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UNCLAS ISLAMABAD 001158 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: KMDR KPAO OIIP OPRC PGOV PREL PK
SUBJECT:  PAKISTAN MEDIA REACTION: MAY 28, 2009 
 
Summary:  Reports and photographs of a suicide attack on the police 
and ISI offices in Lahore "killing 26 people including 15 cops" 
dominated front pages in all newspapers on Thursday.  Newspapers 
reported that the Tehrik-e-Taliban claimed responsibility for the 
suicide bombing.  Interior Minister Rehman Malik's statement that 
the "terrorists were taking revenge for defeat in the Malakand 
division" received front page display.  Several major dailies ran 
Ambassador Patterson's statement condemning the Lahore incident. 
Reports on the ISPR's claim that the "security forces secured 70 
percent of Mingora town" were highlighted in all dailies.  The 
English daily, "The News," reported that the "U.S. has asked India 
to reduce its presence at Pak-Afghanistan border."  In yet another 
exclusive report, English daily, "Dawn," cited a senior Pakistani 
official as claiming that a "force of nearly 10,000 men is in place 
to ensure security of Pakistan's nuclear arsenal." 
 
Most major newspapers ran editorials on the third major terrorist 
strike in Lahore in three months and the various facets of the 
ongoing military operation in Swat.  The center-left independent 
national English daily "Dawn," observed that "what is needed is an 
urgent operation to track down terrorists infiltrating or living in 
cities and for them to be taken out before they can launch their 
destructive attacks."  The second-largest, center-right nationalist 
Urdu daily "Nawa-i-Waqt," noted that "we have no doubts about the 
involvement of satanic triangle of America, India and Israel in 
terrorism activities in Pakistan.  Use of force against our own 
people is not the right way to reform them."  The liberal Urdu daily 
"Express," wrote: "We also need to send a message to terrorists and 
extremists that the entire nation will support action against them 
(militants) if they do not give up their cowardly acts."  End 
Summary. 
 
----------------- 
News Stories 
----------------- 
 
"26 Killed In Lahore Car-Bomb Attack; ISI Colonel, 15 Cops Among 
Dead; 400 Injured; Rescue 15 Building Destroyed, ISI Office Damaged" 
"The News" (05/28) 
 
"Twenty-six people, including an ISI colonel and 15 police 
officials, were killed and around 400 people injured when an 
explosive-laden vehicle on Wednesday rammed into the Rescue 15 
building in Lahore.  The explosion also damaged the adjacent office 
of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) on Lawrence Road.  The 
explosives weighing 100 kg razed to the ground the office of the 
police service, besides tearing the facade of the ISI building." 
 
"ISI Headquarters Main Target" "The News" (05/28) 
 
"Authorities investigating Wednesday's suicide attack in the 
provincial metropolis believe the actual target was the provincial 
headquarters of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).  Those 
investigating the assault say the attack was a hybrid operation, 
consisting of an armed attack by four gunmen and subsequent 
detonation of a car bomb.  The terrorists accompanying the suicide 
bomber apparently wanted to penetrate the well-protected ISI 
building." 
 
"Taliban Claim Attack" "Dawn" (05/28) 
 
"The Taliban on Wednesday claimed responsibility for the Lahore 
suicide bombing, a U.S. specialist Islamist monitoring group said." 
 
 
"Terrorists Taking Revenge For Defeat: Malik" "The News" (05/28) 
 
"Federal Interior Minister Rehman Malik said on Wednesday that the 
terrorists were defeated in the Malakand Division and they in 
retaliation attacked the Rescue 15 building in Lahore.  Addressing a 
press conference in Karachi, he said that TTP chief Baitullah Mehsud 
threatened to carry out such acts a few days back." 
 
"No Let-Up In Anti-Terror War, Says Zardari" "Dawn" (05/28) 
 
"President Asif Ali Zardari declared on Wednesday there would be no 
let-up in the battle against terrorists and called for reinforcing 
capabilities of law enforcement agencies.  According to the 
presidential spokesman in Islamabad, President Zardari took serious 
note of the Lahore blast, the first major terrorist attack since the 
launch of the Swat operation, and summoned a meeting of heads of all 
security agencies on Friday to review the security situation." 
 
"Blast Won't Affect Swat Operation, Says FM" "Dawn" (05/28) 
 
"Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said terrorist acts like 
Lahore blast can't weaken the government's resolve to wipe out 
militants from its soil and won't lesson the intensity of 
operation." 
 
"Statement By U.S. Ambassador To Pakistan Anne W. Patterson on 
Attack in Lahore" "The News," "Daily Times," "Jang," "Ausaf," 
"Islam," "Aaj Kal," and "Khabrain" (05/28) 
 
"U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan Anne W. Patterson while condemning the 
Lahore blast said that the United States will stand with and 
continue supporting our friends and allies, the Pakistani people as 
they fight these extremists." 
 
"World Leaders Condemn Blast" "The News" (05/28) 
 
"UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon sharply condemned on Wednesday's 
deadly bombing in Lahore, his office said in a statement. 
Meanwhile, the United States strongly condemned the bombing in 
Lahore as 'totally abhorrent and unacceptable' and voiced solidarity 
with Pakistani nation in its fight against violent extremism." 
 
"70pc Of Mingora Secured After Fierce Clashes" "Dawn" (05/28) 
 
"Security forces claimed on Wednesday to have secured 70 per cent of 
Mingora town after fierce clashes which left 286 militants and seven 
soldiers dead.  Eight soldiers and 25 militants were injured in the 
fighting." 
 
"10 Militants Killed In Dir" "Dawn" (05/28) 
 
"Troops claimed on Wednesday to have killed 10 militants in Maidan 
area of Lower Dir on Tuesday night." 
 
"Taliban Fighters Flee Kalam As Troops Advance" "The News" (05/28) 
 
"More than 250 Taliban fighters reportedly fled Kalam in Swat 
district on Wednesday after hearing that the Pakistan Army troops 
were advancing towards the scenic town while a low-ranking commander 
of the militants named Khushmir was killed by the security forces 
along with his nephew in Satal area near Bahrain." 
 
"10 Militants Killed In Waziristan" "Dawn" (05/28) 
 
"Ten militants were killed as troops moved ahead in South Waziristan 
on Wednesday.  Security forces claimed to have destroyed several 
bunkers and seized two vehicles loaded with heavy weapons." 
 
"Cash Rewards For Fazlullah, Muslim Arrests" "Pakistan Observer" 
(05/28) 
 
"Government has late night announced on Wednesday cash awards of 
rupees five million for the arrests of Maulana Fazlullah, and Rupees 
four million for Muslim Khan, who are resisting the security forces 
in operation Rah-e-Raast.  Special awards have also been set for the 
arrest of other 22 Taliban Commanders, report said." 
 
"U.S. Ask India To Reduce Its Presence At Pak-Afghan Border" "The 
News" (05/28) 
 
"The U.S. administration, acknowledging Pakistan's position with 
regard to the presence of Indians on its borders with Afghanistan, 
has asked India to trim its presence in Afghanistan, including 
reducing or closing down its consulates scattered in the areas 
adjacent to Pak-Afghan border, sources said. 
 
"10,000 Men Protecting N-Assets: Official" "Dawn" (05/28) 
 
"A senior official of the country's premier defence nuclear 
establishment has said that a large force of nearly 10,000 people is 
in place to ensure security of Pakistan's nuclear arsenal and 
western fears about the safety of the weapons are unfounded.  Air 
Commodore Khalid Banuri, who is Director of Arms Control and 
Disarmament Affairs at the Strategic Plans Division (SPD), said that 
Pakistan's 'command and control structure' for the weapons was 
better than that of many other nuclear states, and many countries 
and their experts had officially acknowledged this." 
 
"Obama To Discuss Pak Situation With Saudi Leaders" "The News" 
(05/28) 
 
"The visit of U.S. President Barrack Obama to Saudi Arabia on 
Wednesday next would have far-reaching impact on the situation in 
the region and Washington's ties with the Islamic World.  The 
situation in Pakistan will prominently figure in the discussions 
with reference to war on terror and Pakistan's capacity to fight it 
out." 
 
"UNICEF Runs Out Of Relief Supplies, Appeals For Funds" "Dawn" 
(05/28) 
 
"The UNICEF Pakistan has almost exhausted its contingency funds and 
stocks of relief goods and has appealed for an additional $41.4 
million for providing immediate assistance to people displaced by 
fighting in parts of the NWFP." 
 
"Import of Power From Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan - U.S. Pressing 
Pakistan and Afghanistan" "Business Recorder" (05/28) 
 
"Washington is pressing both Islamabad and Kabul to import 1000 
Megawatt electricity from Central Asia, despite the fact that Asian 
Development Bank (ADB) has withdrawn from the project, according to 
official documents made available exclusively to 'Business 
Recorder.'" 
 
--------------------- 
Editorials/Op-eds 
--------------------- 
 
"Lahore Attacked Again," an editorial in the Karachi-based 
center-left independent national English daily "Dawn" (cir. 55,000) 
(05/28) 
 
"The third major terrorist strike in Lahore in three months was 
perhaps not unexpected given the state's push against the militants 
on three fronts.  In the Malakand division, Pakistan has launched 
its most serious counterinsurgency operation to date against the 
militants; in South Waziristan, ground forces are on the move backed 
by tanks and helicopters; and in Punjab, the detention of some 
Jihadi leaders following the Mumbai attacks has fomented resentment 
against the state. ....What is needed is an urgent operation to 
track down terrorists infiltrating or living in cities and for them 
to be taken out before they can launch their destructive attacks. 
And if that's like finding a needle in a hay stack, then the answer 
is more resources to find the terrorist needles." 
 
"Lahore Suicide Attack," an editorial in the second-largest, 
center-right nationalist Urdu daily "Nawa-i-Waqt" (cir. 150,000) 
(05/28) 
 
"The facts of Lahore attack will come to fore after investigation, 
but we have no doubts about the involvement of satanic triangle of 
America, India and Israel in terrorism activities in Pakistan.... 
Use of force against our own people is not the right way to reform 
them.  They should be persuaded for talks." 
 
"Suicide Attack In Lahore Demands Effective Operation Against 
Terrorists," an editorial in liberal Urdu daily "Express" (cir. 
25,000) (05/28) 
 
"Defending the country is everyone's responsibility; the nation pays 
a heavy price for negligence by any one element.  We also need to 
send a message to terrorists and extremists that the entire nation 
will support action against them if they do not give up their 
cowardly acts." 
 
"Terrorism In Lahore: Reaction To Swat Operation?," an editorial in 
the Lahore-based populist center-right Urdu daily "Khabrain" (cir. 
50,000) (05/28) 
 
"There have been suicide attacks in Pakistan in the past as well, 
yet no action has ever been taken against the perpetrators or at 
least action against them was not made public.  This has encouraged 
these elements to continue their activities.  The perpetrators of 
this act must be brought to justice so that in future no one has the 
audacity to play with innocent human lives." 
 
"Tragic Terror Episode In Lahore," an editorial in the popular 
rightist Urdu-language daily "Ausaf" (cir. 10,000) (05/28) 
 
"It looks as if Pakistan is being besieged in a very subtle way, and 
our politicians and government officials are under tremendous 
pressure, and the Pakistan Army is at war.  It is for certain that 
this state of affairs will not change unless we say 'no more' in 
response to the much often repeated U.S. mantra 'do more.'  We 
cannot achieve any significant success without dispelling the U.S. 
pressure." 
 
"Tragic Incident Of Terrorism In Lahore," an editorial in Hyderabad 
based liberal and independent Sindhi Daily "Ibrat" (Cir. 80,000) 
(05/28) 
 
"The terror attack in Lahore is very tragic and disastrous. The 
government needs to probe the incident painstakingly, and make the 
findings public, so that the public trust on the government may be 
restored that it can protect their lives and possessions.  Also we 
must not overlook the possibility of presence of terrorists among 
the internally displaced persons of Swat valley." 
 
"Game Of Destruction And Annihilation," an editorial in the 
Karachi-based, pro-Taliban Jihadi Urdu daily "Islam" (cir. 15,000) 
(05/28) 
 
"If we want to protect ourselves from further violence, suicide 
attacks, and mayhem, we will have to appraise our policy of blind 
and steadfast support to the U.S. and its allies in the self-styled 
war on terror.  Our rulers will have to snub the U.S. diktats at the 
end of the day and assume policies based on bold and honorable 
national stance." 
 
"A Dastardly Attack," an editorial in the center-right national 
English daily "The Nation" (cir. 20,000) (05/28) 
 
"This was a daring act meant to portray Pakistan as an unsafe 
country.  The incident made headlines in the international media, 
providing glee to the enemies of the country....  It illustrates the 
fact that the nation has to pay when its vital institutions fail to 
come up to the professional standards required from them." 
 
"The Butchers Call Again," an editorial in the centrist national 
English daily "The News" (cir. 55,000) (05/28) 
 
"There will be the usual accusations of 'failure of intelligence' or 
'security lapses' but the reality is that this is an extremely 
difficult type of attack to countervail, even if you have good 
security and unsurpassed intelligence.  Stopping the detonation of 
the bomb was virtually impossible and we should not waste our breath 
in speculating about which intelligence service did or did not pick 
up that this terrorist unit was in the city and ready to act." 
 
"Another Tragic Incident In Lahore," an editorial in the leading 
mass circulation centrist Urdu daily "Jang" (cir. 300,000) (05/28) 
 
"Some analysts are expressing apprehensions that if the government 
spreads out military operation in other tribal areas, there is 
likelihood of more such terror incidents in the country in future. 
Targeting security forces, military facilities and police one after 
the other lays bare the motives of terrorists behind such incidents. 
 The state of affairs necessitates that besides the military 
operation, the government should also initiate negotiations to find 
out an enduring solution of this problem." 
 
"Terror In Lahore, Again," an editorial in the Lahore-based liberal 
English daily "The Post" (cir. 5,000) (05/28) 
 
"The Taliban have proved their presence in the big cities of 
Pakistan, like Karachi and Lahore.  These suicide blasts show that 
there are loopholes in the security mechanism besides absence of 
coordination between police and intelligence agencies.  The timing 
and place of the Lahore blast indicates that it was a well planned 
act of terror." 
 
"Refugees' Plight," an editorial in the Karachi-based center-left 
independent national English daily "Dawn" (cir. 55,000) (05/28) 
"The here and now must necessarily take priority as we speak, for 
the suffering is immense and must be addressed forthwith.  But the 
need for a longer-term policy is also paramount.  Let us assume that 
the Taliban menace will be exterminated in due course, setting the 
stage for a homeward journey.  Many IDPs will be returning....  They 
will need help over the long term for food supplies, seeds, 
reconstruction and fresh livestock.  Schools will have to be rebuilt 
and employment opportunities generated.  Only then will the state 
win hearts and minds and truly establish its writ." 
 
"Trapped In Mingora," an editorial in the centrist national English 
daily "The News" (cir. 55,000) (05/28) 
 
"The IDPs who have been streaming south with over 120,000 according 
to the UNHCR leaving home each day, these people need help.  This is 
true not only of those in Mingora but people trapped elsewhere as 
well.  Deaths due to shortages of medicine have been reported form 
places such as the Kurram Agency as well.  Our politicians need to 
sit together with military commanders and determine how best these 
people can be saved from the worst ravages of war." 
 
"The Other Battle To Be Won," an op-ed by Dr. Tariq Rahman in the 
Karachi-based center-left independent national English daily "Dawn" 
(cir. 55,000) (05/28) 
 
"The IDPs as well as the common people of Pakistan should be told 
clearly why we are fighting this war.  They are still confused 
because there are people who call this America's war or compare it 
with the army's military action in Dhaka in 1971.  This is not 
America's war.  It will go on even if America withdraws.  It is not 
a territorial war or a war of ethnic separatists.  It is a war for a 
way of life, for women's rights, for academic and media freedom, for 
democracy, for constitutionalism - in short, for a modern Pakistan 
instead of an ideological dictatorship.  We owe it to our people to 
make this clear to them because we are asking them to sacrifice 
hearth and home and even life.  If they are doing all this they have 
the right to know why they are doing it." 
 
"No Return To The Raj," an op-ed by I.A. Rehman in the Karachi-based 
center-left independent national English daily "Dawn" (cir. 55,000) 
(05/28) 
 
"If the decision to launch a military operation in Swat and other 
parts of the Malakand division was not easy to make, its 
implementation is proving to be even more problematic....  Common 
citizens have been surprised at the apparently slow pace of the 
military operation....  The objective of the military operation is 
not very clear.  The statement that the writ of the state is to be 
restored raises more questions than it answers." 
 
"The Implication Of Operations In NWFP And FATA," an op-ed by Khalid 
Aziz in the centrist national English daily "The News" (cir. 55,000) 
(05/28) 
 
"A counter-insurgency war cannot be fought from a distance.  For 
success the "enemy" has to be hunted at close quarters.  This calls 
for the use of Special Forces and the police.  Draining the swamp 
cannot eliminate the fish if other rivulets of escape are available. 
The present operation cannot be considered successful until the 
leaders of the Taliban who have challenged the writ of the state are 
brought to justice.  If this doesn't occur rest assured that the 
IDPs are not returning and it will be futile to return the area to 
civil administration because the militants will surely return again 
and the civil administration will be made a scapegoat again." 
 
"Another Nuclear anniversary," an op-ed by Pervez Hoodbhoy in the 
Karachi-based center-left independent national English daily "Dawn" 
(cir. 55,000) (05/28) 
 
"It was a lie that the bomb could protect Pakistan, its people or 
its armed forces. Rather, it has helped bring us to this grievously 
troubled situation and offers no way out.  The threat to Pakistan is 
internal. The bomb cannot help us recover the territory seized by 
the Baitullahs and Fazlullahs, nor bring Waziristan back to 
Pakistan.  More nuclear warheads, test-launching more missiles, or 
buying yet more American F-16s and French submarines, will not help. 
 Pakistan's security problems cannot be solved by better weapons. 
Instead, the way forward lies in building a sustainable and active 
democracy, an economy for peace rather than war, a federation in 
which provincial grievances can be effectively resolved, elimination 
of the feudal order and creating a society that respects the rule of 
law." 
Patterson