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UNCLAS ISLAMABAD 000803 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: KMDR KPAO OIIP OPRC PGOV PREL PK
SUBJECT:  PAKISTAN MEDIA REACTION: APRIL 16, 2009 
 
Summary:  Reports of a suicide attack at a police check-post in 
Charsadda (NWFP) killing 16 people including nine personnel 
dominated headlines in all newspapers on Thursday.  President 
Zardari's statement that the "government may review the Nizam-i-Adl 
Regulation 2009, if peace is not restored in Swat" received 
front-page display.  Several major newspapers highlighted remarks of 
TNSM's chief Sufi Mohammad that the "Qazis' courts verdicts can't be 
challenged in the Supreme Court."  Also front-paged were reports 
that the "Supreme Court sought a report from the Balochistan police 
about the alleged incident of burying alive of five women in the 
province last year."  All dailies reported that "two helicopters of 
NATO forces violated the airspace of Pakistan as they flew over 
Torkham." 
 
Almost all major newspapers ran editorials on the implementation of 
the "Nizam-i-Adl Regulation" and discussed its far-reaching impact 
on the Pakistani social fabric.  Expressing concern over the 
continuous presence of militants in Swat, the center-left national 
daily, "Dawn," noted that the "obvious worry is that if the 
militants remain armed to the teeth and roam freely in public, they 
will be able to browbeat the government into accepting their 
position in any dispute."  Toeing the line, the Lahore-based liberal 
daily, "Daily Times," warned that the "people will have to accept 
Sharia (Islamic laws) now or die at the hands of the Taliban."  On 
the contrary, the second-largest Urdu daily, "Nawa-i-Waqt," opined 
that "we must make it clear to the U.S. that democracy reigns 
supreme here and that the Nizam-i-Adl Regulation poses no threat to 
it."  End Summary. 
 
----------------- 
News Stories 
----------------- 
 
"Bomber Sows Terror In Charsadda; 16 Killed" "Dawn" (04/16) 
 
"Nine police personnel, including a DSP and an SHO, and seven 
passers-by were killed while 10 others were injured after a suicide 
bomber rammed his explosive-laden car into a police check-post in 
Charsadda on Wednesday evening." 
 
"Nizam-e-Adl Will Be Reviewed If Peace Not Restored" "Daily Times" 
(04/16) 
 
"The government may review the Nizam-e-Adl Regulation 2009 if peace 
is not restored in Swat, President Asif Ali Zardari said on 
Wednesday, while addressing the Pakistani community in Tokyo." 
 
"Qazis' Verdict Can't Be Challenged In SC" "The News" (04/16) 
 
"Tanzeem Nifaz Shariat-e-Muhammadi (TNSM) Chief Maulana Sufi 
Muhammad on Wednesday said the Qazi courts would dispose of cases in 
line with Shariah and their verdicts could not be challenged in the 
high court or the Supreme Court, but a Darul Qaza would be set up at 
the divisional level as a final court." 
 
"SC Seeks Report On Women Buried Alive" "Dawn" (04/16) 
 
"The Supreme Court sought on Wednesday a report from the Balochistan 
Police Chief about the alleged incident of burying alive of five 
women in the province last year." 
 
"NATO Choppers Violate Pak Air Space" "The Nation" (04/16) 
 
"Two helicopters of NATO forces on Wednesday violated the air space 
of Pakistan as they flew over Torkham, a town of Pakistan near 
Pak-Afghan border, sources disclosed....  However, the ISPR said 
that the NATO forces formally have apologized for the incident." 
 
"U.S., Pakistan Struggle To Soften Aid Conditions" "Dawn" (04/16) 
 
"The United States and Pakistan are working quietly to remove their 
differences on the conditions attached to expected U.S. aid as a 
high-level American delegation leaves for Tokyo to participate in an 
international donors' conference.  The conference, scheduled on 
Friday, is expected to raise up to $6 billion to help Pakistan 
rebuild its ailing economy." 
 
"Pakistan Can Lead The Way: Qureshi Asks FoP To Make Pakistan A Role 
Model" "The News" (04/16) 
"Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi in Tokyo on Wednesday urged 
the Friends of Pakistan (FoP) countries to join hands in making 
Pakistan, which is contributing as a frontline state in the war 
against terrorism, a role model for the world." 
 
"FATA Too Violent To Benefit From U.S. Aid: Kerry" "Dawn" (04/16) 
 
"Pakistan's tribal areas are too ungovernable and too violent to 
benefit from U.S. financial assistance, says Senator John Kerry, 
reminding Islamabad that only security could bring prosperity to the 
region.  The U.S. Senator, who is trying to push an annual $1.5 
billion increase in aid to Pakistan, visited the tribal areas 
earlier this week after a series of high level meetings with senior 
officials in Islamabad." 
 
"Taliban To Take 'Struggle' To New Areas" "Dawn" (04/16) 
 
"Pakistani Taliban will not lay down their arms in a northwestern 
valley as part of a deal that included the introduction of Sharia 
law but will take their 'struggle' to new areas, a militant 
spokesman said on Wednesday." 
 
"Sharia Law Enforced In Malakand" "Dawn" (04/16) 
 
"The NWFP governor promulgated on Wednesday the Sharia Nizam-i-Adl 
Regulation of 2009, providing for appointment of Qazis and 
restoration of the executive magistracy system in the Malakand 
division and Kohistan." 
 
"Militants Still Control Several Areas Of Buner" "The News" (04/16) 
 
"The enforcement of Nizam-e-Adl Regulation, the ostensible demand of 
Swat-based militants, had no positive impact on Buner where 
militants continued to hold control of several areas, carry out 
armed patrol and keep up a campaign for recruiting fighters, locals 
said Wednesday." 
 
"The Reality About Nizam-e-Adl Regulation" "The News" (04/16) 
 
"Nizam-e-Adl Regulation (NAR) 2009 envisages no role whatsoever for 
Swat Taliban or Tehrik Nifaz Shariat-e-Muhammadi (TNSM) in the 
running of the newly introduced justice system.  Contrary to the 
general perception that Swat has been surrendered to Taliban and 
that different sects of the religion and minorities would be at the 
receiving end under the new dispensation, the NAR 2009 clearly 
protects all Muslim sects and minorities from being tried under laws 
that do not match their respective faith." 
 
"Pressure Did Not Work In Swat" "The News" (04/16) 
 
"There has been tremendous pressure from Washington on President 
Asif Ali Zardari and ANP President Asfandyar Wali not to enforce 
Nizam-e-Adl Regulation in Swat but the two did not oblige the former 
for the mere reason that there was no other option available with 
anyone to bring peace in the valley." 
 
"Singh Rules Out Peace Talks Revival" "The News" (04/16) 
 
"Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Wednesday ruled out 
resumption of talks with Pakistan as long as 'it allows terrorists 
to use its territory against India and shows sincerity' in bringing 
the perpetrators of Mumbai attacks to justice." 
 
--------------------- 
Editorials/Op-eds 
--------------------- 
 
"Worrying Uncertainties," an editorial in the Karachi-based 
center-left independent national English daily "Dawn" (cir. 55,000) 
(04/16) 
 
"The obvious worry is that if the militants remain armed to the 
teeth and roam freely in public, they will be able to browbeat the 
government into accepting their position in any dispute.  The second 
problem is of time frames.  When President Zardari dithered over 
enforcing the Nizam-i-Adl, the militants cried foul and demanded its 
immediate implementation.  But no such immediacy seems to concern 
Sufi Mohammad when it comes to the militants holding up their end of 
the bargain.  Without a definite timeline to leave the public arena, 
the fear is that it is the militants who will now be engaging in 
delaying tactics." 
 
"Sharia Law And Its Saintly Nepotism," an editorial in the 
Lahore-based liberal English language daily "Daily Times" (cir. 
10,000) (04/16) 
 
"The people will have to accept Sharia now or die at the hands of 
the Taliban.  And in the process the Taliban will take their wealth 
and their women as all such marauders have done in history." 
 
"Nizam-i-Adl Regulation: We Do Not Need U.S. Dictation At All," an 
editorial in the second-largest, center-right nationalist Urdu daily 
"Nawa-i-Waqt" (cir. 125,000) (04/16) 
 
"What kind of system Pakistan has is up to us to decide, not the 
U.S....  We must make it clear to the U.S. that democracy reigns 
supreme here and that the Nizam-i-Adl regulation poses no threat to 
it.  We have to run the system ourselves; and fulfill the demands of 
national security on our own." 
 
"The Capitulation Continues," an editorial in the centrist national 
English daily "The News" (cir. 55,000) (04/16) 
 
"The spineless display by the provincial government and parliament 
means the militants are more confident than ever.  They have stated 
they will be 'touring' districts of Malakand and neighboring Buner 
to ensure peace is kept.  This is rather ominous given that the 
militants have so far brought with them nothing but violence and 
suffering.  The ban placed on the display of arms in public means 
nothing, given that this can of course be ended at any time.  There 
has been no mention of de-weaponization or a surrender of guns, 
which could perhaps bring longer-term peace in the area...." 
 
"Nizam-i-Adl Regulation: The Need For Caution," an editorial in the 
Lahore-based populist center-right Urdu daily "Khabrain" (cir. 
50,000) (04/16) 
 
"Although the Pakistani leadership gave a detailed briefing to 
Senator Kerry on the Nizam-i-Adl regulation and how it was 
imperative  for peace in the area, the U.S. administration feels 
that  such deals lead to an acceptance of extremists' demands and 
would provide safe havens to them....  We hope that both parties to 
the deal would honor their words and keep the promises made to 
ensure peace in the area." 
 
"Concerns About Swat," an editorial in the center-right national 
English daily "The Nation" (cir. 20,000) (04/16) 
 
"There is a need on the part of the TTP and TNSM also not to say or 
do anything that adds to the problems the country is facing.  While 
Islamabad has carried out its part of the Swat accord, it is for the 
militants now to fulfill their obligations in letter and spirit...." 
 
 
"Taliban In Punjab," an editorial in the Lahore-based liberal 
English daily "The Post" (cir. 5,000) (04/16) 
 
"After the signing of the peace deal the residents of the Malakand 
Division have been heaving a sigh of relief and the public life is 
returning to normalcy in the area.  The U.S. and its allies should 
adopt the policy of wait and see and peace be given a chance in Swat 
and other areas.  It is in the interest of Pakistan and its people 
that the peace deal should be welcomed." 
 
"Speedy Justice Is Demand Of Everyone," an editorial in the 
Islamabad-based rightist English daily "Pakistan Observer" (cir. 
5,000) (04/16) 
 
"Despite understandable criticism by some Western-sponsored and 
Western-styled circles and the United States, the promulgation of 
Nizam-e-Adl Regulation in Malakand Division has had a soothing 
effect on the overall security situation and things have started 
settling down with remarkable pace.  The Qazi courts have started 
working with full authority....  The objective is to ensure 
inexpensive and speedy justice and there is absolutely nothing wrong 
if this objective is achieved through Qazi courts in Swat." 
 
"Peace Accord: Exercise Patience," editorial in the Karachi-based 
center-right sensationalist Urdu daily "Ummat" (cir. 33,000) 
(04/16) 
 
"The victorious religious leaders in Malakand division now must take 
the responsibility to remove the impression of being extremists, as 
no religious service can be done by using force." 
 
"Start Of The victory March?," an op-ed by Kamila Hyat in the 
centrist national English daily "The News" (cir. 55,000) (04/16) 
 
"It seems more and more apparent that the Taliban are now winning. 
There is evidence of this everywhere; the distant sound of 
triumphant bugles - or whatever instruments the extremist use to 
mark victory--can sometimes be heard in the distance if we cock our 
ears.  From Swat, where the ANP 'deal' with the men of Maulana 
Fazlullah has meant they have effectively won in the area, the 
Taliban have fanned out to neighboring Buner and Dir....  It seems 
impossible to believe the events were not carefully contrived and 
put into place by experts." 
 
"Nizam-e-Adl In Swat," an op-ed by Zafar Hilaly in the centrist 
national English daily "The News" (cir. 55,000) (04/16) 
 
"It matters not that Adl is good or bad, barbaric or Islamic; or 
that court judgments will be super-quick or delayed; or whether 
presiding officials are called Qazis or Justices.  What matters is 
that the agreement was extracted by force and specifically by the 
slaughter, amputations, abductions, rape and terrorizing of innocent 
citizens." 
 
"Thrown To The Wolves For Peace," an op-ed by Saba Gul Khattak in 
the centrist national English daily "The News" (cir. 55,000) 
(04/16) 
 
"One-third of the NWFP has been handed to the Taliban on a 
platter....  A stunning majority, representing almost all major 
political parties in the national Parliament, hastily approved, 
without debate, the regulation that denies basic human rights to the 
people....  The implementation of the Nizam-e-Adl brings into 
question the relevance of the MNAs and MPAs from Malakand Division. 
Who do these MPAs and MNAs represent when the entire government 
accepts Sufi Mohammad and Fazlullah as the "true" representatives of 
the people?" 
 
"What Is To Be Done?," an op-ed by Dr. Tariq Rahman in the 
Karachi-based center-left independent national English daily "Dawn" 
(cir. 55,000) (04/16) 
 
"Pakistanis understand the choice that is being made for them when 
they do not oppose the Taliban.  They should also know that all 
scientific growth and technological and industrial development will 
come to a full stop if we strangulate the freedom of thought.... 
But if we allow the militants to take over we will create a silent, 
frightened, cowardly society which will be impossible to live in.... 
 The fact is that the militants are jeopardizing our Pakistani way 
of life, causing anarchy, bloodshed and cruelty.  They are our 
enemies.  As it happens they are also America's enemies but this 
does not mean we are fighting them because of America alone. 
However, if our open alliance with the U.S. is alienating the 
Pakistani people then it is in our interest not to appear beholden 
to President Obama's overtures." 
 
"We Agree With Admiral Mullen For A Change," an editorial in the 
Islamabad-based rightist English daily "Pakistan Observer" (cir. 
5,000) (04/16) 
 
"Perhaps for the first time the U.S. Military Chief has made a 
statement reflective of the ground realities in Afghanistan.  As 
Washington is preparing to send additional troops to Afghanistan in 
what is being called 'surge,' Admiral Mike Mullen has said in an 
interview that violence in Afghanistan was set to rise in coming 
months....  In our view, mere expression of apprehension was not 
enough on the part of the U.S. Military Chief and he should advise 
his Government to take actions to rectify the situation.  Like other 
people, Afghans too are entitled to decide their own future and the 
foreign occupation forces should vacate the country, which is the 
only way out of the quagmire that the West is in these days." 
 
"Endgame For NATO?," an op-ed by Zafar Masud in the Karachi-based 
center-left independent national English daily "Dawn" (cir. 55,000) 
(04/16) 
"That NATO has outlived its utility and that its resuscitation will 
serve only American efforts to legitimize the occupation of 
Afghanistan, is clearly understood by everyone in Europe....  While 
there is unspoken comprehension of the real U.S. intentions in 
Afghanistan, not everyone in Europe agrees that all Afghans who want 
the Americans out of their country are necessarily the Taliban or 
Taliban sympathizers." 
 
"No To Conditional Assistance, But Economic Objectives Should Be 
Achieved," an editorial in the Peshawar-based Urdu-language daily 
"Mashriq" (cir. 55,000) (04/16) 
 
"Pakistan's geo-strategic position is very critical, therefore it 
must take advantage of this situation, and repulse the U.S. attempt 
of linking unnecessary conditions with the aid package.  Time has 
come for Pakistan to urge the U.S. administration to provide access 
to the U.S. market and special tariff package for Pakistani 
commodities." 
 
"... Then Say Goodbye To America," an editorial in the center-right 
Urdu daily "Pakistan" (cir. 10,000) (04/16) 
 
"No Pakistani ruler can be so shameless as to blindly implement 
whatever the U.S. says or to shape the country's policies according 
to American wishes. The Pakistani nation would not care a fig for 
[foreign/U.S.] assistance which threatens to put a yoke around its 
neck." 
 
"The Issue Of Economic Aid And Some Ground Realities," an editorial 
in liberal Urdu daily "Express" (cir. 100,000) (04/16) 
 
"It is our leadership's job to decide how the [U.S.] assistance is 
used.  The nation was deprived of democratic leadership for a long 
time, but we can now rightly expect that the government will use the 
new foreign assistance only for the purpose it is intended." 
 
"Friends Of Pakistan Conference In Tokyo," an editorial in Hyderabad 
based liberal and independent Sindhi Daily "Ibrat" (Cir. 80,000) 
(04/16) 
 
"The Friends of Pakistan Conference is being held today in Tokyo, 
and $4 billion assistance is anticipated from the moot.  We believe 
that if the proposed aid package of the Friends of Pakistan is 
rightly utilized for the socio-economic uplift of the poor masses, 
and they are made feel that their uplift is on the agenda, a huge 
difference can be made." 
 
"All Forces Must Sit Together To Find Way Out Of Balochistan 
Quagmire," an editorial in the leading mass circulation centrist 
Urdu daily "Jang" (cir. 300,000) (04/16) 
 
"The assassination of three Baloch leaders and the unleashing of 
riots and disorder in Balochistan, following release of a UN 
official John Solecki, President Zardari's announcement of an aid 
package for Balochistan, and signing of Pak-Iran gas pipeline 
project bear far-reaching consequences.  It seems that some elements 
are working on a foreign agenda to destabilize Pakistan in the garb 
of public agitation.  In this state of affairs there is no room for 
political conflicts, allegations and taking advantage of others 
mistakes." 
Patterson