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UNCLAS ISLAMABAD 001282 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: KMDR KPAO OIIP OPRC PGOV PREL PK
SUBJECT:  PAKISTAN MEDIA REACTION: JUNE 11, 2009 
 
Summary:  The killing of 80 militants in Pakistani military's 
ongoing operation in the frontier region of Bannu dominated 
headlines in all newspapers on Thursday.  Newspapers also 
highlighted report that the "security forces attacked Taliban 
positions with artillery and helicopter gunships in the offensive." 
The handing over of "four U.S. MI-17 cargo helicopters to the 
Pakistan Army" received extensive coverage in almost all major 
newspapers.  Prime Minister Gilani's statement urging "India to 
resume composite dialogue to resolve bilateral issues" received 
front page display.  At the same time, newspapers also reported that 
U.S. Undersecretary William Burns "pressed India to resume talks 
with Pakistan."  The English language daily, "Dawn," reported that 
an "amendment made to the aid to Pakistan bill authorizes the U.S. 
president to proclaim duty-free treatment of certain textile and 
apparel products from Pakistan."  Pakistani Ambassador to U.S. 
Haqqani's meeting with detained Dr. Aafia Siddiqui in a Texas health 
facility also receive prominent display. 
 
Most dailies ran critical editorials on the devastating strike 
against the five-star hotel in Peshawar.  The leading mass 
circulation Urdu daily "Jang," advised that "as terrorists always 
work out new and novel methods for their terrible acts, it is 
essential to train the policemen and the security personnel about 
the modern techniques to confront terror campaign."   The 
Karachi-based center-left independent national English daily "Dawn" 
editorialized that the blast was "another sobering reminder that the 
terrorists are continually adapting their modus operandi and probing 
gaps in security arrangements in what should be high-security 
areas."   The Islamabad-based English daily "Pakistan Observer," 
exclaimed that "it is strange that the gory incidents continue 
unabated despite the fact that the law enforcing agencies have made 
unprecedented security arrangements involving road blocks, checking, 
security cameras and electronic walk-through gates."  End Summary. 
 
----------------- 
News Stories 
----------------- 
 
"80 Militants Killed In Bannu Action" "The Nation" (06/11) 
 
"More than 80 militants were reportedly killed and many more 
sustained injuries during the two days' operation the security 
forces had launched against Jani Khel and Baka Khel tribes in 
Frontier Region (FR) Bannu.  Besides, some five vehicles likely to 
be used for suicide attacks by the militants were also destroyed. 
The forces assisted by gunship helicopters and artillery targeted 
the hideouts of the militants." 
 
"United States Provides MI-17 Cargo Helicopters To Pakistan 
Military" "The News," "Daily Times," "Pakistan Observer" "Jang," 
"Nawa-i-Waqt," "Express," "Ausaf," "Islam," "Aaj Kal" (06/11) 
 
"In response to a request from the government of Pakistan, the 
United States delivered four MI-17 cargo helicopters to the 
Pakistani Army on Wednesday.  The additional helicopters are meant 
to enhance Pakistan's capabilities in current operations against 
militant extremists, and its efforts to care for hundreds of 
thousands of Pakistanis who have been displaced from their homes by 
the fighting.  The U.S. is in the process of identifying additional 
MI-17s that may be made available to Pakistan in the future." 
 
"PM Urges India To Resume Talks" "Dawn" (06/11) 
 
"Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said on Wednesday that India and 
Pakistan could not afford a war and it was in the interest of the 
entire region that the two nuclear powers resumed their composite 
dialogue to resolve bilateral issues, while addressing students and 
faculty members of the Command and Staff College, Quetta." 
 
"U.S. Presses India To Resume dialogue" "Dawn" (06/11) 
 
"U.S. Under Secretary of State William Burns on Wednesday pressed 
India to resume talks with Pakistan but was told that Islamabad 
should do more first to prosecute the Mumbai terror suspects that 
New Delhi says are sheltered across the border." 
 
"Pakistan Welcomes Indian PM's Peace Gesture" "The News" (06/11) 
 
"Pakistan welcomed on Wednesday comments by India's Prime Minister 
that New Delhi would meet its neighbor 'more than half way' if it 
cracked down on militants, Foreign Ministry spokesman Abdul Basit 
said.  'We agree with India that in order to have peace between our 
two countries and for a viable stability for our region, it is 
absolutely important that our two countries talk to each other and 
resolve our bilateral issues peacefully.'" 
 
"U.S. Likely To Allow Duty-Free Import Of Some Textile Items" "Dawn" 
(06/11) 
 
"An amendment made to the aid to Pakistan bill authorizes the U.S. 
President to proclaim duty-free treatment of certain textile and 
apparel products from Pakistan.  The amendment, debated on Tuesday 
and Wednesday in the U.S. Congress, also authorizes duty-free 
treatment of non-textile and non-apparel products, from designated 
Reconstruction Opportunity Zones within or through September 30, 
2024." 
 
"Haqqani Meets Aafia, Assures Her Of Legal Support" "The News" 
(06/11) 
 
"Pakistan's ambassador to the United States Husain Haqqani met 
detained Pakistani neuroscientist Dr. Aafia Siddiqui in a Texas 
health facility and assured her of the government's full support for 
her early repatriation to homeland." 
 
"U.S. Amendment Seeks Reforms In Pakistan To Curb Extremism" "Dawn" 
(06/11) 
 
"The objectives of U.S. policy towards Pakistan are to empower and 
enable Pakistan to develop into a prosperous and democratic state 
that is at peace with itself and with its neighbors, says an 
amendment moved in Congress.  The amendment, which is likely to be 
adopted, also requires Pakistan to actively confront, and deny safe 
haven to Al Qaeda, the Taliban, and other extremists.  Pakistan is 
also required to implement the economic, legal, and social reforms 
required to create an environment that discourages violent Islamic 
extremism; and to maintain robust command and control over its 
nuclear weapons technology.  The amendment B proposes to fully fund 
the Obama administration's request for non-military assistance of 
 
$1.5 billion for Pakistan for the fiscal 2010 and provides 'such 
sums' as may be necessary through 2013." 
 
"UN And Foreign Missions Suspend Work In Peshawar" "The News" 
(06/11) 
 
"Foreign missions have suspended their activities in Peshawar 
following Tuesday's suicide attack on the five-star hotel.  The 
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the World 
Food Program (WFP), the American Consulate in Peshawar and several 
other diplomatic missions and international bodies suspended their 
activities in the city by directing foreign officials to restrict 
their movement.  The WFP also suspended its operations, but its 
activities for the internally displaced persons (IDPs) of the 
Malakand Division will continue." 
 
"U.S. Planned To Buy Peshawar PC: Report" "The News" website 
(06/11) 
 
"According to a report published two weeks ago in the McClatchy 
Newspapers, and quoted in the New York Times on Wednesday, the Pearl 
Continental Hotel in Peshawar was apparently at the centre of an 
American plan to establish a long-term presence in Peshawar.  A 
senior State Department official confirmed that the U.S. plan for 
the consulate in Peshawar involves the purchase of the luxury Pearl 
Continental hotel. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity 
because he wasn't authorized to speak publicly.  Peshawar is an 
important station for gathering intelligence on the tribal area that 
surrounds the city on three sides and is a base for al Qaida and the 
Taliban.  The area also will be a focus for expanded U.S. aid 
programs, and the American mission in Peshawar has already expanded 
from three U.S. diplomats to several dozen." 
 
"U.S. Sees Anti-Taliban Consensus In Pakistan" "Dawn" (06/11) 
 
"U.S. special envoy Richard Holbrooke said on Wednesday that he 
spent 'a good deal of time' with Nawaz Sharif during his latest 
visit to Pakistan and witnessed a new consensus among Pakistanis 
against the Taliban.  Mr. Holbrooke, who returned from Pakistan 
earlier this week, told a briefing in Washington that recent 
terrorist attacks had enraged the Pakistani people who were now 
showing a new resolve to defeat the extremists.  Referring to the 
bombing of the Pearl Continental Hotel in Peshawar on Tuesday, Mr. 
Holbrooke said there were confirmed media reports that the U.S. was 
trying to buy this place to build a consulate there.  The bombings, 
he said, were enraging the population and were 'not going to work' 
in Taliban's favor, if the Pakistan government provided the 
necessary security." 
 
"U.S. Cautions Its Citizens In Peshawar" "Daily Times" (06/11) 
 
"U.S. Consulate personnel in Peshawar have been instructed to limit 
their movements until further notice, the U.S. Embassy said on 
Wednesday in its latest warden notice.  The notice has been issued 
to notify U.S. citizens about possible dangers following the Pearl 
Continental bombing in Peshawar." 
 
"Unknown Group Claims Peshawar Hotel Bombing" "The News" (06/11) 
 
"An unknown Al-Qaeda-linked group, Abdullah Azzam Shaheed Brigade, 
claimed responsibility for Tuesday's bombing at the Pearl 
Continental Hotel in Peshawar.  A spokesman of the organisation, 
Amir Muawiya, phoned reporters in Kohat city on Wednesday, claiming 
responsibility for the attack and threatened more such bombings." 
 
"800 Terrorists Reach Janikhel: ISPR" "The News" (06/11) 
 
"Military spokesman Maj-Gen Athar Abbas, when contacted by 
telephone, told 'The News,' on Wednesday that from 600 to 800 
terrorists have reached Janikhel, which falls in Frontier Region of 
Bannu.  Janikhel is the staging area of all the militants operating 
in D.I. Khan, Bannu, Kohat and Peshawar." 
 
"23 Terrorists Killed In Swat, Says ISPR" "The News" (06/11) 
 
"The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Wednesday said that 
23 more terrorists were killed in various areas of Swat, Malakand 
and Dir.  It said two soldiers embraced Shahadat and 12 others 
including two officers were injured during the operation." 
 
"Dir Lashkar Pushes Taliban To Last Hideout" "The News" (06/11) 
 
"The armed villagers fighting the Taliban in the remote Doog Darra 
area of Dir Upper made advances into Shatkas village after using 
heavy weapons on Wednesday, destroying several bunkers and killing 
two more militants.  The Taliban are now pushed towards their last 
hideout, situated at the mountain top in Kandao area of Ghazigay, a 
resident of Maluk Khwar, a village that previously supported the 
militants, told 'The News' late Wednesday." 
 
"Holbrooke Terms IDPs 'Major, Major Crisis'" "The News" (06/11) 
 
"U.S. envoy Richard Holbrooke called on Wednesday for refugees from 
the combat zone in western Pakistan to be allowed to return home as 
soon as possible, ending a grave crisis.  'This is a major, major 
crisis,' Holbrooke told reporters at the State Department following 
his trip to Pakistan last week, adding it is the largest refugee 
flow since Pakistan split from India 62 years ago." 
 
"IDPs An 'Opportunity' For America And Pakistan" "Daily Times" 
(06/11) 
 
"The U.S. needs to help Pakistan deliver urgently needed aid to 
millions of internally displaced persons (IDPs) to protect them from 
the Taliban, a U.S. lawmaker and experts have said.  Around 2.5 
million people have streamed out of northwestern areas since the 
government launched a campaign against the Taliban and Al Qaeda, 
said John Tierney, who heads the U.S. House Oversight Committee's 
subcommittee on national security." 
 
"UN Fears 500,000 More IDPs From Waziristan" "The News" (06/11) 
 
"The United Nations is preparing for some half a million people to 
flee Pakistan's northwest region of Waziristan if the government 
mounts a big operation against Taliban militants there, John Holmes, 
UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs said." 
 
"Jamaat-e-Islami To Hold 'Go (Away) America Go (Away)' Rally In 
Karachi On June 14" "Jasarat" (06/11) 
 
"Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Karachi is organizing an anti-American rally 
in Karachi on June 14 at Mazar-e-Qauid.  JI Chief Syed Munawar 
Hassan will lead the rally, and he has urged Muslims to unite 
against American domination, and raise slogan 'No to American 
slavery.'" 
 
--------------------- 
Editorials/Op-eds 
--------------------- 
 
"Terrorism In Peshawar," an editorial in the leading mass 
circulation centrist Urdu daily "Jang" (cir. 300,000) (06/11) 
 
"As terrorists always work out new and novel methods for their 
terrible acts, it is essential to train the policemen and the 
security personnel about the modern techniques to confront terror 
campaign.  We should keep in mind the terror incident at the Police 
call center in Islamabad recently, where the security personnel were 
more vigilant and resisted the terrorists vehemently, and 
consequently there was relatively less human loss." 
 
"Failure To Protect," an editorial in the Karachi-based center-left 
independent national English daily "Dawn" (cir. 55,000) (06/11) 
 
"The devastating strike against the Pearl Continental hotel in 
Peshawar is another sobering reminder that the terrorists are 
continually adapting their modus operandi and probing gaps in 
security arrangements in what should be high-security areas.... 
What is clear is that there was a spectacular failure of security at 
the hotel itself and the surrounding neighborhood....  With 
humanitarian workers and officials from international aid agencies 
flocking to help the IDPs in the north-west, the local, provincial 
and federal administrations should have already had a plan in place 
to protect the hotel....  Clearly, more - much more - needs to be 
done on the security front." 
 
"Why These Security Lapses?," an editorial in the Islamabad-based 
rightist English daily "Pakistan Observer" (cir. 5,000) (06/11) 
 
"It is all the more shocking that the building is adjacent to the 
spatial residence of Corps Commander Peshawar, which is supposed to 
have adequate security system in place to take care of the 
surroundings.  It is strange that the gory incidents continue 
unabated despite the fact that the law enforcing agencies have made 
unprecedented security arrangements involving roadblocks, checking, 
security cameras and electronic walk-through gates....  It seems 
that all these arrangements are mere eyewash and those deployed to 
beef up security are not performing their duties vigilantly." 
 
"Peshawar Hotel Blast," an editorial in the Lahore-based liberal 
English language daily "Daily Times" (cir. 10,000) (06/11) 
 
"The Taliban are facing challenges in Pakistan as they never faced 
before.  Their casualty rate is significant and they are on the run. 
 But their strength arises from the years of exemption they enjoyed 
in Peshawar and the adjoining tribal and 'Frontier Region' (FR) 
cities.  This strength is now being challenged and rolled back by 
the Pakistan Army.  The targeting of hotels is significant.  It cuts 
off cities from one another by preventing important people from 
travelling; and it cuts Pakistan off from the rest Of the world." 
 
"No Respite," an editorial in the centrist national English daily 
"The News" (cir. 55,000) (06/11) 
 
"There were no attempts to suggest that a foreign hand was 
responsible for the blast or that there had been a failure of 
security by any individual or agency.  The NWFP security apparatus 
is stretched to the limit by a full scale war....  There is no part 
of the land, no agency or institution, which is not in some way 
vulnerable to the murderous intend of those who now seek to bomb 
their way into power.  There are groups of extremists in every town, 
in every Province, of Pakistan....  Those foreigners who came here 
to help us in a time of need may just think again, as some have paid 
with their lives.  The bombing of the Peshawar Pearl Continental was 
predictable, efficiently done, and the national and provincial 
governments are virtually powerless to stop the same thing happening 
again." 
 
"A Mortal Threat," an editorial in the center-right national English 
daily "The Nation" (cir. 20,000) (06/11) 
"It is the security of Peshawar itself that for quite some time has 
been deteriorating from bad to worse.   A string of attacks killing 
scores of innocent civilians during a month's time have fuelled a 
wave of fear and anxiety...  The ability of the terrorists to enter 
such sensitive areas to move with explosive-ridden vehicle with 
impunity speaks volumes about the battle readiness of our security 
and intelligence apparatuses.  The police force suffers from lack of 
training and low morale to the extent of being totally 
ineffective....  For one thing, the government ought to enhance the 
capabilities of the security forces and make necessary arrangements 
for their proper training and devise strategies to fight this 
extreme kind of terrorism." 
 
"Peshawar Suicide Attack: Failure Of Security?," an editorial in the 
Lahore-based populist center-right Urdu daily "Khabrain" (cir. 
50,000) (06/11) 
 
"When Marriot Hotel, Islamabad was attacked it was reported that 
American interests were targeted in the attack.  Miami Herald wrote 
after the PC Peshawar attack that America was interested to buy it 
and change it into American Consulate.  Similarly, New York Times 
disclosed that foreign agents were the target of PC, Peshawar 
attack, for the hotel was a meeting venue for secret agents.... 
Although some circles are describing the attack as a consequence of 
Swat operation, these foreign media reports are also worthy of 
attention." 
 
"Peshawar Blast," an editorial in the Lahore-based liberal English 
daily "The Post" (cir. 5,000) (06/11) 
 
"The growing threat of terror, if not curtailed soon, signals to an 
ominous future.  Time and again the people of Pakistan have to 
experience the inhuman terrorist activities, which to some people 
are the direct consequence of bad state policies.  The government 
must analyze where it has failed and address those issues. 
Otherwise the innocent public would continue to suffer at the hands 
of the terrorists." 
 
"Peshawar Incident: A Recurring Phenomenon," an editorial in the 
Karachi-based center-right sensationalist Urdu daily "Ummat" (cir. 
33,000) (06/11) 
 
"Stories have surfaced in the newspapers in the aftermath of the 
Peshawar bomb attack that the U.S. wanted to buy this hotel to open 
up its consulate and talks in this regard were under way. So it 
could have been the target, well whatever one may call it, a 
reaction to Swat operation, or something else, the people of this 
country are seriously worried that they are insecure everywhere." 
 
"Yet Another Suicide Attack," an editorial in the Karachi-based 
right-wing pro-Jamaat-e-Islami Urdu daily "Jasarat" (cir. 3,000) 
(06/11) 
 
"The tragic and horrifying suicide attack in Peshawar makes us feel 
like it has now become a routine.  We need to remind our rulers that 
these suicide bombings are reaction to our policy of allying with 
America, as a friend of enemy is considered as enemy.  Killing 
innocent people is contrary to the teachings of Islam, whatever may 
be reason there can be no justification for such attacks.  Now 
question is that what is the difference between Americans and those 
who are carrying out suicide bombings, because both are killing 
innocent people indiscriminately." 
 
"Appeal Of Taliban Spokesperson," an editorial in the center-right 
Urdu daily "Pakistan" (cir. 10,000) (06/11) 
 
"Local Taliban spokesperson Muslim Khan has appealed to Pakistan 
Ulema to play their role for the release of Maulana Sufi Muhammad, 
saying that the Maulana has been in the government custody.  Muslim 
Khan also accused the security force for the killing of Taliban 
leader Ameer Izzat and Muhammad Alam.  It is strange that when 
Pakistani Ulema appealed to the Taliban for ending their extremism 
and practice of suicide attacks etc., Muslim Khan and his associates 
had rejected it and now he is asking for Ulema's help for the 
release of Sufi Muhammad.  The government's stand is that it hasn't 
arrested Sufi Muhammad and the Pak military spokesperson has 
endorsed the stand.  As far as killing of Ameer Izzat and Muhammad 
Alam is concerned, the security forces could not have gained 
anything with their killing.  Had they been alive they would have 
given important information to the security forces....  It was 
Taliban who attacked the military convoy that was transporting the 
two to Peshawar and the two were killed in the attack.  Taliban 
wanted to eliminate source of information to the security forces and 
they succeeded in their attempt." 
 
"Surveillance Of Mosques In America," an editorial in the 
second-largest, center-right nationalist Urdu daily "Nawa-i-Waqt" 
(cir. 150,000) (06/11) 
 
"Islamic organization, Michigan has protested over FBI attitude, 
saying that FBI keeps any eye on Islamic Centers, Mosques, Imams and 
'Namazis' by employing espionage equipment....  The said action by 
FBI will create disharmony and tension among followers of various 
religions, which will be dangerous for world peace." 
 
"American Advice To Expand Military Operation To Waziristan," an 
editorial in the second-largest, center-right nationalist Urdu daily 
"Nawa-i-Waqt" (cir. 150,000) (06/11) 
 
"Pentagon has urged Pakistan to not only continue its operation 
against extremists, but expand it to south and North Waziristan. 
Instead of expanding the military operation we should try to wrap it 
up and dictating American authorities should be told that neither 
peace could return to Afghanistan in the presence of American forces 
nor could terrorism be stopped.  Instead of giving us aid America 
should withdraw its troops from Afghanistan and stop drone attack on 
our soil.  After that there would not be any justification left for 
militancy and suicide attacks would stop automatically." 
 
"Get Rid Of The Fear," an op-ed by Hameed Akhtar in liberal Urdu 
daily "Express" (cir. 25,000) (06/11) 
 
"This is now an open reality that the Taliban influence in FATA, 
Swat and Malakand Division was the outcome of fear and not public 
sympathy....  In the last few months, about 60 common Pakistanis in 
Waziristan, Kurram Agency and Bajaur were slaughtered after being 
accused of spying for America and Pakistan.  During the same period, 
some 34 people were accused of espionage and slaughtered like 
animals in Swat.  In total 100 people were slaughtered on the 
pretext of spying....  These savage acts were also recorded on video 
and later publicized through an organized network....  Now the 
situation has changed altogether as a clear majority of the people 
are open against these condemnable activities of the Taliban.  Now 
it is up to the concerned departments to use people's power against 
the Taliban." 
 
"Waziristan - Final Battle?," an op-ed by Asad Munir in the centrist 
national English daily "The News" (cir. 55,000) (06/11) 
 
"The army's final battle is likely to be fought against Baitullah in 
South Waziristan.  The remnants of terrorist from Swat, Mohmand, 
Orakzai, Kurram, Darra, are likely to fall back to South Waziristan. 
 The elements of banned Jihadi organizations, Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, 
Sipah-e-Sahaba, Jaish and other Jihadis are likely to join this 
battle for their survival.  Timely and successful completion of the 
Malakand operation will have immense effects on future 
operations....  Pakistan is at war and we must win it for our future 
generations to enable them to live a life of their choice, 
especially for the daughters of this nation." 
 
"Better Alive Than Dead," an op-ed by Kamila Hyat in the centrist 
national English daily "The News" (cir. 55,000) (06/11) 
 
"The thousands of young fighters who were encouraged at various 
points to take up arms in the name of 'Jihad' were never 
deprogrammed or offered other roles in society.  In Swat, those who 
went with Sufi Mohammad Khan to Afghanistan in 2001 to fight 
U.S.-led forces were in many cases simply released back into society 
when they returned as angry, defeated warriors some of whom had 
faced mistreatment in Afghan jails.  These men, some no more than 
teenagers when they were recruited by Sufi, today form in many cases 
the ranks of the Taliban in the Valley.  We need a rehabilitation 
plan for them and for others who have since been herded into 
madressahs and other training institutions.  For many of these boys, 
power stems only from the gun they see in the hands of others and 
yearn to hold themselves....  A well-planned policy is needed to 
turn it back and to demonstrate to people that there are indeed 
other ways of getting ahead in life." 
 
"The Balm Of Hurt Minds," an op-ed by I.M. Mohsin in the 
center-right national English daily "The Nation" (cir. 20,000) 
(06/11) 
 
"To promote peace in our region, Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan 
have to form a front which would be able to sort out all kind of 
extremists.  Such collaboration would get a real boost if an 
equitable solution to Kashmir is contrived by the parties.  A 
single-minded approach thereafter to terrorism by the partners with 
the help of U.S./China has great potential to deliver security to 
the area as well as the world." 
 
"Igniting Hope," an op-ed by Muqtedar Khan in the Lahore-based 
liberal English language daily "Daily Times" (cir. 10,000) (06/11) 
 
"President Obama has found the language to transcend the hitherto 
zero-sum conundrum of the Israeli-Palestinian issue.  If he can 
translate this into policy, then perhaps we can finally witness the 
emergence of an independent Palestinian nation thriving side by side 
with a secure Israel...  President Obama through this speech may not 
have conquered Muslim hearts and minds, but he certainly has ignited 
hope of a peaceful and dignified future." 
 
"Obama's Mid-East Initiative," an op-ed by Burhanuddin Hasan in the 
center-right national English daily "The Nation" (cir. 20,000) 
(06/11) 
 
"According to U.S. analysts Mr. Obama's Cairo speech meant different 
things to different people.  He supported Israel, but reached out to 
the Muslim world in an unprecedented way.  Some friends were 
troubled while others were reassured.  Some of America's enemies 
denounced it but none dismissed it." 
Patterson