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UNCLAS ISLAMABAD 001357 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: KMDR KPAO OIIP OPRC PGOV PREL PK
SUBJECT:  PAKISTAN MEDIA REACTION: JUNE 19, 2009 
 
Summary:  Prime Minister Gilani's decision to "withdraw Carbon tax 
on CNG (compressed natural gas)," recently proposed in the Federal 
Budget, dominated headlines in all newspapers on Friday.  All 
newspapers highlighted report that the "suspected U.S. drone strikes 
killed 12 Taliban in South Waziristan."  Security forces' claim of 
"killing 34 more Taliban militants in the ongoing operation in Swat 
and Dir districts" was also front-paged by all major newspapers. 
Defense Minister Mukhtar's statement that the "operation in Swat 
valley has almost ended and IDPs from the region will start 
returning to their homes from tomorrow (Saturday)" received 
prominent display.  Foreign Minister Qureshi's remarks that 
"Pakistan did not seek time from India" for crackdown on the 
terrorists involved in Mumbai attacks, received extensive coverage. 
 
 
The worst power breakdown in Karachi and some other parts of Sindh 
came under severe editorial comments.  However, some newspapers ran 
editorials on the Pakistan-India talks, security situation of the 
country and President Zardari's meeting with senior EU officials and 
so forth.  Commenting on the approval of the Kerry-Lugar bill, the 
Lahore-based liberal English daily "The Post," noted that the 
"passage of the bill shows that the U.S. government realizes that 
Pakistan is in deep waters and has to be helped out if the 
terrorists are to be eliminated."  The prestigious English daily, 
"Dawn," observed that the "Taliban 'movement', clearly, is amorphous 
and its tentacles are spreading despite the state's recent military 
gains."  The second-largest Urdu daily "Nawa-i-Waqt," advocated that 
"President Zardari should take the nation into confidence about his 
meeting with Indian Prime Minister Singh and explain whether he 
really sought time [to combat terrorism] and does he consider 
jihad-i-Kashmir terrorism."  End Summary. 
 
----------------- 
News Stories 
----------------- 
 
"Tax On CNG Withdrawn" "Dawn" (06/19) 
 
"Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani announced on Thursday withdrawal 
of carbon tax on compressed national gas (CNG) and asked the Finance 
Ministry to make transparent the mechanism of its collection on 
petroleum products.  In a reply to severe criticism by members 
during the budget debate in the National Assembly, the Prime 
Minister admitted that levying of tax on CNG would burden the lower 
middle class." 
 
"U.S. Drones Kill 12, Hurt 10 In SWA" "The News" (06/19) 
 
"Twelve persons were killed and 10 others sustained injuries when 
the U.S. spy planes attacked two suspected training centers of a 
Taliban commander in Sholam and Raghzai areas, eight kilometers west 
of Rustam Adda in South Waziristan Agency (SWA) on Thursday, Elders 
and officials of the political administration told 'The News.'" 
 
"34 Militants Killed In Swat, Dir Upper: ISPR" "The News" (06/19) 
 
"Security forces killed 34 more Taliban militants in the ongoing 
operation in the troubled Swat and Dir Upper districts, while seven 
others were arrested, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) 
said on Thursday.  According to the ISPR, security forces secured 
the area around Bridge-II, Kabal and Kotlai." 
 
"Swat IDPs To Start Returning From Saturday: Minister" "Dawn" 
(06/19) 
 
"Defence Minister Chaudhry Ahmed Mukhtar has said that the operation 
in Swat valley has almost ended and people displaced from the region 
will start returning to their homes from Saturday.  The Minister 
said in an interview with DawnNews TV that after clearing Swat the 
military would go after militants in South Waziristan." 
 
"Pakistan Did Not Seek Time From India: Qureshi" "The News" (06/19) 
 
"Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said on Thursday Pakistan did 
not ask for more time for crackdown on the terrorists involved in 
Mumbai attacks.  According to Geo News, Qureshi said all the 
outstanding issues would be brought on the table in the next 
Indo-Pakistan Foreign Secretaries' level talks." 
 
"Pakistan Wants Meaningful Dialogue With India" "The Nation" 
(06/19) 
 
"Pakistan on Thursday said it was satisfied with the outcome of 
meeting between President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister 
Manmohan Singh in Russia but lasting peace could not be achieved in 
the region unless and until the core issue of Kashmir was settled. 
'There were two tangible outcomes of the meeting between President 
Zardari and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.  One is the agreement to 
resume the dialogue process at Foreign Secretary level and the other 
is the consensus between the two leaders to meet in Egypt on the 
sidelines of NAM summit next month,' said the Foreign Office 
spokesman, Abdul Basit while addressing his weekly press briefing." 
 
 
"118 'Militants' Held In Darra, Bajaur" "Dawn" (06/19) 
 
"Security forces arrested 118 suspected militants during operations 
in various areas of Darra Adamkhel and Bajaur tribal region on 
Thursday.  Two terrorist camps and 13 houses were destroyed.  The 
objective of the operation is to make the Indus Highway safe and to 
protect passengers from militants' attacks and robbery." 
 
"40 Activists Of Banned Outfits Arrested" "Dawn" (06/19) 
 
"In a crack-down, the Bahawalpur and Vehari Police arrested 40 
people who allegedly remained associated with banned outfits and 
sectarian organizations, Bahawalpur Regional Police Officer Mushtaq 
Ali Sukhera confirmed to 'Dawn.'" 
 
"Taliban Kill Two 'Spies'" "Daily Times" (06/19) 
 
"The Taliban on Thursday killed two locals in Mir Ali subdivision, 
24 kilometers east of Miranshah, for allegedly spying for the US. 
The body of Sher Nawab, a resident of Peshawar, was found on the 
Bannu-Miranshah Road near Shahab Flourmills, while Muhammad Nawaz, a 
resident of Miranshah, was found near Lakar Mandi in Mir Ali.  Notes 
found near the bodies warned that anyone caught spying for the U.S. 
would meet the same fate." 
 
"Female Bombers Ready To Blast" "The Nation" (06/19) 
 
"The Punjab government has warned the law enforcement agencies of 
the possible suicide attacks by the female bombers.  According to a 
letter issued by the Provincial Home Department, the Eastern 
Turkistan Islami Movement (ETIM) has been accused of preparing 
female suicide bombers in Waziristan, who could target any important 
 
personality or a building." 
 
"Waziristan Fallout May Arrive Karachi - Abdullah Shah Ghazi Shrine 
Closed Ahead Of Terrorists' Threat" "The Nation" (06/19) 
 
"Waziristan operation fallout may be seen in Karachi as terror 
threats are looming and law enforcement agencies have barred the 
devotees from visiting famous Abdullah Shah Ghazi shrine located at 
Clifton Town, Karachi, informed the secret agencies." 
 
"Pakistan Launches Softening-Up Strikes: U.S. Report" "Dawn" 
(06/19) 
 
"Pakistan has already started softening-up operation in South 
Waziristan as a prelude to a major offensive, says a U.S. report.  A 
prominent U.S. newspaper, Christian Science Monitor, reports that 
recent air raids and shelling in South Waziristan indicate that the 
Pakistani military is preparing to open a new front in its fight 
against the Taliban." 
 
"Afghanistan Should Stop Use Of Its Soil Against Pakistan: Malik" 
"The News" (06/19) 
 
"Minister for Interior Rehman Malik has said peace and stability in 
Afghanistan is in the larger interest of Pakistan and will 
ultimately clinch peace in the region.  In an exclusive talk with 
the Geo TV channel on Thursday, he said Afghanistan should stop use 
of their soil against Pakistan.  Supply of arms and ammunition must 
be halted across the border, he maintained." 
 
"Pakistan Accedes To Pact Against Terror Financing" "Dawn" (06/19) 
 
"Pakistan has acceded to the global pact against terror financing. 
'With the accession to the International Convention for the 
Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism, Pakistan is now a party 
to 11 international conventions against terrorism.  This 
demonstrates our commitment to eliminate the scourge of terrorism,' 
Foreign Office spokesman Abdul Basit said on Thursday." 
 
"Ulema Assure Full Support To Govt. Against Terrorism" "The News" 
(06/19) 
 
"Ulema and Mashaikh have extended their wholehearted support to the 
government in its efforts to root out the menace of extremism and 
terrorism from the country.  They gave this assurance to Prime 
Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani in a meeting with him in Islamabad 
at his Parliament House Chamber on Thursday afternoon." 
 
"Attempt To Undermine N-Capability To Be Resisted: Gen. Tariq" 
"Dawn" (06/19) 
 
"Describing nuclear assets as the cornerstone of country's 
deterrence doctrine, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee 
General Tariq Majid said on Thursday that any attempt to undermine 
the core capability would be 'strongly resisted and defeated.'  'Let 
it be known that Pakistan is confident but not complacent. Our 
security apparatus prepares and practices contingencies to meet all 
such eventualities, and will not be deterred from taking any action 
whatsoever in ensuring that our strategic assets are jealously 
safeguarded,' he said in a speech at a convocation of National 
Defence Course, Armed Forces War Course and Allied Officers War 
Course at the National Defence University." 
 
"Kerry, Lugar For Quick Passage Of Pakistan Aid Bill" "The News" 
(06/19) 
 
"Top U.S. senators have called for urgently passing the Obama 
administration-backed aid bill to authorize $1.5 billion annually 
for Pakistan, saying Washington's signal of support for the 
Pakistani people is vital in view of their ongoing struggle against 
militancy. Democratic Senator John Kerry, chairman of the Foreign 
Relations Committee and ranking Republican Senator Richard Lugar 
also expressed the confidence that the measure commonly known as 
Kerry-Lugar Bill and passed by the panel unanimously would be 
reconciled between the two chambers." 
 
--------------------- 
Editorials/Op-eds 
--------------------- 
 
"Kerry-Lugar Bill," an editorial in the Lahore-based liberal English 
daily "The Post" (cir. 5,000) (06/19) 
 
"The passage of the bill shows that the U.S. government realizes 
that Pakistan is in deep waters and has to be helped out if the 
terrorists are to be eliminated....  Kerry made a lot of sense when 
he said that 'it is all the more important to get the money moving 
at this moment.'...  The passage of the bill can be regarded as the 
first right step in the backdrop of the on-going full-scale military 
operation in the Malakand division. The re-settlement and 
rehabilitation of the IDPs is also a massive task that needs 
financial help." 
 
"Wheels Within Wheels," an editorial in the Karachi-based 
center-left independent national English daily "Dawn" (cir. 55,000) 
(06/19) 
 
"The full ramifications of the dangerous game played by Pakistan's 
security establishment over the past few decades are now being felt 
where they hurt the most: at home, on our own turf.  Misguided 
policies of strategic depth in Afghanistan created a cadre of highly 
trained and motivated militants who are now beyond the control of 
their original keepers....  Their guns, as we speak, are trained 
inwards and terrorism within the borders of Pakistan is the curse of 
the day....  The Taliban 'movement,' clearly, is amorphous and its 
tentacles are spreading despite the state's recent military gains." 
 
"Zardari's Assurance To Manmohan Singh: Government Should Clarify 
The Real Situation," an editorial in the second-largest, 
center-right nationalist Urdu daily "Nawa-i-Waqt" (cir. 150,000) 
(06/19) 
 
"Speaking with journalists, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh 
said that Asif Ali Zardari sought time to combat terrorism in his 
meeting with Singh in Russia....  An attempt has been made to create 
doubts about Asif Ali Zardari that he considers Kashmiris struggle 
as terrorism....  As far as America is concerned, it is now an open 
strategic ally of India.  Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said 
the other day that relations with India will be enhanced 
dramatically....  On his return from Brussels, President Zardari 
should take the nation into confidence about his meeting with Indian 
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and explain whether he really sought 
time [to combat terrorism] and does he consider jihad-i-Kashmir 
terrorism." 
 
"Now A Soft Approach," an editorial in the center-right national 
English daily "The Nation" (cir. 20,000) (06/19) 
 
"What Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said on Wednesday 
indicates that New Delhi hopes to achieve through a soft approach 
what it has failed to do by repressive methods....  Another aspect 
of the soft approach is a possible reduction of the security forces 
currently deployed in Occupied Kashmir....  Prime Minister Manmohan 
Singh says he entertains the vision of a cooperative 
Subcontinent....  The sooner Dr Singh sees the ground realities, the 
better for everyone." 
 
"Aid, Not Trade," an editorial in the populist, often sensational 
national English daily "The News" (cir. 55,000) (06/19) 
 
"So far, response to the call from international humanitarian 
agencies to offer emergency help has been somewhat slow - and over 
the last week fears have been expressed these people could be 
forgotten.  That would amount to a human tragedy, but also a 
calamity for Pakistan....  According to some reports, in the camps 
there are a large number of women and children on their own.  In 
many cases, husbands have gone missing or are feared dead.  These 
families worry too about the future after the immediate crisis is 
over and how they are to manage without the support, however 
rudimentary it may be, that is available in camps." 
 
"Vague Promises, As Usual," an editorial in the center-right 
national English daily "The Nation" (cir. 20,000) (06/19) 
 
"Mr. Zardari is absolutely right when he says "half the war against 
militancy" is to win the hearts and minds of the people.  And while 
the EU apparently understands well how favorable an impact 
Pakistan's economic development can have on the issue and, as a 
consequence, on relieving the European nations of the threat of 
terrorism, their leaders somehow fight shy of taking practical 
steps." 
 
"Trade Access To European Markets," an editorial in the 
Karachi-based, pro-Taliban Jihadi Urdu daily "Islam" (cir. 15,000) 
(06/19) 
 
"President Zardari is hundred percent right when he says that we do 
not need aid but access to European markets which would be a 
permanent source for the growth of our economy and industry.  It 
would be a great victory if President Zardari succeeds in getting 
Pakistan access to EU markets." 
 
"What's Pakistan Being Taken For?," an op-ed by Ayaz Amir in the 
populist, often sensational national English daily "The News" (cir. 
55,000) (06/19) 
 
"Pakistan is key to America's salvation in Afghanistan.  Without the 
Pakistan army actively engaged in the border regions called FATA, 
American and NATO forces in Afghanistan would be hard-pressed to 
sustain their ground.  Any innocent could be forgiven for thinking 
that given this crucial role some gratitude and some ungrudging help 
would come Pakistan's way.  But what the United States is pleased to 
offer in the shape of the Kerry-Lugar bill is peanuts: 1.5 billion 
dollars a year, for five years.  This is being dressed up as an act 
of unparalleled generosity, which is scarcely surprising given that 
those who give, even if very little, are apt to flatter themselves 
by making it appear more than it is.  But what is surprising is that 
we are proving to be the chumps that we always tend to be when 
dealing with America.  Instead of looking cynically at the 
Kerry-Lugar bill and running a fine comb through it, we are behaving 
like a latter-day Uncle Tom, grateful for the small change (in 
relative terms) we are about to get, almost like a tip for services 
rendered." 
 
"Chasing Thoughts," an Muhammad Ijaz-ul-Haq in the center-right 
national English daily "The Nation" (cir. 20,000) (06/19) 
 
"I have sat back, seen things as they develop to culmination phase, 
it will be a disservice to our sovereignty and blow to national 
cause if I fail to convey my conscience.  My vision and wisdom 
guides me to realize that we have been forced to fight other's war. 
We have been dragged and compelled to act against ourselves.  All 
along I have maintained, in the heart of hearts, that War on Terror 
is not our war, it was never our war and would never be so.... 
Since its inception, Pakistan today faces innumerable problems, 
internal as well as external - and perhaps the biggest challenge to 
its survival. It has become the Theatre of Operations - both overt 
and covert, by a host of hostile forces.  All conspiring and 
converging to defang, destabilize and destroy this Ideological 
Islamic State....  With American nod, India in the lead, Israel in 
active connivance, Russia (Roped in Treaty of Friendship with India) 
licking its wounds inflicted by Pakistan in eighties, all longing 
and working for Pakistan's collapse." 
 
"Disagreement and Uncertainty," an op-ed by Cyril Almeida in the 
Karachi-based center-left independent national English daily "Dawn" 
(cir. 55,000) (06/19) 
 
"The only question going forward ought to be, how do we get out of 
the mess we are in?  Yet, we can't begin to answer that in any 
remotely or meaningfully successful way if we are still engaged in a 
debate about something as fundamental as what lies at the heart of 
the instability here: The American presence or stand-alone 
militancy?  Perhaps though the lesson in this for the other key 
players, the U.S., India and Afghanistan, is, for purposes of 
policy, to treat it as a mixture of both: their regional security 
interests are fuelling the instability here and it is also being 
perpetuated by the wrongheaded analysis of the Pakistan security 
establishment." 
 
"Demise Of A Blessing," an op-ed by Tanweer Qaiser Shahid in liberal 
Urdu daily "Express" (cir. 25,000) (06/19) 
 
"All articles written on the demise of Maulana Sarfaraz Naeemi state 
that he was above sectarian prejudices.  It is true that his life 
was spent striving for intra-faith harmony. However, the way 
Taliban, who belong to the Deobandi sect, have targeted Barelvi 
madressahs, personages and mosques brought about a noticeable change 
in Maulana Naeemi's life....   The way Raghib Naeemi, Sahibzada 
Fazal Kareem and other respected Barelvi Ulema condemned Taliban in 
their speeches, and the slogans they raised in support of the 
military operation shows that this sect will remain steadfast 
against the Taliban...  The way thousands of people attended Maulana 
Sarfaraz Naeemi's funeral despite the countless hurdles shows that 
the majority of Muslims is not scared at all of the cruel Taliban." 
 
 
"Corruption Culture: Transparency International's Report," an 
editorial in the second-largest, center-right nationalist Urdu daily 
"Nawa-i-Waqt" (cir. 150,000) (06/19) 
 
"Transparency International Pakistan has declared that elimination 
of corruption is not possible in the presence of the National 
Reconciliation Ordinance....  This is a fact that ruling elite's 
corruption and the act of being soft on corruption has promoted the 
menace....  On reinstatement as Chief Justice, Iftikhar Muhammad 
Chaudhry took suo moto notice of NRO affairs and this matter is 
sub-judice....  The Chief Justice vowed to purge judiciary of 
corruption and due to his practical steps the judiciary is now at 
number 7 from number 3 in the list of corrupt institutions, which is 
an encouraging development.  If he tackles NRO and the ruling 
elite's intentions are good then corruption cannot persist in our 
society." 
 
"Ahmadinejad's Victory: A Humiliating Defeat To American 
Imperialism," an op-ed by Professor Shamim Akhtar in 
Pro-Jamaat-e-Islami weekly magazine "Friday Special" (06/19) 
 
"U.S. has plans to change government in Iran, and to achieve this 
purpose, huge funds are officially reserved.  If President Obama 
wants a serious dialogue with Iran, he needs to review this policy 
of creating troubles for Iran. U.S. is supporting terrorists groups 
inside Iran to destabilize the Iranian government.  There is no 
denying the fact that minorities in Iran are not facing any problems 
there. However, the U.S. is involved in exploiting minority rights 
issue in Iran, especially the U.S. is extending support to Baloch 
groups in Sestan.  Jandullah is active there with American 
blessings, and it (Jandullah) has accused Iranian government of 
killing of 400 Baloch people, therefore, Iranian government needs to 
address this issue right away." 
 
(All circulation figures are based on estimation) 
Patterson