPARM KWMNKDEM KDRM KNNNP KEVIN KEMPI KWIM KGCN KUM KMGT KKOR KSMT KISLSCUL KNRV KPRO KOMCSG KLPM KDTB KFGM KCRP KAUST KNNPPARM KUNH KWAWC KSPA KTSC KUS KSOCI KCMA KTFR KPAOPREL KNNPCH KWGB KSTT KNUP KPGOV KUK KMNP KPAS KHMN KPAD KSTS KCORR KI KLSO KWNN KNP KPTD KESO KMPP KEMS KPAONZ KPOV KTLA KPAOKMDRKE KNMP KWMNCI KWUN KRDP KWKN KPAOY KEIM KGICKS KIPT KREISLER KTAO KJU KLTN KWMNPHUMPRELKPAOZW KEN KQ KWPR KSCT KGHGHIV KEDU KRCIM KFIU KWIC KNNO KILS KTIALG KNNA KMCAJO KINP KRM KLFLO KPA KOMCCO KKIV KHSA KDM KRCS KWBGSY KISLAO KNPPIS KNNPMNUC KCRI KX KWWT KPAM KVRC KERG KK KSUMPHUM KACP KSLG KIF KIVP KHOURY KNPR KUNRAORC KCOG KCFC KWMJN KFTFN KTFM KPDD KMPIO KCERS KDUM KDEMAF KMEPI KHSL KEPREL KAWX KIRL KNNR KOMH KMPT KISLPINR KADM KPER KTPN KSCAECON KA KJUSTH KPIN KDEV KCSI KNRG KAKA KFRP KTSD KINL KJUSKUNR KQM KQRDQ KWBC KMRD KVBL KOM KMPL KEDM KFLD KPRD KRGY KNNF KPROG KIFR KPOKO KM KWMNCS KAWS KLAP KPAK KHIB KOEM KDDG KCGC
PGOV PREL PK PTER PINR PO PHUM PARM PREF PINF PRL PM PINS PROP PALESTINIAN PE PBTS PNAT PHSA PL PA PSEPC POSTS POLITICS POLICY POL PU PAHO PHUMPGOV PGOG PARALYMPIC PGOC PNR PREFA PMIL POLITICAL PROV PRUM PBIO PAK POV POLG PAR POLM PHUMPREL PKO PUNE PROG PEL PROPERTY PKAO PRE PSOE PHAS PNUM PGOVE PY PIRF PRES POWELL PP PREM PCON PGOVPTER PGOVPREL PODC PTBS PTEL PGOVTI PHSAPREL PD PG PRC PVOV PLO PRELL PEPFAR PREK PEREZ PINT POLI PPOL PARTIES PT PRELUN PH PENA PIN PGPV PKST PROTESTS PHSAK PRM PROLIFERATION PGOVBL PAS PUM PMIG PGIC PTERPGOV PSHA PHM PHARM PRELHA PELOSI PGOVKCMABN PQM PETER PJUS PKK POUS PTE PGOVPRELPHUMPREFSMIGELABEAIDKCRMKWMN PERM PRELGOV PAO PNIR PARMP PRELPGOVEAIDECONEINVBEXPSCULOIIPBTIO PHYTRP PHUML PFOV PDEM PUOS PN PRESIDENT PERURENA PRIVATIZATION PHUH PIF POG PERL PKPA PREI PTERKU PSEC PRELKSUMXABN PETROL PRIL POLUN PPD PRELUNSC PREZ PCUL PREO PGOVZI POLMIL PERSONS PREFL PASS PV PETERS PING PQL PETR PARMS PNUC PS PARLIAMENT PINSCE PROTECTION PLAB PGV PBS PGOVENRGCVISMASSEAIDOPRCEWWTBN PKNP PSOCI PSI PTERM PLUM PF PVIP PARP PHUMQHA PRELNP PHIM PRELBR PUBLIC PHUMKPAL PHAM PUAS PBOV PRELTBIOBA PGOVU PHUMPINS PICES PGOVENRG PRELKPKO PHU PHUMKCRS POGV PATTY PSOC PRELSP PREC PSO PAIGH PKPO PARK PRELPLS PRELPK PHUS PPREL PTERPREL PROL PDA PRELPGOV PRELAF PAGE PGOVGM PGOVECON PHUMIZNL PMAR PGOVAF PMDL PKBL PARN PARMIR PGOVEAIDUKNOSWGMHUCANLLHFRSPITNZ PDD PRELKPAO PKMN PRELEZ PHUMPRELPGOV PARTM PGOVEAGRKMCAKNARBN PPEL PGOVPRELPINRBN PGOVSOCI PWBG PGOVEAID PGOVPM PBST PKEAID PRAM PRELEVU PHUMA PGOR PPA PINSO PROVE PRELKPAOIZ PPAO PHUMPRELBN PGVO PHUMPTER PAGR PMIN PBTSEWWT PHUMR PDOV PINO PARAGRAPH PACE PINL PKPAL PTERE PGOVAU PGOF PBTSRU PRGOV PRHUM PCI PGO PRELEUN PAC PRESL PORG PKFK PEPR PRELP PMR PRTER PNG PGOVPHUMKPAO PRELECON PRELNL PINOCHET PAARM PKPAO PFOR PGOVLO PHUMBA POPDC PRELC PHUME PER PHJM POLINT PGOVPZ PGOVKCRM PAUL PHALANAGE PARTY PPEF PECON PEACE PROCESS PPGOV PLN PRELSW PHUMS PRF PEDRO PHUMKDEM PUNR PVPR PATRICK PGOVKMCAPHUMBN PRELA PGGV PSA PGOVSMIGKCRMKWMNPHUMCVISKFRDCA PGIV PRFE POGOV PBT PAMQ

Browse by classification

Community resources

courage is contagious

Viewing cable 09ISLAMABAD600, PAKISTAN MEDIA REACTION: MARCH 19, 2009

If you are new to these pages, please read an introduction on the structure of a cable as well as how to discuss them with others. See also the FAQs

Understanding cables
Every cable message consists of three parts:
  • The top box shows each cables unique reference number, when and by whom it originally was sent, and what its initial classification was.
  • The middle box contains the header information that is associated with the cable. It includes information about the receiver(s) as well as a general subject.
  • The bottom box presents the body of the cable. The opening can contain a more specific subject, references to other cables (browse by origin to find them) or additional comment. This is followed by the main contents of the cable: a summary, a collection of specific topics and a comment section.
To understand the justification used for the classification of each cable, please use this WikiSource article as reference.

Discussing cables
If you find meaningful or important information in a cable, please link directly to its unique reference number. Linking to a specific paragraph in the body of a cable is also possible by copying the appropriate link (to be found at theparagraph symbol). Please mark messages for social networking services like Twitter with the hash tags #cablegate and a hash containing the reference ID e.g. #09ISLAMABAD600.
Reference ID Created Released Classification Origin
09ISLAMABAD600 2009-03-19 10:54 2011-08-26 00:00 UNCLASSIFIED Embassy Islamabad
VZCZCXYZ0003
OO RUEHWEB

DE RUEHIL #0600/01 0781054
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 191054Z MAR 09
FM AMEMBASSY ISLAMABAD
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 1965
RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHINGTON DC IMMEDIATE
RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK IMMEDIATE 9136
RUEHNO/USMISSION USNATO IMMEDIATE 5001
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 9926
RUEHFR/AMEMBASSY PARIS 7087
RUEHMO/AMEMBASSY MOSCOW 1070
RHHMUNA/HQ USPACOM HONOLULU HI
UNCLAS ISLAMABAD 000600 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: KMDR KPAO OIIP OPRC PGOV PREL PK
SUBJECT:  PAKISTAN MEDIA REACTION: MARCH 19, 2009 
 
Summary:  A New York Times' report that President Obama and his top 
aides are "considering expanding the American covert operations 
against Taliban leaders to Balochistan" dominated headlines in all 
newspapers on Thursday.  All newspapers also reported that Pakistan 
Foreign Office spokesman "downplayed" the report by terming it as 
"speculative."  Foreign Minister Qureshi's statement affirming that 
the "U.S. will address (Pakistan's) concerns over drone attacks" 
received prominent coverage.  Reports of a "militant attack on 
Malakand University killing four cops and a security guard" were 
also highlighted.  Several major dailies reported that the 
"kidnappers of a Canadian journalist have threatened to kill her if 
their demands were not met by March 30." 
 
Newspapers ran editorials on a host of subjects such as the security 
situation, aftermath of the restoration of judiciary, intelligence 
sharing on Mumbai attacks, and so on.  Commenting on the NYT's 
report about possible drone attacks in Balochistan, the populist 
daily, "Khabrain," cautioned that "such steps will increase existing 
hatred against the United States."  The centrist national daily, 
"The News," observed that the "mood may be changing in Washington 
with respect to the government of Pakistan, as there are reports in 
the U.S. media that a "re-think is on regarding Nawaz Sharif."  The 
center-right national daily, "The Nation," noted that the "Obama 
Administration seems particularly sensitive to the public sentiments 
and unless he (President Zardari) comes half-way to make up with a 
major political force like the PML-N, he would fail to strengthen 
democracy."  End Summary. 
 
----------------- 
News Stories 
----------------- 
 
"U.S. Considering Strikes In Balochistan: NYT" "Dawn" (03/19) 
 
"President Obama and his national security advisers are considering 
expanding the American covert war in Pakistan far beyond the tribal 
areas and striking at a different centre of Taliban power in 
Balochistan, where top Taliban leaders are orchestrating attacks 
into southern Afghanistan, says a report in the New York Times." 
 
"Pakistan Dismisses U.S. Report On Air Strikes" "The Nation" 
(03/19) 
 
"Pakistan on Wednesday asked the United States to review its policy 
of drone attacks while dismissing as speculative an alarming U.S. 
media report that Washington is considering to expand these attacks 
beyond the tribal area to Balochistan Province, said Foreign 
Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, while addressing a press conference 
in Islamabad at the Foreign Office." 
 
"U.S. To Address Concerns Over Drone Attacks: Qureshi" "Dawn" 
(03/19) 
 
"Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said on Wednesday the U.S. 
had agreed to discuss Pakistan's concerns over drone attacks on its 
territory during the second round of regional policy review meetings 
scheduled in May 6-7." 
 
"Balochistan Has No Safe havens, Says FC" "Dawn" (03/19) 
 
"Inspector General of Frontier Corps Maj-Gen. Saleem Nawaz has 
described as baseless reports that Mullah Omar and other Taliban 
leaders and militants were hiding in Balochistan and said the 
Taliban did not have political and tribal support in the province." 
 
"Balochs To Resist Any U.S. Attack: Jamali" "The News" (03/19) 
 
"Former Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamil on Wednesday 
stressed the need for unity to face American threat of attacking 
Balochistan, saying that the nation will foil such evil designs, 
while talking to a private TV channel." 
 
"Congressmen Oppose Drone Attacks In Pakistan" "Dawn" (03/19) 
 
"A bipartisan group of 15 U.S. congressmen warned the U.S. 
administration on Wednesday that increased U.S. military activities 
in Pakistan would have dangerous consequences for the entire region. 
 In a signed letter to President Barak Obama, the lawmakers also 
opposed U.S. drone attacks in Pakistan, saying that it's the 
continuation of the Bush administration's policies towards the 
region." 
 
"U.S., Others Keen To Help Pakistan, Says Qureshi" "The News" 
(03/19) 
 
"The government sent a strong appeal to the opposition leaders to 
find a democratic way forward and take all outstanding issues to the 
floor of parliament rather than on the streets. Political stability 
is the key to success, progress and prosperity.  Foreign policy is 
above party interest and the need of the hour is national consensus. 
 If we want to take advantage of this situation then please I appeal 
to all Pakistani politicians to strengthen my hands, otherwise I 
cannot argue Pakistan's case,' Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi 
told a hurriedly-called news conference at the Foreign Office. 
Qureshi pleaded that at this moment all important world capitals are 
looking at Pakistan sympathetically and are willing to help it 
economically and politically." 
 
"Haqqani Seeks Fast-Track U.S. Assistance For Pakistan" "The News" 
(03/19) 
 
"Pakistan's Ambassador to the United States Husain Haqqani has 
called on Washington to bolster the democratic government's 
concerted campaign against extremist threat with fast-track 
provision of socio-economic assistance as it would held efforts to 
enlist the much-needed widespread public support for the cause. 
Taking part in a discussion on Pakistan in PBS TV channel's Charlie 
Rose Program, the envoy acknowledged the moves underway in 
Washington on expanding economic assistance for his key South Asian 
country." 
 
"India-Pakistan Differences Loom Over Afghan Talks" "Dawn" (03/19) 
 
"Unabated bilateral tensions between India and Pakistan together 
with their divergent approaches towards a solution to the mess in 
Kabul are expected to distract the attention from, rather than put 
the focus on, constructive discussions on Afghanistan at two 
international conferences this month that are to discuss new 
strategies for the war-torn nation, reports indicated on 
Wednesday." 
 
"Five Killed In Attack On Malakand University" "Dawn" (03/19) 
 
"Four policemen and a watchman of the University of Malakand were 
killed and three others suffered wounds when a group of armed 
miscreants attacked a police mobile van at the main entrance of the 
University of Malakand at Chakdara in the Lower Dir district at the 
wee hours of Wednesday, official sources and eyewitnesses told 
'Dawn.'" 
 
"Life of Kidnapped Canadian Woman Journalist In Danger" "The News" 
(03/19) 
 
"Taliban militants holding the Canadian woman journalist, Khadija 
Abdul Qahaar, in North Waziristan tribal region Wednesday threatened 
to kill her if their demands were not met by the end of March.... 
The Taliban demanded two million dollars for her release." 
 
"Deadline Set For Solecki Ends" "Dawn" (03/19) 
 
"The Baloch Liberation United Front, which claims to have kidnapped 
UN official John Solecki, has yet to announce a new deadline for 
acceptance of its demands, as its earlier deadline passed on 
Wednesday night." 
 
"UNHCR Seeks Direct Talks With Kidnappers" "Dawn" (03/19) 
 
"The United Nations is concerned about the health of its abducted 
official John Solecki and is making all efforts to gain his safe 
release, an official of the United Nations High Commissioner for 
Refugees said.  A statement issued by the UNHCR in Islamabad on 
Wednesday said that the world body was willing to speak directly to 
Mr. Solecki's kidnappers in the spirit of being ready to listen and 
to find a safe way for his release." 
 
"Most Of Balochistan Libration United Front (BLUF) Demands Already 
Met, Says Malik" "The News" (03/19) 
 
"Advisor to Prime Minister on Interior Rehman Malik has said that 
the government was reviewing the demands made by captors of UNHCR 
official John Solecki.  Talking to Balochistan Chief Minister Nawab 
Aslam Raisani in Islamabad on Wednesday, Malik said most of the 
demands of Balochistan Libration United Front (BLUF), that claimed 
responsibility for the kidnapping of the UNHCR official, have 
already been fulfilled." 
 
"Four Security Men Killed In Dir Gunfight" "The Nation" (03/19) 
 
"Four security men were killed and fQr others wounded Wednesday in 
a gunfight with militants in a northwest town near Swat Valley, 
police said." 
 
"Armed Militants Patrol Peshawar Roads" "The News" (03/19) 
 
"Militants armed with rocket launchers and other sophisticated 
weapons patrolled the Peshawar city roads on Wednesday, scaring the 
commuters and dwellers of the nearby towns.  It is learned that 
suspected militants in around 12 double-cabin pickups patrolled the 
Ring Road and Bara Road in the afternoon." 
 
"Militants Force Closure Of CD Shops In Mardan" "The News" (03/19) 
 
"Militants' threats have forced hundreds of compact disc (CDs) 
dealers in Mardan district to pack up.  A survey conducted by The 
News revealed that so far over 100 music and CD shops had been blown 
up in various areas of the district." 
 
"Bomb Damages NATO Equipment Near Chaman Border (Quetta)" "The News" 
(03/19) 
 
"A suspected militant on Wednesday hurled a grenade at a NATO supply 
truck carrying machinery destined for Afghanistan, damaging the 
equipment, police said." 
 
"Oil Tanker Blown Up" "The News" (03/19) 
 
"A tanker transporting oil to NATO forces in Afghanistan was blown 
up near Michini area (Landi Kotal) when an explosive device placed 
beneath it exploded on Wednesday." 
 
"NWFP Govt. Asks Swat Judges Not To Attend Courts Over Security 
Concerns" "Daily Times" (03/19) 
 
"The government on Wednesday directed the judges of subordinate 
judiciary of the Peshawar High Court in Swat not to attend courts 
and restrict themselves to their houses due to security concerns, a 
civil judge cum judicial magistrate in Swat told 'Daily Times' on 
Wednesday." 
 
--------------------- 
Editorials/Op-eds 
--------------------- 
 
"Plan To Extend Drone Attacks," an editorial in the Lahore-based 
populist center-right Urdu daily "Khabrain" (cir. 50,000) (03/19) 
 
"According to a press report in America, President Obama and the 
National Security Advisor are planning to widen the scope of 
American drone attacks and want to include attacks on Taliban 
hideouts in Quetta and other parts of Balochistan in this plan. 
America should keep in mind that such steps will increase existing 
hatred against America." 
 
"A Change In Perception," an editorial in the centrist national 
English daily "The News" (cir. 55,000) (03/19) 
 
"The mood may be changing in Washington with respect to the 
government in Pakistan.  In the U.S. media there have been several 
reports that a re-think is on regarding Mian Nawaz Shairf....  The 
current re-think we hear so much of comes at a time when in the U.S. 
Senate there are calls for more aid to be extended to Pakistan to 
prevent the country spiraling into turmoil.  Pakistan needs economic 
stability.  But this can come only when its allies overseas and also 
people within the country have greater faith in the abilities of its 
leaders.  The perception that governance is weak and ineffective, 
whether accurate or inaccurate, adds to our problems." 
 
"Basis Of Patch-Up," an editorial in the center-right national 
English daily "The Nation" (cir. 20,000) (03/19) 
"President Zardari should know that his standing, not only with the 
people but also with the U.S. and the rest of the world, has 
markedly suffered as a result of the lawyers' movement.  Unlike Mr. 
Bush, the Obama Administration seems particularly sensitive to the 
public sentiment and unless he comes half-way to make up with a 
major political force like the PML(N), he would fail to strengthen 
democracy." 
 
"Peace, For Now," an op-ed by Ahmed Quraishi in the centrist 
national English daily "The News" (cir. 55,000) (03/19) 
 
"A failed political system won't change itself.  Our ultimate goal 
here should be the type of political system and not how it comes. 
Pakistan needs a political system where political parties are 
democratized and party leaderships are rotated through internal 
ballot...  Without this kind of change, the existing system will 
continue to generate crises and encourage foreign intervention. 
Here, it must be noted that the original sin of disturbing the 
Pakistani political process is born by the United States and 
Britain.  The attempts at political manipulation by both countries 
in Pakistan as far back as 2006 have destabilized Pakistan.  Their 
latest intervention might have turned to be positive but it was 
designed to protect their interests inside the Pakistani 
government." 
 
"A Bomber In Hand," an editorial in the centrist national English 
daily "The News" (cir. 55,000) (03/19) 
 
"Somewhere in our country, young men and boys are recruited as 
suicide bombers, carefully trained and brain-washed into believing 
they are acting for the sake of religion before being released into 
cities.  Only when we uncover the system behind this will it become 
possible to move effectively towards stopping the bombings." 
 
"Rationale For Speedy Justice," an editorial in the Islamabad-based 
rightist English daily "Pakistan Observer" (cir. 5,000) (03/19) 
 
"The apprehensions and opposition of the Western circles is quite 
understandable but it is regrettable that some domestic quarters too 
were in the forefront of the campaign to malign the 
understanding....  In normal circumstances, the civil suit might 
have taken years to settle but the Qazi disposed of the case just in 
one day without any cost to the litigants.  There were no fees for 
lawyers, no formal FIR and no delays.  The Qazi received application 
on plain paper, called witnesses and decided the case instantly. 
That is what the people of the region have been demanding on the 
basis of their experience of the past." 
 
"Don't Delay In Resolving Issues," an editorial in the leading mass 
circulation centrist Urdu daily "Jang" (cir. 300,000) (03/19) 
 
"It is a very alarming situation that the TNSM chief Sufi Mohammad 
has stopped the judges in Swat to come to the office.  And now this 
cleric has moved ahead and prevented the lawyers and attorneys too 
from pleading the cases on behalf of their clients, and described 
this profession as contrary to the Shariat laws.  In this state of 
affairs, the lawyers in Swat are left with no other option except to 
quit this profession, or leave Swat valley.  So the government 
authorities must find a way out of this sticky situation, and 
resolve this issue immediately." 
 
"Don't Ignore Us," an editorial in the second-largest, center-right 
nationalist Urdu daily "Nawa-i-Waqt" (cir. 125,000) (03/19) 
 
"American administration has approved the sale of eight ocean 
surveillance aircraft worth $2.10 billion to India.  America has 
friendship with Pakistan, but actually it wants to see Pakistan 
militarily weak....  Pakistan should use diplomatic channels to 
raise the issue as to why balance of power is being disturbed with 
the supply of military equipment to India." 
 
"Need For Dialogue," an editorial in the Karachi-based center-left 
independent national English daily "Dawn" (cir. 55,000) (03/19) 
 
"Of course it is yet to be established that the LT was behind the 
Mumbai or Lahore attacks.  Still, it is clear that our biggest 
enemies lie within.  There are other reasons too why the architects 
of the Mumbai carnage must be brought to book at the earliest. 
Without greater strides on this count, progress is unlikely on the 
core issue of Kashmir and other lingering disputes such as Siachen 
and the demarcation of maritime borders." 
Patterson