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UNCLAS ISLAMABAD 000921 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: KMDR KPAO OIIP OPRC PGOV PREL PK
SUBJECT:  PAKISTAN MEDIA REACTION: APRIL 30, 2009 
 
Summary:  Reports and photographs of a fresh wave of ethnic violence 
in Karachi killing at least 25 people dominated headlines in all 
newspapers on Thursday.  Newspapers also reported that the Sindh 
administration had issued "shoot at sight" orders to security forces 
in Karachi.  All newspapers front paged reports that the "military 
took over control of Buner district headquarters, Daggar" and 
"recovered 18 of the 70 kidnapped security personnel."  All major 
dailies highlighted report that a "missile attack by a suspected 
U.S. drone killed six militants, two of them foreigners, in South 
Waziristan."  President Obama's remarks that "Al Qaeda and the 
Taliban are the 'single most direct threat' to U.S. national 
security" received prominent display. 
 
Most major dailies ran editorials on the ongoing military operation 
in Buner and Dir districts, its repercussions, and prospects of 
Nizam-i-Adl in the changed scenario.  Commenting on the impending 
disaster of the internal displacement, the center-right national 
daily "The Nation," editorialized that the "scale of human suffering 
caused by military operations is so great that the government cannot 
afford to wait for foreign assistance."  The popular rightist daily 
"Ausaf," advised Taliban to "lay down their arms, as not only the 
inhabitants of Swat and Buner, but also the entire Pakistani nation 
are fed up with clashes and armed conflicts between militants and 
the security forces."  The Lahore-based liberal English daily, 
"Daily Times," observed that "after the 'disclosure' in Swat about 
Sufi Muhammad's real intent, the entire nation, including the 
clerical consensus, is in favor of stopping the onward march of the 
law of the jungle that the Taliban insist on calling Sharia."  End 
Summary. 
 
----------------- 
News Stories 
----------------- 
 
"Widespread Violence Afflicts Karachi; 25 Lives Lost; 20 Vehicles 
Torched" "Dawn" (04/30) 
 
"At least 25 people were killed and over 40 others injured in a 
fresh wave of ethnic violence in different parts of Karachi on 
Wednesday. About 20 vehicles were torched.  Tension and panic 
gripped parts of the city as unidentified attackers went on a 
shooting spree, killing most of the victims at point - blank range, 
city Police Chief Wasim Ahmed told 'Dawn.'" 
 
"'Shoot At Sight' Orders Issued" "dawn" (04/30) 
 
"Minister of State for Ports and shipping, Nabeel Gabol, has said 
that Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah and Home Minister Zulfiqar 
Ali Mirza have issued 'shoot at sight' orders to security forces in 
Karachi.  Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani has ordered an inquiry 
in the new wave of violence in the city." 
 
"Militants To Benefit From Karachi Violence: Zardari" "The News" 
(04/30) 
 
"President Asif Ali Zardari while strongly condemning the violence 
in Karachi, which caused loss of precious human lives, said on 
Wednesday it is time to exhibit the national unity.  The President 
said the nation could ill afford violence in Karachi at a time when 
it was already dealing with the militants in the northern parts of 
the country.  President Zardari said the ongoing fight against 
militants called for a national consensus and for all political 
parties to join hands." 
 
"Troops Take Over The Reins Of Daggar" "The News" (04/30) 
 
"The military on Wednesday took over control of Buner district 
headquarters, Daggar, in the two-day operation killing some 50 
militants including two high-value targets - Maulvi Shahid and Qari 
Quresh - are among the 50 militants killed so far in Buner when 
gunship helicopters targeted militants' positions during the 
operation launched on Tuesday afternoon, Director General 
Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Major General Athar Abbas 
said while updating newsmen on the Buner operation in Rawalpindi." 
 
"18 Of 70 Kidnapped Security Men Recovered: ISPR" "The News" 
(04/30) 
 
"Military spokesman Maj-Gen Athar Abbas said at a press briefing in 
Islamabad on Wednesday that 18 of the 70 security personnel 
kidnapped from Sultanwas had been recovered from Karakar." 
 
"Six Militants Killed In U.S. Drone Strike" "Dawn" (04/30) 
 
"Missile attack by a suspected US drone killed six militants, two of 
them foreigners, in a village in the Ladha sub-division of South 
Waziristan on Wednesday.  Sources said the militants belonged to the 
group of Baitullah Mehsud." 
 
"Panic In Swat As Drones Appear In The Skies" "The News" (04/30) 
 
"U.S. drones flew over parts of the troubled Swat Valley on 
Wednesday, creating panic in the war weary population.  Locals said 
they saw drones hovering over Khwazakhela, Charbagh, Matta and Kabal 
early Wednesday." 
 
"Single-Most Direct Threat" "Dawn" (04/30) 
 
"Al Qaeda and the Taliban are the 'single most direct threat' to 
U.S. national security, President Barack Obama said on Wednesday. 
'In Afghanistan and neighboring Pakistan we do have real problems 
with the Taliban and Al Qaeda,' Mr. Obama said at a town hall 
meeting in Missouri." 
 
"Pakistan Concerned Over U.S. Plan" "Dawn" (04/30) 
 
"Pakistan has voiced concern that U.S. reinforcements in 
Afghanistan's south could push Taliban insurgents and refugees over 
its porous border, a U.S. general said on Wednesday.  The Commandant 
of the U.S. Marine Corps, General James Conway, said Pakistan's 
Military Chief, General Kayani, conveyed his worry about a planned 
push by the U.S. military in southern Afghanistan in a recent 
meeting, Conway told reporters in Washington." 
 
"Biden Asks Pakistan Not To View India Enemy" "The News" (04/30) 
 
"Describing Pakistan as a 'badly fractured country,' U.S. Vice 
President Joe Biden has said Islamabad needs a 'cultural change' to 
view that India is not its enemy.  'This is a badly fractured 
country ... that in one sense has made great strides,' Biden said at 
a fundraiser in Houston in response to a question." 
 
"U.S. Split Over Missile Strikes In Balochistan" "The News" (04/30) 
 
 
"The Obama administration appears divided over whether CIA missile 
strikes should be used against Taliban safe havens across the border 
in Pakistan's restive Balochistan Province, said U.S. officials who 
spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity." 
 
"U.S. Media Creating Panic Over Taliban Threat: Haqqani" "The News" 
(04/30) 
 
"Pakistan has criticized U.S. media's 'panicked reactions' over the 
growing Taliban threat, saying the campaign was not conducive to 
strengthening Pakistani democracy or to developing an effective 
counter-terrorism policy for the country.  Ambassador Husain Haqqani 
wrote in The Wall Street Journal, referring to his government's 
strong military countermeasures against the militants." 
 
"Pakistan Shifting 6,000 Troops To Western Front: NYT" "The Nation" 
(04/30) 
 
"As Pakistan presses on its military offensive in Buner under 
intense U.S.-led international pressure, the government has agreed 
to move 6,000 troops from the Indian border to fight militants on 
its western border with Afghanistan, a leading American newspaper 
reported on Wednesday." 
 
"Pakistan Allows U.S. Greater Role In Military Training" "The News" 
(04/30) 
 
"Pakistan has agreed to allow the U.S. a greater role in training 
its military, part of an accord that will also send 
counter-insurgency equipment to help Islamabad step up its offensive 
against the militants, according to Los Angeles Times." 
 
"Quetta-Based Taliban Move To Karachi to Escape U.S. Wrath" "The 
Nation" (04/30) 
"Fearing U.S. drone attacks, a large number of Taliban's Afghan 
leaders have shifted from Quetta to Karachi, Peshawar and other 
parts of the country, 'The Nation' has learned from some highly 
reliable sources." 
 
"Islamabad To Insist On Border Control Steps On Afghan Side" "The 
News" (04/30) 
 
"The two key Afghanistan-related issues that the Pakistan side is 
likely to raise at the trilateral negotiations in Washington next 
week will focus on border crossings, according to informed 
sources." 
 
"Kabul-Taliban Secret Talks Make No Headway" "The Nation" (04/30) 
 
"The U.S.-backed secret talks between the Taliban and Karzai-led 
Afghan government have hitherto proved unsuccessful despite months' 
long facilitation by Saudi Arabia for the success of these 
negotiations, said a diplomatic source seeking anonymity." 
 
"Police Party Ambushed On Motorway" "Dawn" (04/30) 
 
"Suspected militants ambushed a police patrol unit on the 
Islamabad-Peshawar Motorway (M-1) on Wednesday, seriously injuring 
an officer, a senior official told 'Dawn.'  'Around 30 militants 
hiding behind trees ambushed the patrol vehicle and fired a 
rocket-propelled grenade which did not hit the target, official 
sources said." 
 
"Operation An Attempt To Make Points With U.S.: TTP" "The News" 
(04/30) 
 
"The ongoing Buner operation is just to please the United States and 
these types of operation are neither in the interest of the Taliban 
nor of the government, Muslim Khan, spokesman for the 
Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) Swat chapter, said this while 
responding to a question by 'The News' over telephone on Wednesday." 
 
 
"Afghan Taliban Announce To Launch Summer Offensive; Warn Of Attacks 
On Govt. Installations, U.S., NATO Forces" "The News" (04/30) 
 
"The Afghan Taliban on Wednesday announced to launch their summer 
offensive against the U.S.-led coalition troops from today 
(Thursday).  'Arrangements are in place for the Operation Nusrat 
(victory) during which military installations of the U.S. and Afghan 
troops and senior government officials and members of parliament 
will be targeted,' a Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said.  In 
a telephonic chat with 'The News' from an undisclosed location, 
Mujahid said the Taliban had strengthened their intelligence network 
and sent several experienced people for collecting information about 
the military camps of the U.S. and the NATO forces in various parts 
of the country." 
 
"Situation In Conflict-Hit Areas Quite Serious: ICRC Chief" "Dawn" 
(04/30) 
 
"The President of the International Committee of the Red Cross, 
Jakob Kellenberger, has described the humanitarian situation in the 
conflict-hit areas of NWFP and FATA as quite serious, while talking 
to journalists in Peshawar on Wednesday." 
 
"Pakistan, U.S. To Develop Agriculture In Afghanistan" "Dawn" 
(04/30) 
 
"Pakistan and the United States have decided to work for developing 
agriculture in Afghanistan.  The decision was taken at a meeting 
held in Islamabad on Wednesday between Secretary of the Federal 
Ministry of Food and Agriculture Ziaur Rehman and U.S. Administrator 
of Foreign Agriculture Service Michael Michener." 
 
"Balochistan Schools Abandon National Anthem, Senate Told" "The 
News" (04/30) 
 
"A nationalist legislator, Mir Hasil Bizenjo, stunned the Senate on 
Wednesday when he revealed that the national anthem was no more in 
vogue in the Balochistan schools, following the killing of three 
Baloch leaders." 
 
--------------------- 
Editorials/Op-eds 
--------------------- 
 
"Impending Disaster," an editorial in the center-right national 
English daily "The Nation" (cir. 20,000) (04/30) 
 
"While a three-day-long military operation in Lower Dir sent about 
30,000 civilians scurrying for shelter to adjoining districts, the 
Buner operation would add thousands more to the internally displaced 
persons in NWFP who now reportedly total one million....  Unless a 
multi-billion dollar reconstruction and rehabilitation program is 
launched in FATA, the devastated area would continue to be a hotbed 
of extremism.  The scale of human suffering caused by military 
operations is so great that the government cannot afford to wait for 
foreign assistance." 
 
"Military Operation In Buner Following Dir," an editorial note in 
the popular rightist Urdu-language daily "Ausaf" (cir. 10,000) 
(04/30) 
 
"It is not wrong to say that the present military operation is an 
outcome of the Taliban's blunders.  In fact, following the peace 
agreement in Swat, it was needless for militants to penetrate into 
Buner and other adjoining areas.  Instead, they could wait for the 
implementation of the deal.  Nevertheless now situation is somewhat 
different, and fighting with the state and the security forces is 
not in the national interest, as it is tantamount to revolt. 
Taliban should lay down their arms, as not only the inhabitants of 
Swat and Buner, but also the entire Pakistani nation are fed up with 
clashes and armed conflicts between militants and the security 
forces." 
 
"Civil Society Against Taliban," an editorial in the Lahore-based 
liberal English language daily "Daily Times" (cir. 10,000) (04/30) 
 
"It is not useful to decide here who is right and who is wrong. 
After the 'disclosure' in Swat about Sufi Muhammad's real intent, 
the entire nation, including the clerical consensus, is in favor of 
stopping the onward march of the law of the jungle that the Taliban 
insist on calling Sharia.  This unity is precious because it frees 
the ANP in Peshawar from its compulsion to parley with the Taliban 
in the face of national passivity.  It also gives the Pakistan Army 
the signal to undertake an operation backed by the entire nation. 
It is immaterial if the 'foreign elements' are pleased or displeased 
by this development." 
 
"Help The Displaced," an editorial in the Karachi-based center-left 
independent national English daily "Dawn" (cir. 55,000) (04/30) 
 
"The government is right in asking for international assistance for 
these victims of the conflict raging in northern Pakistan....  It is 
imperative that people in dire need are taken care of by the state. 
Failure to do so will breed more resentment which will be readily 
tapped by the Taliban.  If abandoned by the state, children and 
youth who have grown up in conflict zones and now have no options 
may easily choose to side with the militants....  The government has 
to stop dragging its feet on this tinderbox issue.  The scale of the 
problem is only going to increase if the recent operations in Dir 
and Buner are part of a wider, sustained strategy." 
 
"Military Operation And IDPs; Don't Depend On Promises Of 
International Aid" an editorial in the second-largest, center-right 
nationalist Urdu daily "Nawa-i-Waqt" (cir. 125,000) (04/30) 
 
"Although the military operation was started to establish the writ 
of the state, yet extremism will increase as a result of the 
operation and drone strikes.  In such a climate, how will the 
government establish its writ....  The government must immediately 
reconsider its policy of launching a military operation in view of 
the massive displacement and the resultant problems.  The government 
should focus on rehabilitating the internally displaced persons. 
The government should not rely on promises of foreign assistance." 
 
"U.S. Aid For Pakistan And Demands To 'Do More'," an editorial in 
the center-right Urdu daily "Pakistan" (cir. 10,000) (04/30) 
 
"In addition to the Kashmir dispute, the issue of water distribution 
between India and Pakistan is also taking a turn for the worse. 
Violating the Indus Water Treaty, India is depriving Pakistan of its 
share of river water.  India is also helping 'rebels' in Balochistan 
and is engaged in spreading unrest and turmoil in the province.  The 
U.S. should focus on trying to resolve Indo-Pak disputes.  Pakistan 
would be in a better position once the Kashmir and water disputes 
are resolved and India stops interfering in Balochistan. U.S. 
generals and other representatives keep asking Pakistan to 'do more' 
- but do not focus on the jobs that really need to be done." 
 
"Pakistan Army Being Provoked By Americans," an editorial in the 
Karachi-based right-wing pro-Jamaat-e-Islami Urdu daily "Jasarat" 
(cir. 3,000) (04/30) 
 
"Pakistani government has rejected media reports that the military 
operation in Buner and Dir was launched under U.S. pressure.  Who is 
going to believe this assertion?  A spokesman for the Pentagon has 
explicitly welcomed military operation in these areas, and has 
expressed full support for Pak Army and the government.  There is 
hardly any doubt left now that the operation is aimed to appease the 
Americans, and it is being carried out on their diktats." 
 
"Political Leadership Should Show Maturity," editorial in the 
Karachi-based center-right sensationalist Urdu daily "Ummat" (cir. 
33,000) (04/30) 
 
"U.S. military leadership has expressed dissatisfaction over 
Pakistan's capacity to deal with extremists effectively. There are 
also some reports that that Pakistan Army can take over government 
again. These reports are concerted efforts to destabilize Pakistan. 
Had President Obama taken interest in stability and peace in the 
world, he would have definitely pulled out troops from Afghanistan 
and Iraq, and allow people of these countries to decide their 
future." 
 
"Admiral Mullen's Statement And Political Leadership's Silence," an 
editorial in the Lahore-based populist center-right Urdu daily 
"Khabrain" (cir. 50,000) (04/30) 
 
"Expressing concern at the increasing extremism in Pakistan, Admiral 
Mullen has termed it a threat for Pakistan and said that Pakistan's 
political leadership does not have the capability to face the 
increasing threat of extremism....  For some time now, we have been 
reading reports that U.S. officials are annoyed with President 
Zardari and PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif is now their favorite.  We feel 
that the sole objective of this is to put pressure to achieve [U.S.] 
objectives.  The N-League needs to clarify its position and assure 
the government of full support to strengthen democracy.  It is 
surprising that the political leadership has not expressed any 
reaction at this statement by the U.S. admiral.  Perhaps our leaders 
did not want to complicate matters further or perhaps they are so 
occupied in political wrangling that they did not find time to 
respond to it." 
 
"Pakistan Submits To U.S. Pressure," an editorial in the 
Islamabad-based rightist English daily "Pakistan Observer" (cir. 
5,000) (04/30) 
 
"It was clear from the very first day of signing of the peace deal 
in Swat that Americans were not happy over the development and 
several U.S. officials openly expressed reservations over the 
agreement.  Since then, both some local and foreign quarters had 
been conspiring to derail the peace process and things moved slowly 
towards resumption of hostilities....  If this was war of Pakistan 
then the country should fight it in its own way and there should be 
no arms twisting or interference from abroad.  This also proves that 
neither the Governor nor Parliament has the power to frame and 
pursue policies as these are made in America." 
 
"Military Operation Not A Solution," an editorial in the 
Karachi-based, pro Taliban Jihadi Urdu daily "Islam" (cir. 15,000) 
(04/30) 
 
"There are some reports that the government is pondering to evolve a 
new national defense strategy to make certain the internal and 
external security of Pakistan.  It is perhaps the ideal time to 
review the strategy about the war on terror, and the Pakistan 
foreign policy.  Pakistan should assume an approach to resolve all 
issues by itself.  Military operation is not a solution of problems, 
instead peaceful negotiations is the best approach to establish 
peace, and it will also help us to divest ourselves of the U.S. 
pressure." 
"Uncertainty For How Long?," an editorial in the Peshawar-based 
Urdu-language daily "Mashriq" (cir. 55,000) (04/30) 
 
"It is not pertinent for the NWFP administration to get in touch 
with Sufi Mohammad for every issue in Swat valley, in fact this 
approach exposes its weakness and failing to make a decision and act 
independently.  The provincial administration will have to make 
decisions instantly, as time is passing very fast.  Perhaps the 
institution of the 'Darul-Qaza' (appellate courts) may calm down the 
infuriated people of Malakand division, who are longing for a speedy 
judicial system." 
 
"Fighting Militancy," an editorial in the Lahore-based liberal 
English daily "The Post" (cir. 5,000) (04/30) 
 
"The people of Pakistan are entitled to expect that the government 
will now address the militancy problem in earnest. There is no 
denying the fact that the writ of the state has been challenged by 
the militants, therefore the government should give top priority to 
restoring it....  The events in Buner appear to be a test case for 
the government and it has to prove with its action that enough is 
enough." 
 
"The Need To Face Dangers Resolutely," an editorial in liberal Urdu 
daily "Express" (cir. 100,000) (04/30) 
 
"The responsibility for peace in Swat rests squarely on Taliban and 
Sufi Muhammad's shoulders - a task in which they have disappointed 
the nation.  Instead of ushering a new era of peace in the area, 
extremists took aggressive steps there, occupied more areas and 
plunged every Pakistani into the depths of fear and panic. 
Obviously, no government will tolerate such hypocrisy.  It was in 
this context that the Army Chief gave extremists the clear message 
that they should not consider the concession given to them as a 
weakness of the Pakistan Army....  In the backdrop of Dir and Buner, 
those in power must now make long term decisions.  Militancy is a 
monster and terrorism a global virus - comprehensive international 
efforts are needed to break its network." 
 
"Changing Tide?," an editorial in the Karachi-based center-left 
independent national English daily "Dawn" (cir. 55,000) (04/30) 
 
"The Pakistan Army has made it clear that it wants the politicians 
to develop a consensus on using the military option.  In the case of 
Lower Dir and Buner, it is perhaps for the first time that consensus 
has been present and the army has duly acted....  But the stomach 
for a prolonged military confrontation does not appear to exist, and 
the politicians may yet thwart an expansion of the military 
operation into Swat and elsewhere....  Perhaps more than anything 
else feeding the national confusion on the militancy problem is the 
continuing belief that not all militants are bad, that some are 
'controllable' and that some are simply uninterested in ever turning 
their guns on the Pakistan state.  But reality suggests otherwise: 
ideology, the survival instinct and sometimes purely tactical 
considerations have created interconnections between the various 
militant groups to the point where it makes little strategic sense 
to try and defeat one set without acting against the others." 
 
"Back To Arms," an editorial in the centrist national English daily 
"The News" (cir. 55,000) (04/30) 
 
"Finally, after a lull that has simply allowed militants to 
re-group, re-arm and re-plan, a military operation has resumed.... 
It is time we stopped shuffling our feet like hesitant schoolboys. 
It has become necessary to go after the Taliban with all the force 
we can muster....  We need to shake it off so that a more pleasant 
vision for the future can replace it....  There must not be any 
doubt as to who the enemy is or the kind of threat these forces 
pose....  What we need now is to see action and a demonstration that 
there is a true willingness to take on the thugs who have been 
responsible for a wave of crime which they, as yet, have not in any 
way been penalized for." 
 
 
"Taliban's Warning To Journalists," an editorial in the center-right 
Urdu daily "Pakistan" (cir. 10,000) (04/30) 
 
"Tehrik-i-Taliban Swat has warned taking pro-west journalist to 
Shariat courts....  The warning states that for the last one week, 
coverage by the news agencies is giving them the impression that 
perhaps journalists are following a pro-west policy due to greed or 
that they are under some pressure....  The only reason for 
Pakistanis' reaction to drone strikes is because innocent Pakistanis 
are also being killed in these attacks. Similarly, innocent 
Pakistanis are also dying in suicide attacks in various cities.  It 
is these suicide attacks that have created an anti-Taliban reaction. 
The promises made by Sufi Muhammad should have been implemented. 
Taliban should avoid display of weapons and avoid taking steps that 
cause problems for the public.  The media will certainly report such 
steps, but they should not be labeled as pro-west." 
 
"Media In The Middle," an editorial in the centrist national English 
daily "The News" (cir. 55,000) (04/30) 
 
"By caving in without a word to the Taliban, our politicians have 
aided in paving the way for this.  The Taliban are clearly eager to 
control all thought and stifle all dissent.  Unable to resort to 
reasoned debate, they use threat as the means to achieve this.  It 
must be made clear to them that they cannot hope to succeed." 
 
"Clear And Present Danger From The Taliban," an op-ed by Ikram 
Sehgal in the centrist national English daily "The News" (cir. 
55,000) (04/30) 
 
"The well-intentioned but ill-advised game plan for peace put the 
Army into a no-win Catch-22 situation, damned for not doing enough 
when they were in fact on the verge of success, damned as such by 
some for doing too much.  The Army has to wake up as to who is 
badmouthing them, why, and more crucially, where?...  The Taliban in 
Swat constitute a 'clear and present danger' to the state of 
Pakistan.  That danger needs to be eliminated." 
 
"Pakistan's Neo-Taliban," an op-ed by I.A. Rehman in the 
Karachi-based center-left independent national English daily "Dawn" 
(cir. 55,000) (04/30) 
 
"Pakistan has become vulnerable because its democratic institutions 
are not worthy of being so described, because its rapacious elite 
offers no quarter to the poor, because its justice system does not 
enjoy the people's confidence, because it does not offer a fair 
return to the peasant and the worker, because it guarantees neither 
dignity to women nor gainful education and employment to the youth. 
It is these weaknesses of the state that has made the neo-Taliban 
look more menacing than they are....  The neo-Taliban have lost all 
claim to leniency; they must be made to face the full might of the 
state, except for those who can be trusted with mending their ways." 
 
 
"Injustice And Talibanization," an op-ed by Dr. Tariq Rahman in the 
Karachi-based center-left independent national English daily "Dawn" 
(cir. 55,000) (04/30) 
 
"The Taliban did not show patience but started advancing into Buner 
and Dir almost immediately after their victory in Swat, the press 
turned indignant.  Judging by letters, columns, the statements of 
political leaders and opinion-makers the public is ready to oppose 
the Taliban....  If people have realized that they will never get 
justice of any kind under Taliban rule, then it is something we can 
build upon and win our war against the Taliban.  Are we ready for 
that?" 
 
"Surrender And Hope," an op-ed by Abira Ashfaq in the centrist 
national English daily "The News" (cir. 55,000) (04/30) 
 
"Intriguingly, the United States picks up the violation of shrines 
as human rights violations and conveniently and significantly 
ignores the tremendous disabilities of illiteracy and poverty in the 
area and the devastation its own drones are causing in the lives of 
the people in FATA.  They remain fuzzy about democratic rights - 
doling out packages for legal and other social reforms.  The US's 
main interests can be divided into two: strategic which means 
establishment of bases in Central Asia and Pakistan and economic, 
which means exploitation and exploration of indigenous resources, 
access to warm water ports in the region, creation of new and 
vibrant markets for its goods and services, selling advanced and 
recycled weaponry, and testing its advanced weaponry on the poor and 
dispossessed of FATA." 
 
"Between Two Fundamentalists," an op-ed by Dr. Mubashir Hasan in the 
center-right national English daily "The Nation" (cir. 20,000) 
(04/30) 
 
"Pakistan has worked itself in a squeeze between two 
fundamentalists: the United States of America and the 'Taliban.'... 
Both believe in imposing their doctrines through violent means. 
Both are engaged in a brutal bloody war with each other....  On the 
other hand, the elites of Pakistan are obliged to compromise their 
loyalty to the United States by not acting against the opinion of an 
overwhelming majority of the people of Pakistan." 
 
"Flip-Flopping In Malakand," an op-ed by Aziz-ud-Din Ahmad in the 
center-right national English daily "The Nation" (cir. 20,000) 
(04/30) 
 
"What is needed is to strengthen local resistance to the Taliban, 
something badly neglected all along....  There is a need on the part 
of the political leadership and the army to jointly evolve a 
strategy aimed at reducing the damage to the population.  The 
victory in the fight against insurgency invariably goes to the side 
which is better able to win the hearts and minds of people.  This 
requires that political aspects are given primary consideration 
while conducting military operations." 
 
"United We Stand," an op-ed by Mohammad Jamil in the Lahore-based 
liberal English daily "The Post" (cir. 5,000) (04/30) 
 
"Anti-Pakistan forces - internal and external - stand united today 
to destabilize the country because they cannot digest a strong and 
nuclear Pakistan.  The forces that had opposed the creation of 
Pakistan, now in their bid to prove that their stance was correct 
are advancing the enemies' agenda by supporting the diabolical 
forces....  India, the U.S. and Israel have coalesced to weaken and 
destabilize Pakistan to show to the world that the Pakistani nuclear 
arsenal is not safe and militants have the chance to take over the 
control of the entire country." 
Feierstein