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UNCLAS ISLAMABAD 000883 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: KMDR KPAO OIIP OPRC PGOV PREL PK
SUBJECT:  PAKISTAN MEDIA REACTION: APRIL 27, 2009 
 
Summary:  Reports on the launch of a military operation in Lower Dir 
district (NWFP) killing "26 militants and two FC personnel" 
dominated headlines in all newspapers on Monday.  President 
Zardari's remarks made during an interview with the state-run PTV 
that "let's go beyond 'do more' mantra, as it was time to get 
together and strengthen each other to be able to achieve more" 
received prominent display.  Newspapers highlighted Secretary of 
State Clinton's statement that "U.S. has 'concern' over safety of 
Pakistan nukes."  Several major dailies also ran a Sunday Times 
story that the "U.S. threatened to attack Swat Taliban if Pakistan 
failed to act." 
 
Most major Urdu language dailies ran in-depth editorials on the 
growing threat of 'Talibanization,' whereas the English language 
newspapers editorialized a host of other subjects.  Commenting on 
the western media reports on threats to Pakistan's survival, the 
mass circulation Urdu daily, "Jang," noted that "we cannot shrug off 
their criticism by merely saying that these are conspiracies of our 
enemies, as ground realities support their analyses."  In contrast, 
the pro-Taliban Jihadi Urdu daily, "Islam," observed that the "U.S. 
and its covert lobbies here in Pakistan are exaggerating the threat 
of the Pakistani Taliban and their plans."  The Lahore-based liberal 
daily, "Daily Times," opined that "we know that we have the army 
strong in numbers and strength to take care of the Taliban, but we 
first must convince it that the threat from India is only relative 
while that of the Taliban is absolute."  End Summary. 
 
----------------- 
News Stories 
----------------- 
 
"Major Offensive Launched In Lower Dir; 26 Militants, Two FC Men 
Killed" "The News" (04/27) 
 
"The security forces killed 26 militants in a military operation 
launched on Sunday morning in the Maidan area of Lower Dir district. 
 Two personnel of the paramilitary Frontier Corps (FC) were also 
killed and a major was among the four injured in an ambush in 
Maidan, the native area of the banned Tehrik Nifaz 
Shariat-e-Muhammadi Chief Maulana Sufi Muhammad, the sources said." 
 
"Forces Take On Militants In Lower Dir" "Dawn" (04/27) 
 
"Security forces launched an operation against militants in Lower 
Dir on Sunday and there were reports of fierce clashes from 
different parts of the district.  The ISPR claimed that several 
militants, among them a 'commander,' had been killed in clashes in 
the Kala Daag area.  It said the operation had been launched at the 
request of the NWFP government and local tribal elders." 
 
"Taliban Asked To Lay Down Arms" "Dawn" (04/27) 
 
"The government announced on Sunday that the Swat peace deal would 
not be affected by the operation launched by the Frontier Corps in 
cooperation with the army in Lower Dir.  'The operation has nothing 
to do with Swat. It is being launched in Dir area against increasing 
militancy there,' Interior Secretary Kamal Shah said....  However, 
he hinted that if militants did not lay down arms after the 
enforcement of 'Sharia laws' in Swat, the security operation could 
be extended to other areas, including the valley.  On the other 
hand, the banned Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan's spokesman Muslim Khan 
said Taliban would not lay down weapons unless all Americans in 
Pakistan returned to their country and Darul Qaza was established in 
Swat." 
 
"Time To 'Achieve More,' Zardari Tells U.S." "The Nation" (04/27) 
 
"President Asif Ali Zardari in a clear reference to repeated 
assertions of 'do more' by the West and the United States, has said 
it was time to get together and strengthen each other to be able to 
achieve more, do more is not the answer.  Achievement is the answer, 
President Asif Ali Zardari told the state-run PTV during an 
interview telecast on Sunday night." 
 
"Government Will Review Stance If Swat People Reject Deal" "Daily 
Times" (04/27) 
 
"The government will review its stance on the peace deal and 
Nizam-e-Adl Regulation in Swat if the people of the valley think it 
did not bring peace, President Asif Ali Zardari said in an interview 
with the state-run Pakistan Television on Sunday." 
 
"U.S. Has 'Concerns' Over Safety Of Pak Nukes: Hillary" "The News" 
(04/27) 
 
"Pakistan's nuclear arsenal is currently safe, but Washington has 
'concerns' over what could happen if the advancing Taliban topples 
the government, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said in an 
interview with Fox News on Saturday." 
 
"Taliban Takeover A Possibility, Says U.S." "Dawn" (04/27) 
 
"If the Taliban take over Islamabad, they will have the keys to 
Pakistan's nuclear arsenal, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton 
said on Saturday, underlining the fear that plays a pivotal role in 
determining America's attitude towards the country.  And recent 
statements by other U.S. officials indicate that America sees a 
Taliban takeover as a real possibility and not just a distant 
threat." 
 
"Taliban Threat To Islamabad Rubbish: ISPR" "The News" (04/27) 
 
"Director General Inter-Services Public relations (ISPR) Maj. Gen. 
Athar Abbas has outrightly rejected the (baseless) fears that 
Taliban could storm Islamabad.  Talking to CNN, he said it is 
impossible for a band of only 200 Taliban, who had come to Buner, to 
storm the capital also." 
 
"U.S. Threatened To Attack Swat Taliban If Pakistan Failed To Act." 
"Daily Times" (04/27) 
 
"The United States made it clear last week that it would attack the 
Taliban in Swat valley unless the Pakistani government stopped their 
advance.  A senior Pakistani official told 'The Times' newspaper, 
the American government intervened after Taliban moved in Buner.... 
'The implicit threat - if you don't do it, we may have to - was 
always there,' said the official." 
 
"Munawar Announces Launching Of Anti-U.S. Movement" "The News" 
(04/27) 
 
"Amir Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Syed Munawar Hasan on Sunday announced to 
launch a countrywide 'Go America Go' movement.  'The movement 
starting immediately will continue till achieving its objective,' 
Munawar Hasan said while addressing a training program of JI at Wah 
Cantt." 
 
"Govt. Urged Not To Deploy Troops In Buner" "Dawn" (04/27) 
 
"Local chapters of the country's major political and religious 
parties have opposed the deployment of troops in Buner....  They 
proposed that a joint council comprising representatives of the 
political and religious parties, Taliban and the administration be 
formed to resolve all disputes." 
 
"Army-Men Deployed To Secure Hazara From Militants" "The News" 
(04/27) 
 
"Security forces in Hazara insist that adequate measures have been 
taken to stop the spillover of militants from the nearby Malakand 
Division, a source disclosed on Sunday. Several hundred army-men, 
the source disclosed, have been deployed in Thakot area since Friday 
to block the route, linking Malakand with Hazara and the Northern 
Areas." 
 
"Taliban Moving Towards Kalam" "The News" (04/27) 
 
"The conflict-weary people of Swat are seeing the activities of the 
security forces and militants as prelude to the resumption of 
military operation in the valley as militants established 
check-posts in Bahrain and were reported to be advancing towards the 
scenic Kalam valley, while the forces have set up their check-post 
in Khwazakhela." 
 
"TTP Assembling Taliban In Mardan: Residents" "Daily Times" (04/27) 
 
"Mardan - the native district of NWFP Chief Minister Ameer Haider 
Hoti - could be the next region to fall to the Taliban, as the group 
has stepped up attacks in the district and started assembling local 
Taliban in the area, said residents on Sunday." 
 
"Billboards Featuring Women Reappear In Peshawar" "Daily Times" 
(04/27) 
 
"Despite Taliban threats for women to not appear on billboards, 
multinational companies have begun replacing men's photos on 
advertising billboards in the provincial metropolis with those of 
women." 
 
"Geologist's Body Handed Over To Polish Envoy" "Dawn" (04/27) 
 
"The body of a Polish geologist, who was kidnapped in September last 
year and beheaded by the Taliban on February 7, was handed over to 
the Polish ambassador here on Sunday.  The body of the 42-year-old 
Piotr (Peter) Stanczak had earlier been handed over to the 
administration in North Waziristan by some unidentified people." 
 
"NATO-Pakistan Naval Exercises Off Karachi From Today" "Dawn" 
(04/27) 
 
"NATO will begin two days of joint naval exercises with Pakistan on 
Monday as part of an effort to enhance cooperation in 
counter-terrorism and anti-piracy measures.  Five NATO vessels, 
carrying about 800 crew in total, will take part along with four 
ships and air units from the Pakistan navy." 
 
--------------------- 
Editorials/Op-eds 
--------------------- 
 
"Swat Peace Deal - Government Must Not Delay All-Inclusive 
Consultation," an editorial in the leading mass circulation centrist 
Urdu daily "Jang" (cir. 300,000) (04/27) 
 
"Pakistan's image is badly damaged in the world owing to the 
situation of FATA, Swat, and different areas of the NWFP and 
Balochistan.  The western media is portraying Pakistan as a failed 
state, and that Pakistani people don't deserve a democratic 
dispensation.  We cannot shrug off their criticism by merely saying 
that these are conspiracies of our enemies, as ground realities 
support their analyses." 
 
"Negotiations Only Option," an editorial in the Karachi-based, pro 
Taliban Jihadi Urdu daily "Islam" (cir. 15,000) (04/27) 
 
"It is a reality that the U.S. and its covert lobbies in Pakistan 
are exaggerating the threat of Pakistani Taliban and their plans to 
achieve their nefarious designs, otherwise the ground realities 
negate these half truths.  The state of affairs necessitates an 
immediate reconciliation between the government and the tribesmen. 
The government should ensure peace by initiating dialogue in 
insurgency-hit areas of Malakand, North and South Waziristan and 
Balochistan." 
 
"After The End Of Swat Peace Deal," an editorial in the Lahore-based 
liberal English language daily "Daily Times" (cir. 10,000) (04/27) 
 
"We become furious when Americans and Europeans tell us we are under 
no threat from India.  We give them circumstantial proofs - proofs 
which have not yet been made public in Pakistan - but that doesn't 
convince them of the threat because India does the same about our 
'hand' in their country.  The threat of the Taliban and Al Qaeda is 
more palpable to them because it has an extra-regional dimension. 
The 'deal' in Swat on the other hand has made us come alive to the 
internal threat because the Taliban there have been forced to 
clearly express their view of the state of Pakistan.  At this 
juncture we know that we have the army strong in numbers and 
strength to take care of the Taliban, but we first must convince it 
that the threat from India is only relative while that of the 
Taliban is absolute." 
 
"National Dialogue Is Essential," an editorial in the Peshawar-based 
Urdu-language daily "Mashriq" (cir. 55,000) (04/27) 
 
"At last U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has confessed that 
the U.S. is to blame for the present mess in Pakistan, as it (U.S.) 
abandoned Pakistan following collapse of the Soviet Union. 
Secretary Clinton's affirmation is not the whole truth.  No doubt 
that the U.S. achieved its objective of breakdown of Soviet Union, 
but it (U.S.) has been engaged to seek its aims in Afghanistan 
hitherto.  And the presence of the U.S. troops in Afghanistan is to 
achieve those targets." 
 
"TTP's Self-Assertion," an editorial in the center-right national 
English daily "The Nation" (cir. 20,000) (04/27) 
 
"Sufi Muhammad's apparent helplessness to persuade the TTP to abide 
by the agreement could reflect, according to some analysts, his 
complicity since they believe that the TNSM is one with the TTP in 
the mission to spread their brand of Islam outside the confines of 
the valley into Pakistan and beyond....  In the wider interests of 
the nation already facing multiple crises, both sides should do 
their best to avoid the situation getting out of hand.  That is only 
possible if all parties involved were to strictly adhere to the 
agreement." 
 
"Root Cause Of Militancy," an editorial in the Islamabad-based 
rightist English daily "Pakistan Observer" (cir. 5,000) (04/27) 
 
"It is ironical that the United States and its cohorts have 
successfully diverted attention of the international community from 
the real and root cause of terrorism and extremism in the region 
through intense propaganda campaign.  They are now trying to 
convince the world that the problems lay in the tribal region on 
Pakistan-Afghanistan border and therefore, there is need to focus 
attention on this area.  Irrespective of these diversionary tactics, 
the fact remains that the root cause of terrorism and extremism in 
this part of the world is illegal occupation of Afghanistan by the 
United States, Britain and other contributing troops for 
consolidating this aggression....  Simple and honest solution of the 
problem is immediate and unconditional withdrawal of foreign 
occupation forces from Afghanistan." 
 
"Consensus On A Decisive Operation In Tribal Areas," an editorial in 
the second-largest, center-right nationalist Urdu daily 
"Nawa-i-Waqt" (cir. 150,000) (04/27) 
 
"Militants have already signaled their resistance [to a military 
operation] by stopping a convoy in Mingora.  Hence the unwise path 
of an operation must be avoided at all costs, and peace deals like 
the Swat deal must be promoted.  Otherwise there will be no peace in 
the country, in fact Pakistan's security will be endangered - which 
is America's greatest desire because then it would impose India's 
supremacy on Pakistan." 
 
"Terrorism: International Community Must Cooperate With Pakistan," 
an editorial in Lahore-based populist Urdu daily "Waqt" (cir. 
10,000) (04/27) 
 
"There has been no terrorist attack in the U.S. after 9/11 but there 
have been almost daily terrorist attacks in Pakistan where innocent 
people have lost their lives. Pakistan faces more threat from 
terrorists than the U.S.  Therefore, the U.S. and the international 
community must help Pakistan as much as possible in dealing with 
this problem.  Instead of being impatient, the U.S. leadership must 
help Pakistan succeed in its efforts against terrorism." 
 
"Militants And Possible Steps Of Operation," an editorial in liberal 
Urdu daily "Express" (cir. 25,000) (04/27) 
 
"Despite the Swat peace deal, there has been no let up in terrorist 
activities. Review of just one day's newspapers is enough to give 
one an idea of how grave the situation is.  It seems as if militants 
considered the government's desire for peace to be weakness, and 
went about demonstrating their strength without any fear....  The 
question is: why are the militants not disarming despite the peace 
deal?... The government should launch a full-fledged operation 
against the militants if despite all efforts, the militants do not 
give up." 
 
"Children's Death Due To Toy Bomb," an editorial in the Lahore-based 
populist center-right Urdu daily "Khabrain" (cir. 50,000) (04/27) 
 
"Eleven children were killed by a toy bomb they found outside a 
girls school in Lower Dir....  No religion of the world allows the 
killing of children, let alone a faith like Islam that preaches 
peace....  According to reports, the army has started an operation 
in Lower Dir. Activities by the militants necessitated this 
operation.  It is imperative to crush elements involved in such 
activities.  However, we feel that there is a need to exercise 
extreme caution so that civilian losses are minimized." 
 
"And Now A Toy Bomb...!," an editorial in the Karachi-based 
right-wing pro-Jamaat-e-Islami Urdu daily "Jasarat" (cir. 3,000) 
(04/27) 
 
"Bomb explosions have become a everyday happening in Pakistan. 
Senior U.S. officials also have expressed their apprehensions that 
Pakistan is in peril of survival.  Some western media reports too 
revealed the presence of Israeli secret missions in Afghanistan that 
provide support to terrorist activities in the NWFP.  And we believe 
that these deadly toy bombs are being provided to terrorists by 
these foreign elements. As pointed out by the Jamaat-i-Islami chief 
the 'Americanization' of Pakistan is the real problem and not the 
'Talibanization.'" 
 
"We Are Not A Failed State," an editorial in the second-largest, 
center-right nationalist Urdu daily "Nawa-i-Waqt" (cir. 150,000) 
(04/27) 
 
"Brookings scholar Bruce Reidel has said that it has become 
fashionable to say that Pakistan is a failed sate, but the 
Pakistanis neither support break-up of their country nor do they 
want a Taliban state....  After reviewing the situation in the 
region, British and U.S. think tanks have come to realize that 
Pakistan is being pushed towards [being labeled] a failed state 
according to a conspiracy. In this scenario, it is our leaders' duty 
to immediately extricate themselves from a war of American 
interests." 
 
"Pro-Delhi Camouflaged Taliban," an editorial in the Lahore-based 
independent Urdu daily "Din" (cir. 10,000) (04/27) 
 
"According to a planned strategy, the Western media is misleading 
the international community by spreading disinformation about 
Taliban advances towards Shangla and Buner.  The fact is that Afghan 
Tajik infiltrators, posing as Taliban, are destroying peace in the 
area.  The fact is that U.S. troops and officials in Afghanistan, 
NATO and ISAF forces are the sponsors of these camouflaged Taliban. 
India has succeeded to a great extent in making these formerly 
pro-Moscow Northern Alliance [members] pro-India.  It is these 
pro-Delhi camouflaged Taliban that are looting trucks loaded with 
chemical fertilizers in Swat.  There is a fear that these people 
might use this ammonium nitrate fertilizer to make bombs." 
 
"This Too Shall Pass," an op-ed by Syed Mansoor Hussain in the 
Lahore-based liberal English language daily "Daily Times" (cir. 
10,000) (04/27) 
 
"Ultimately what will defeat Talibanization in Pakistan is the fact 
that Muslims in Pakistan belong to many different schools of thought 
within Islam and will not subscribe to any one interpretation that 
is forced upon them....  What should worry us however is if the 
Taliban morph into a populist political movement....  It is an 
alliance of the poor and the underprivileged with the well-armed, 
well-trained and now politicized Taliban that could make things 
really difficult." 
 
"Lessons From Buner," an op-ed by Zafar Hilaly in the centrist 
national English daily "The News" (cir. 55,000) (04/27) 
 
"Sufi Mohammed's new found respect for the Pakistani constitution is 
a feeble attempt at dissimulation and yet another demonstration of 
the familiar Taliban tactic to blow hot and cold, to confuse the 
adversary, split his ranks while all the time consolidating the 
Taliban's hold on the public mind and emotions.  This tactic worked 
in Afghanistan and Sufi Mohammed believes it will work in 
Pakistan....  The Taliban are aware that as in Afghanistan, so in 
Pakistan, they cannot succeed by force alone.  If they ever prevail 
it will be because Pakistani society preferred what they had to 
offer by way of security, justice and opportunity to what a 
succession of disastrously inept, corrupt and dysfunctional regimes 
has visited on them over the past 60 years." 
 
"Swat At The Mercy Of Militants," an op-ed by Anees Jillani in the 
Karachi-based center-left independent national English daily "Dawn" 
(cir. 55,000) (04/27) 
 
"The people of these underdeveloped areas are depressed, and have 
lost all faith in law-enforcement agencies.  The rulers and the 
ruling classes fail to realize that the masses must have a stake in 
the system and the country.  If they are deprived of fundamental 
rights such as food, roads, electricity, jobs, education, 
healthcare, and security, what purpose does this system serve for 
them?  Is it at all surprising then that, given their daily battles 
for survival, who rules Saidu Sharif, Peshawar or Islamabad is of 
very little consequence?" 
 
"Fighting The Militant Within Us," an op-ed by Kamal Siddiqi in the 
centrist national English daily "The News" (cir. 55,000) (04/17) 
 
"As Pakistanis we need to ask ourselves what we want with this war 
that has been imposed on us....  As Pakistanis, especially those who 
directly or indirectly favor the Taliban and argue that this group 
is not against Pakistan, we need to know what our rightwing lobby is 
trying to get us into....  The writ of the state is challenged time 
and again and we are left with empty assurances given by de facto 
Interior Minister Rehman Malik.  The state is seen as weak.  Despite 
the spending of billions on defence and law and order, the people 
feel more insecure than ever." 
 
"On The Brink Of An Abyss," an op-ed by Aqab Malik in the 
Karachi-based center-left independent national English daily "Dawn" 
(cir. 55,000) (04/17) 
 
"The fact that Pakistan is a nuclear-armed state does not go 
unnoticed by the outside world, neither does the situation in Swat, 
Buner and now Shangla.  What is stopping the West from saying that 
enough is enough?  The truth of the matter is that it fears that 
Pakistan's nuclear arsenal may wholly or partially fall into the 
hands of insurgents or those that sympathize with them....  There is 
an imminent threat and alarm bells have been set off around the 
world.  Unfortunately, the government appears to be in a state of 
deep sleep even as a civil war begins to envelop us." 
 
"Getting Started," an op-ed by Shahzad Chaudhry in the Lahore-based 
liberal English language daily "Daily Times" (cir. 10,000) (04/17) 
 
"As a nation, true to our ways, with all or most of our eggs in the 
U.S. basket, we are in a state of denial of the real-politik 
compulsion of the need to work with the Americans to realize our 
stated goals in this struggle against bigotry, antiquated thought 
and self-styled religious extremists.  After having waited for the 
Americans to craft a smart policy to untangle Afghanistan and 
militancy issues, and having praised it no end, we have chosen to 
break away from it in official pronouncements at the level of the 
prime minister, while the president continues to identify with the 
shared goals and objectives of the revised policy." 
Feierstein