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UNCLAS ISLAMABAD 001266 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: KMDR KPAO OIIP OPRC PGOV PREL PK
SUBJECT:  PAKISTAN MEDIA REACTION: JUNE 10, 2009 
 
Summary:  Reports and photographs of a bomb blast at the five-star 
hotel, Pearl Continental in Peshawar killing 11 people dominated 
headlines in all newspapers on Wednesday.  All newspapers also 
highlighted report that the "20 militants were killed in an 
operation in the frontier region of Bannu district" that was 
launched against tribesmen for their failure to handover kidnappers 
of the Razmak Cadet College students.  Security forces' claim that 
"14 militants had been killed in Peuchar area of Swat" during the 
ongoing military offensive received extensive coverage.  Some major 
dailies highlighted U.S. Intelligence Agency Director Dennis Blair's 
remarks that "Pakistan Army is gaining in its offensive against 
extremists in Swat, because public support for the operation is 
solidifying."  Foreign Minister Qureshi's remarks that "U.S. troop 
surge can destabilize Pakistan" received prominent display. 
 
Most major dailies ran editorials on the safe return of IDPs and the 
ongoing military offensive against Taliban militants.  Commenting on 
the IDP's disillusionment with the government, the prestigious 
English daily, "Dawn," wrote: "it is essential that the military 
battle is followed by tangible steps towards civic development and 
economic uplift of devastated zones and the rehabilitation of the 
displaced."  The centrist national English daily "The News," 
observed that the "possibility of a Taliban return to Swat will 
continue to hover in the air until the news comes in of Fazlullah's 
capture, or his body is brought to Imam Dehri."  The second-largest, 
center-right nationalist Urdu daily "Nawa-i-Waqt," advised that 
"instead of begging for $1.35 billion, the government should seek 
America's help for the resolution of the Kashmir dispute."  End 
Summary. 
 
----------------- 
News Stories 
----------------- 
 
"11 Killed In PC Peshawar Bombing" "The News" (06/10) 
 
"At least 11 persons, including foreigners, were killed and over 50 
others injured when a huge blast ripped through the city's lone 
five-star Pearl Continental Hotel - adjoining the residence of the 
Corps Commander Peshawar - after an exchange of heavy fire between 
the terrorists and security personnel on Tuesday night.  Those 
sustaining injuries included ANP's  Provincial Minister Zarshed 
Khan, Senator Nabi Bangash, women, UN officials, three foreigners 
and an airlines' crew.  A large number of vehicles parked in the 
parking bay, a mosque, shops inside the hotel, banks and other 
outlets were completely destroyed." 
 
"20 Militants Killed In FR Bannu" "The News" (06/10) 
 
"Security forces on Tuesday launched an operation against the 
Bakakhel and Janikhel tribesmen in the Frontier Region (FR) of Bannu 
district for their failure to hand over the kidnappers of the Razmak 
Cadet College students and teachers.  There were reports that 20 
militants were killed and several others injured in the operation." 
 
 
"Forces Kill 14 Taliban In Swat" "The News" (06/10) 
 
"Security forces on Tuesday killed 14 more militants in Peuchar area 
of Swat during the ongoing military operation.  According to the 
Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the security forces 
conducted a search operation around Peuchar Valley." 
 
"Fazlullah's HQ Destroyed" "The Nation" (06/10) 
 
"The security forces have destroyed Maulana Fazlullah's headquarters 
in Imam Dheri.  According to sources, the security forces planted 
IEDs at the headquarters and cleared the area before blowing up the 
headquarters.  It is noted that the Imam Dheri headquarters which 
was constructed near River Swat was the centre of all militancy 
activities by Fazlullah." 
 
"Pak Army Gaining On Public Support: U.S. Spy Chief; Pentagon Offers 
Assistance For Operation" "The News" (06/10) 
 
"The Pakistan Army is gaining in its offensive against extremists in 
the Swat Valley because public support for the operation is 
solidifying, U.S. Director of National Intelligence Dennis Blair 
told an audience of intelligence professionals in Washington on 
Monday night, while the Pentagon offered to provide assistance to 
Pakistani military for the successful completion of the operation." 
 
"U.S. Troops Surge Can Destabilize Pakistan, Says Qureshi" "Daily 
Times" (06/10) 
 
"Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has said the U.S. move to 
send 21,000 extra troops to war-ravaged Afghanistan could have 
serious implications for Pakistan, he told a news conference with 
his Turkish counterpart in Islamabad on Tuesday." 
 
"Lashkar Secures Four Villages" "Dawn" (06/10) 
 
"An anti-Taliban tribal Lashkar secured four villages and killed 13 
militants in Upper Dir.  Helicopter gunships pounded militants' 
hideouts in Doog Darra to support a Lashkar which engaged militants 
Shatkas and Ghazigay villages and was facing stiff resistance from 
them." 
 
"TNSM Swat Chief Held In Peshawar" "Daily Times" (06/10) 
 
"Tehreek-e-Nifaz-e-Shariat-e-Muhammadi (TNSM) Swat Chief, Iqbal Khan 
who belongs to Matta area of Swat and two other suspects were 
arrested from Peshawar's Hayatabad area on Tuesday, sources said." 
 
"Key TNSM Leader, Taliban Supporter Surrenders" "The News" (06/10) 
 
"A prominent supporter of the banned Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) 
and an important leader of the outlawed Tehrik Nifaz 
Shariat-e-Muhammadi (TNSM) Maulana Waliullah Kabalgrami surrendered 
to the security forces in Thakot area of Kohistan district on 
Tuesday, sources said." 
 
"President And Patterson Discuss IDPs" "Daily Times," "The News" 
(06/10) 
 
"President Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday hosted a lunch for the U.S. 
Ambassador to Pakistan Anne W. Patterson.  President's spokesman 
Farhatullah Babar said 'issues ranging from the rehabilitation of 
IDPs, the current drive against the Taliban and the need for greater 
international assistance in relief efforts were also discussed.'" 
 
"Senators Want Backing For Security Forces" "Daily Times" (06/10) 
 
"Senators from both the opposition and treasury benches on Tuesday 
called for unity against extremism to obtain a decisive victory 
against the Taliban, warning that unless the masses supported the 
security forces, the country could collapse into civil war." 
 
"Lingering Operation Worries NWFP Government" "The News" (06/10) 
 
"The NWFP government is getting impatient with the lingering 
military operation in Swat and prolonged stay of the internally 
displaced persons (IDPs) in camps.  'The government wants rapid 
conclusion to the action fearing snowballing of the IDP problem into 
widespread protests in face of the rising mercury and drying out of 
the available finances with the displaced people,' said a senior 
officer of the provincial government on Tuesday." 
 
"Congress To Approve Funds For Pakistan: White House" "The News" 
(06/10) 
 
"The White House has expressed confidence in getting congressional 
approval for a $100 billion Afghanistan and Iraq wars spending bill 
also containing funds to assist Pakistan meet its 'critical needs' 
in economic, humanitarian and security areas, Press Secretary Robert 
Gibbs told reporters on Monday afternoon." 
 
"Gates Seeks $700 Million For Pakistan" "The News" (06/10) 
 
"U.S. Defence Secretary Robert Gates on Tuesday sought congressional 
support for $700 million for Pakistan Counterinsurgency Capability 
Fund for the fiscal year 2010 as part of a massive $130 billion 
request for overseas contingency operations for Afghanistan and Iraq 
wars.  Admiral Mike Mullen, chairman U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, 
appearing jointly with the Defence Secretary, said Pakistan is 
crucial to the U.S. success in Afghanistan.  One key approach in the 
near term is to help Pakistan's military to improve its overall 'and 
specifically its counterinsurgency' capabilities." 
 
"U.S. Backs Resumption Of Indi-Pak Talks" "The News" (06/10) 
 
"The Obama administration on Tuesday fully favored resumption of 
Pakistan-India dialogue for improvement in their bilateral relations 
and establishment of peace in the region, spokesman Ian Kelly said 
at the daily briefing." 
 
"U.S., Not Taliban, Fanning Militancy" "Dawn" (06/10) 
 
"The government must give a timeframe for the Swat operation so that 
3.3 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) could return to 
their homes.  Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Amir Syed Munawar Hasan demanded 
this at a press conference in Bahawalpur on Tuesday.  He also spent 
a good deal of time on criticizing the U.S. for 'interfering in 
Pakistan's affairs' and India for creating troubles for Pakistan. 
Mr. Hussain said NATO forces and not the Taliban were putting 
Pakistani nukes' security at risk." 
 
"The United States Launches $75 Million Pre-Service Teachers 
Education Program (Pre-STEP) In Sindh" "The Post," "The Statesman" 
(06/10) 
 
"The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) 
along with the Sindh's Ministry of Education and Literacy officially 
launched the Pre-Service Teacher Education Program (Pre-STEP) in 
Sindh.  The Pre-STEP program is designed to improve the quality of 
basic education in Pakistan by strengthening teachers' education and 
skills.  The program will directly impact new and practicing 
teachers by helping them to gain revised and upgraded teaching 
qualifications. The $75 million, five-year program will fund 
training throughout the entire province." 
 
--------------------- 
Editorials/Op-eds 
--------------------- 
 
"IDPs' Disillusionment," an editorial in the Karachi-based 
center-left independent national English daily "Dawn" (cir. 55,000) 
(06/10) 
 
"For a population disillusioned with the government can become part 
of anti-state or militant groups in the future.  The more than two 
million displaced by the fighting are most at risk, for the state 
has done little to mitigate their suffering....  Refugees can be 
easily radicalized.  The failure of the state and its institutions 
to protect, accommodate and later rehabilitate them (IDPs) increases 
the anger of millions, as does the rejection of their presence in 
Sindh and Punjab by political groups.  This can well create 
recruiting space for militant outfits.  For long-term success in the 
battle against the Taliban and other anti-state forces, it is 
essential that the military battle is followed by tangible steps 
towards civic development and economic uplift of devastated zones 
and the rehabilitation of the displaced." 
 
"Safe Return of IDPs," an editorial in the center-right national 
English daily "The Nation" (cir. 20,000) (06/10) 
 
"Calls of repatriation made without ensuring that a particular 
troubled area has been fully cleared of the insurgents, and that 
there was no likelihood of their return, would prove 
counterproductive.  They might result in uprooting the people for 
the second time.  If that were to happen, it would make it doubly 
difficult for the authorities to convince the IDPs to go back to 
their homes at a later stage when the danger had really passed.... 
However, Monday's events - the blowing up of bridges, a school and a 
college - showed that the Taliban fighters had not been entirely 
pushed out of Buner.  They were either present in certain pockets or 
hiding in the garb of ordinary citizens.  Thus, although the troops 
have made gains in the area it was not safe enough for peaceful 
residents to live." 
 
"Early Return Of IDPs Should Be Ensured," an editorial in the 
Karachi-based, pro-Taliban Jihadi Urdu daily "Islam" (cir. 15,000) 
(06/10) 
 
"In view of the Army Chief's directive for the return of IDP's to 
their homes in Swat, it is expected that all the concerned 
departments will work towards the goal....  Newspaper advertisements 
announcing head money for Maulvi Fazal Ullah and his important 
associates show that the security organizations do not have a clue 
about the wanted people even after a moth long operation.  This 
means that the Tehrik-i-Taliban leadership is safe so far and the 
Tehrik can resurface after operation ends....  It is imperative that 
the government implements its promise of Nizam-e-Adl in Malakand 
Division....  The people of Swat will be disappointed if the promise 
was not fulfilled and yet another movement for the enforcement of 
Shariah would be unstoppable." 
 
"Across The Border?," an editorial in the centrist national English 
daily "The News" (cir. 55,000) (06/10) 
 
"The possibility of a Taliban return to Swat will continue to hover 
in the air until the news comes in of Fazlullah's capture, or his 
body is brought to Imam Dehri.  We had previously pointed out that 
the links between militancy in Afghanistan and Pakistan could impede 
this; that key leaders could escape across the border to get away 
from growing heat from the army.  This indeed is what has happened 
now....  Pakistan's all-out effort to tackle the Taliban needs to be 
supported by a similar effort in Kabul.  One would expect the 
Special Envoy Richard Holbrooke to spend a little more time on this 
key strategic area, rather than focusing on our courts, the chief 
justice and other matters that have nothing at all to do with the 
U.S." 
 
"Kashmir Dispute, World Community And Government Obligation," an 
editorial in the second-largest, center-right nationalist Urdu daily 
"Nawa-i-Waqt" (cir. 150,000) (06/10) 
 
"President Asif Ali Zardari has fully backed the right to self 
determination of the Kashmiri people, saying that the right was 
guaranteed in the UN resolutions on Kashmir.  He was talking to 
Kashmiri American Council Executive Director Ghulam Nabi Fai.... 
Instead of begging for $1.35 billion, the government should seek 
America's help for the resolution of the Kashmir dispute.  The 
government should remind [the U.S. administration] that President 
Obama had admitted during his election campaign the need for the 
Kashmir dispute resolution for lasting peace in the region.  Why 
doesn't he pay attention to the fact he himself had stated?" 
 
"State Of Taliban Aggression," an editorial in the Lahore-based 
liberal English language daily "Daily Times" (cir. 10,000) (06/10) 
 
"Disenchantment is setting in among the latter-day Taliban who 
joined Baitullah's enterprise simply to fulfill their dreams of a 
'pure Islam' to transform society into some sort of imagined utopia. 
 After perceiving that the Taliban were on the run, a Taliban chief 
in Peshawar has also denounced Baitullah's policies....  Baitullah's 
boasting about how his Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) is going to 
spread the warfront and take the fight into Punjab and Sindh is 
being put to the test of reality....  This is not to downplay the 
capacity of the TTP to stage aggression.  As it retreats in the face 
of the military operation, more spectacular events should be 
expected.  The war is for the long haul and Pakistan cannot afford 
to become complacent about its ability to tackle the likes of 
Baitullah Mehsud." 
 
"Lashkars Should Not Be Permanent Phenomenon," an editorial in the 
Islamabad-based rightist English daily "Pakistan Observer" (cir. 
5,000) (06/10) 
 
"The precedent set up by the people of Upper Dir would hopefully 
encourage people of other areas to stand up against militants who 
have disrupted normal life....  However, we would also caution that 
Lashkars must not be a permanent phenomenon as presence of organized 
militias, armed with weapons, is fraught with serious consequences 
in the long run.  With the passage of time they could pose another 
challenge to the Government and, therefore, should be used only as a 
tool to defeat militants." 
 
"Support From Lashkars," an editorial in the Lahore-based liberal 
English daily "The Post" (cir. 5,000) (06/10) 
 
"The government's policy to defeat the Taliban once and for all 
seems to have borne some fruit as it has been able to win the 
support of the tribesmen in the form of lashkars to bring and ensure 
peace in the troubled areas....  While we do not exactly know the 
U.S. reaction to it, at that time, the tribesmen's push to flush the 
Uzbeks and others out of their areas seemed to have a wink and a nod 
from the U.S., which was previously opposed to the deals with 
tribesmen....  The passion of the local lashkars is a reflection of 
the sentiment of the whole nation that wants the terrorists to be 
dealt a severe blow." 
 
"The Final Blow," an op-ed by Farooq Hameed Khan in the center-right 
national English daily "The Nation" (cir. 20,000) (06/10) 
 
"While the Taliban's command, control, communication and training 
network have been more or less destroyed in Swat valley, the fact 
that the top Taliban leadership and remaining militants have 
scattered into the mountains or moved to adjoining areas gives them 
the ability to regroup at a later stage.  To prevent the militants' 
re-emergence, the momentum of Operation Rah-i-Rast must be 
maintained to keep up the hot pursuit till their total elimination 
or surrender including the top leadership....  With the Taliban myth 
shattered and the stunning fight back by the local Lashkar in upper 
Dir, such armed uprisings need to be encouraged in other areas to 
help isolate and wipe out the remaining militants....  The operation 
must continue till all military objectives are fully achieved and 
lasting peace and security are ensured." 
 
"Military Operation and the Fallout in Lower Dir," an op-ed by Nasim 
Zehra in the centrist national English daily "The News" (cir. 
55,000) (06/10) 
 
"There is an appreciation that the operation may have brought 
destruction but there is hope that it may bring peace and security 
in the region.  Irrespective of what news may trickle out from 
either the Taliban or the army the fact is that the battle for 
Kalpani post and the control of the Qambar-Timergarah road still 
rages.  Indeed reports suggest that the battle will be over soon. 
It is unlikely that a definitive answer is in the offing.  The 
counterinsurgency strategy is a tough one to implement." 
 
"Enduring Democracy And Supremacy Of Parliament," an editorial in 
the leading mass circulation centrist Urdu daily "Jang" (cir. 
300,000) (06/10) 
 
"President Asif Ali Zardari has once again given the assurance that 
Taliban can't takeover Pakistani nuclear weapons.  However, he said 
that anything could happen if democracy failed and in such an 
eventuality Taliban could lay their hands on nuclear assets....  The 
apprehensions President Asif Zardari expressed vis-`-vis nuclear 
assets, could be addressed through strong and durable democracy.... 
If the government really wants strong democracy in the country, then 
it should recognize the supremacy of the parliament and block the 
way of interference in its authority." 
 
"The Endgame Target: A Weak Nuclear Defanged Pakistan," an op-ed by 
Shireen M. Mazari in the centrist national English daily "The News" 
(cir. 55,000) (06/10) 
 
"One expects external detractors to play the anti-Pakistan nuke 
game....  There is a two-pronged strategy that is now becoming 
obvious in relation to Pakistan's nukes: externally the drummed-up 
scare over our command and control - despite the fact that it is the 
U.S. that has revealed the disarray of its own command and control - 
and internally using local critics of Pakistan's nuclear weapons to 
sow doubts regarding the relevancy of atomic weapons (although if 
this was the case why the U.S. is pursuing a program for mini-nukes, 
etc) and to create a falsehood that such a capability is a liability 
for Pakistan.  Why is there such renewed attention on our nukes?... 
No wonder our foreign detractors are desperate to gain access at all 
costs." 
 
"America's Double Standards And World Peace," an editorial in 
liberal Urdu daily "Express" (cir. 25,000) (06/10) 
 
"The difference between words and deeds of the American 
administration has once again came to fore.  Secretary of State 
Hillary Clinton has targeted Iran in a TV interview, saying that 
Israel and Arab world have concern over Iran's nuclear program. 
This statement has come only few days after President Obama's 
address to the Islamic world in which he talked of increasing 
harmony between civilizations....  Iran never claimed that its 
nuclear program has any aggressive designs against anyone.  Iran has 
always said that it is acquiring nuclear technology for peaceful 
purposes, which is the right of every nation." 
 
"In Cairo, A Small Step Forward," an op-ed by Mahir Ali in the 
Karachi-based center-left independent national English daily "Dawn" 
(cir. 55,000) (06/10) 
 
"Although it would be fatuous to deny that the scope for skepticism 
about the likelihood of constructive change in the Middle East has 
only marginally been diminished by Obama's carefully crafted and 
eloquently delivered peroration, there is now at least a glimmer of 
hope where none existed before.  And, furthermore, no one in the 
audience deemed it appropriate to fling their footwear at the 
President of the United States." 
 
"Obama: Reaching Out To Muslims," a letter to the Editor by Mehnaz 
Siddiqui in the Karachi-based center-left independent national 
English daily "Dawn" (cir. 55,000) (06/10) 
 
"Although his (Obama) speech contained no new policy proposals, yet 
it was a welcome gesture and some sort of realization, of course, a 
belated one.  It was, to me, one of the most important speeches ever 
delivered by a U.S. President for making a serious effort for 
reaching out to Muslims; healing rifts between the U.S. and the 
Muslim world and for changing the explosive political climate." 
 
"Can Obama Work A Miracle?," an op-ed by Mazhar Qayyum Khan in the 
center-right national English daily "The Nation" (cir. 20,000) 
(06/10) 
 
"Muslims would like the U.S. President to follow up his words with 
definite moves.  The new beginning that he visualizes would have to 
wait at least till then.  His address, which brought out the 
contribution of the Muslim world to human civilization, could pave 
the way for fighting 'negative stereotypes of Islam wherever they 
appear' that he promised.  But to change the mindset could take 
generations, and for Muslims to respond likewise about America's 
stereotype in their minds would depend upon how Mr. Obama delivers 
on the positive indications he gave in his speech....  Hopefully, 
Mr. Obama's address would set in motion policies that could narrow 
the divide currently existing between Muslims on the one hand and 
the United States and the West on the other." 
 
"Obama Reaches Out to Muslim World," an op-ed by Dr. Syed Farooq 
Hasnat in the center-right national English daily "The Nation" (cir. 
20,000) (06/10) 
 
"In order to dispel global perception of being a bully, the U.S. 
President emphasized that his country 'is not the crude stereotype 
of a self-interested empire.'  President Obama represents the real 
Americans, who are friendlier, liberal and accommodating, which was 
reflected in his address to the people of the Muslim societies.... 
In spite of all the nice words that Obama has to say about the 
Muslims, countries like Pakistan must realize that they have to 
build themselves and to rely on their own efforts.  As well, these 
societies have to solve their conflicts and problems within 
themselves, utilizing their societal structures and strengths.  The 
U.S. assistance at this delicate juncture can be helpful." 
 
"Obama's Outreach To Islamic World," an op-ed by Saeed Qureshi in 
the Islamabad-based rightist English daily "Pakistan Observer" (cir. 
5,000) (06/10) 
 
"America's confrontation with the Muslims has its seeds in the 
Israel's conflict with the Palestinian people in which U.S. 
unconditionally sides with Israel.  Perhaps Obama is going to bring 
a balance into that unjust situation and it would pave way for the 
fulfillment of Palestinians' aspiration for a state of their own. 
If that materializes then that would be the day when peace would 
prevail in the Middle East and U.S. and the Islamic world would go 
along shoulder to shoulder as sincere friends." 
 
"Obama's Speech: A Rhetoric Or Reality?," an op-ed by Anwar Mahmood 
Bhatti in the Lahore-based liberal English daily "The Post" (cir. 
5,000) (06/10) 
 
"Obama's in his speech, from an optimist's, on the one hand admitted 
past mistakes and on the other, unfolded a future roadmap with 
regard to America's approach towards democracy.  And if Mr. Obama is 
really able to translate his words into reality, one can hope for 
beginning of a new relationship between the U.S. and the Muslim 
world.  That is the only way through which the U.S. can improve its 
image, especially in the Muslim countries." 
Patterson