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UNCLAS ISLAMABAD 001389 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: KMDR KPAO OIIP OPRC PGOV PREL PK
SUBJECT:  PAKISTAN MEDIA REACTION: JUNE 24, 2009 
 
Summary:  Reports of a "series of suspected U.S. missiles strikes in 
South Waziristan killing an important militant commander" dominated 
headlines in all newspapers on Wednesday.  However, they also 
reported conflicting death toll figures attributed to air strikes. 
Newspapers also highlighted a report that "[Taliban leader] 
Baitullah's [Mehsud] rival militant was shot dead by one of his 
bodyguards in Dera Ismail Khan." Some major dailies reported that 
President Obama's National Security Advisor General James Jones 
would arrive in Pakistan today (Wednesday).  Also underscored by all 
newspapers were reports that the "National Assembly Speaker has set 
up a much-awaited 27-member committee to revisit the controversial 
17th Amendment" and other constitutional amendments to strengthen 
the parliamentary democracy.  Ambassador Patterson's visit to 
Karachi on Tuesday garnered extensive media coverage.  Several major 
dailies reported Ambassador Patterson's visit to new Secretariat of 
American Business Council, and her remarks that "U.S. investors are 
keen on Pakistan." 
 
Most major dailies ran editorials on the implications of the recent 
murder of renegade militant commander Qari Zainuddin with special 
reference to the Pakistani government military operation in South 
Waziristan against chief Mehsud.  The prestigious English language 
daily, "Dawn," observed that the "immediate result of the 
assassination is likely to be demoralization in the Qari Zainuddin 
camp."  The populist, often sensational, national English daily "The 
News," noted that "for the present Baitullah has demonstrated his 
ruthlessness and proved why he remains a main target for the 
military.  Until he is defeated there can be no peace in Waziristan 
or in Pakistan."  Likewise, the liberal Urdu daily "Express," 
reiterated that "every such act will turn the Pakistani nation 
against them (militants)."  End Summary. 
 
----------------- 
News Stories 
----------------- 
 
"Drones Hit Baitullah Hideouts, 80 Killed; First-Ever Attack On 
Militant Leader's Hometown" "The News" (06/24) 
 
"About 80 people, including a senior commander of the Baitullah 
Mehsud-led militants, Khwaz Wali Mehsud, were killed and several 
others sustained injuries in two separate attacks by U.S. spy planes 
on a suspected militant hideout and funeral prayers at Lattaka 
village of Ladha tehsil in South Waziristan Agency on Tuesday, 
private TV channels reported....  A government official based at the 
nearby Razmak town in North Waziristan told 'The News' by phone that 
thick smoke billowing out of the spot could be seen from distant 
villages.  There were reports that senior militant commanders, 
 
including Baitullah Mahsud himself had arrived there to attend 
funeral of the slain militant commander Khwaz Ali.  Some reports 
said dreaded militant commander and master-trainer of suicide 
bombers Qari Hussain and prominent Afghan Taliban commander Maulvi 
Sangeen were also killed in the missile attack." 
 
"Drone Attacks To Affect Pak-U.S. Ties, Says Samsam" "The News" 
(06/24) 
 
"Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Syed Samsam Ali 
Bokhari on Tuesday said that U.S. drone attacks on Pakistani soil 
would not only affect the country's anti-terrorism efforts but the 
Pak-U.S. relations as well.  Talking to a private television channel 
the Minister said that these attacks are proving to be as 
counter-productive with regard to terrorism thus they are 
condemnable." 
 
"Baitullah Rival Qari Zainuddin Shot Dead" "Dawn" (06/24) 
 
"A militant factional leader opposed to the Tehrik-i-Taliban Chief, 
Baitullah Mehsud was killed by one of his bodyguards in Dera Ismail 
Khan on Tuesday.  Qari Zainuddin's group immediately blamed the TTP 
Chief for orchestrating his murder and immediately appointed his 
brother as the new factional chief to continue their struggle 
against Baitullah Mehsud." 
 
Obama's Top Security Advisor Arrives Today" "The Nation," "Daily 
Times" (06/24) 
 
"U.S. President Barack Obama's top Security Advisor James Jones 
arrives in Islamabad today (Wednesday) on a two-day visit to discuss 
the Washington's anti-terrorism strategy with Pakistani leadership 
with focus on the ongoing military operations in Swat Valley and 
South Waziristan." 
 
"27-Member Body To Review Constitution" "Dawn" (06/24) 
 
"The Speaker of the National Assembly has set up a 27-Member 
committee to revisit the 1973 Constitution and weigh pros and cons 
of repealing the 17th Amendment.  The body shall also propose 
measures to strike a balance between the powers of the President and 
the Prime Minister, including removal of clause 58(2)b which 
empowers the President to dissolve the National Assembly and dismiss 
an elected government." 
 
"U.S. Investors Keen On Pakistan, Says Envoy" "Dawn" (06/24) 
 
"In the first nine months of current fiscal year the U.S. investment 
has touched $705 million with several multi-million dollars in the 
pipeline.  This was stated by U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan Anne W. 
Patterson, while speaking at the inauguration of the new Secretariat 
of American Business Council in Karachi.  She said that U.S. was the 
single largest investor in Pakistan and she was encouraging other 
U.S. investors to grab investment opportunities in Pakistan.  We 
also want to encourage Pakistanis living in the U.S. to invest in 
Pakistan, she added." 
 
"U.S. Envoy Reaffirms Pledges To Build ROZs In FATA" "Business 
Recorder" (06/24) 
 
"The U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan Anne W. Patterson on Tuesday 
reaffirmed pledge to build the Reconstruction Opportunity Zones 
(ROZs) in the border areas of Pakistan to prevent people from 
turning into extremist through provision of employment.  Speaking at 
the inauguration of the new Secretariat of American Business Council 
in Karachi, she said that the U.S. will initiate infrastructure 
development projects under ROZs, besides establishing manufacturing 
units there." 
 
"Pakistan May Get Additional $200 Million Aid" "The News" (06/24) 
 
"U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan, Anne W. Patterson informed that an 
additional $200 million aid assistance for Pakistan, was approved on 
Tuesday, while at the same time, the U.S. is also working on the 
$1.5 billion annual financial assistance promised to the country for 
the next five years.  She further said $30 million had already been 
provided for the Internally Displaced persons (IDPs) earlier. 
Patterson added that the U.S. was also ready to provide assistance 
to deal with the energy crisis of Pakistan.  Addressing the media at 
the inauguration ceremony of the new American Business Council of 
Pakistan (ABC) office premises on Tuesday, she said that it was a 
challenge for the U.S. to expand their trade to developing countries 
when they themselves were facing critical times due to recession." 
 
"U.S. To Push For Pak Economic Support At G-8 Meeting" "The Nation" 
(06/24) 
 
"The United States will ask major industrialized nations to expand 
their economic support for Pakistan at this week's meeting of G-8 
Foreign Ministers in Italy to help the South Asian anti-terror ally 
deal with the 'enormous humanitarian challenge' to provide relief to 
millions of displaced people.  Undersecretary for Political Affairs 
William Burns will represent the U.S. at a series of meetings on 
Pakistan and Afghanistan in the Italian city of Trieste from June 
25-26 in advance of the G-8 summit in July." 
 
"Search, Sweep Operation In Swat Launched" "The News" (06/24) 
 
"The security forces launched search and sweep operation on Tuesday 
in parts of the troubled Swat Valley as the Rah-e-Rast swoop against 
militants continued successfully, the Inter-Services Public 
Relations (ISPR) said." 
 
"Five Army Men Killed In Charbagh" "Dawn" (06/24) 
 
"Five Army men, including a Major, a Captain, and three Jawans were 
martyred when a unit of Baloch Regiment was ambushed in Charbagh, 
Malakand division on Tuesday evening.  According to ISPR, the party 
was returning after a search operation when the unfortunate incident 
took place at 7pm on Tuesday." 
 
"Six Militants Killed In Lower Dir" "Dawn" (06/24) 
 
"Six militants were killed on Tuesday in Shadas village of Maidan 
area in Lower Dir when gunship helicopters targeted the house of 
Miftahud Din alias Shabar, a local Taliban commander, official 
sources said." 
 
"Maulana Shah Dauran Injured" "The News" (06/24) 
 
"Maulana Shah Dauran, deputy leader of the Taliban in Swat, was 
reportedly seriously injured after a military operation against the 
militants on Tuesday.  Official sources said he was among several 
militants hit during a military attack in the Kabal area of Swat." 
 
"Militant Camp Holds Clues To Taliban Operations" "Dawn" (06/24) 
 
"Deep in the tunnel, a small wooden cabinet is the only piece of 
furniture.  A syringe still in its plastic wrapper and a disposable 
razor are scattered on the shelves.  A pair of sky-blue trousers 
lies on the rocky ground by the remnants of a threadbare sleeping 
mat. 
'This was their safest haven,' said Waseem Shafique, an Army Major 
whose men stumbled onto this cave and the militant camp around it 
this month.  'Nothing can touch them in here, it is safe from 
shelling, they cannot be seen -- everything.'  The hillside camp 
offers rare insight into conditions, tools and tactics being used by 
militants against government troops in the picturesque Swat Valley 
for about two years." 
 
"Five Militants Arrested" "Dawn" (06/24) 
 
"The Karachi Police claimed on Tuesday to have arrested five members 
of the banned Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).  The men were 
allegedly involved in generating funds for the TTP, mainly through 
robberies and kidnapping for ransom, police officials said." 
 
"Pakistani Assault Hurting Taliban: U.S. Officer" "Dawn" (06/24) 
 
"The Pakistan military's offensive against the Taliban has cut 
insurgent attacks across the border in eastern Afghanistan, 
depriving them of a cheap supply of arms, a senior U.S. officer said 
on Tuesday.  'I think there's a definite impact,' U.S. Colonel John 
Spiszer, commander of a brigade combat team in northeast 
Afghanistan, told reporters.  As a result of Pakistani operations 
against Taliban militants in Bajaur and other areas near the Afghan 
border, Col. Spiszer said: 'The activity in this area has declined. 
And not just declined, weapons are drying up, money's drying up.'" 
 
"India Not A Military Threat: Zardari" "The News" (06/24) 
 
"In an interview with Euro News, President Asif Ali Zardari has said 
that he does not consider India as a military threat to Pakistan but 
the Taliban are international threat to the world." 
 
"Pakistan's Envoy Meets Indian Foreign Secretary Menon" "Dawn" 
(06/24) 
 
"Shahid Malik, Pakistan's High Commissioner in New Delhi, called on 
Indian Foreign Secretary Shivshankar Menon on Tuesday to set a date 
for talks between the foreign secretaries of the two countries. 
According to sources, the officials were not able to set a date for 
a meeting to resume the composite dialogue process, but India sought 
more cooperation from Pakistan for apprehending suspects in the 
Mumbai attacks." 
 
"Obama Cautious In Condemning Iran" "Dawn" (06/24) 
 
"U.S. President Barack Obama on Tuesday condemned the Iranian 
crackdown against demonstrations, but resisted calls to make a 
policy statement on how he plans to deal with the situation.  'We 
will monitor the situation and see how it plays itself out before 
making any judgment about how to proceed,' said the U.S. president 
when pressed at a White House news conference to spell out a plan 
for dealing with Iran. 
 
"Iran Rules Out Scrapping Vote As World Alarm Mounts" "Dawn" 
(06/24) 
 
"Iran ruled out cancelling the disputed presidential vote on 
Tuesday, issuing a new warning to the leader of the opposition and 
lashing out at UN 'meddling' as it battles the most serious 
challenge to the Islamic regime in 30 years.  As international alarm 
over the crisis mounted, Britain said it was expelling two Iranian 
diplomats after a similar move by Tehran while other European 
nations hauled in envoys to protest at the election and the 
repression of the opposition protests.  But the top election 
watchdog, the Guardians Council, insisted the vote would stand." 
 
--------------------- 
Editorials/Op-eds 
--------------------- 
 
"Waziristan Uncertainty," an editorial in the Karachi-based 
center-left independent national English daily "Dawn" (cir. 55,000) 
(06/24) 
 
"The immediate result of the assassination is likely to be 
demoralization in the Qari Zainuddin camp....  The truth is though 
little is known about what exactly is going on in South Waziristan 
Agency, who is fighting whom and why, and what is likely to happen 
in the days and weeks ahead.  What is clear so far is that the 
security forces are squeezing Baitullah Mehsud's strongholds by 
cutting off the three main routes that lead to them and pounding 
targets from the air.  Reports suggest several militants from the 
Baitullah camp have been killed so far, but this has not been 
verified independently.  Meanwhile, drones continue to strike 
targets in South Waziristan Agency, but once again it has not been 
possible to independently verify who has been killed." 
 
"Another Murder," an editorial in the populist, often sensational 
national English daily "The News" (cir. 55,000) (06/24) 
 
"The death of Qari Zainuddin will deter others from following his 
path.  The murder is obviously a setback for the government; some 
would say a severe one.  The Zainuddin rebellion had been intended 
both to create a sense within Waziristan that Baitullah's days could 
be numbered and to assist in the difficult task of penetrating into 
Waziristan....  In the increasingly vicious power struggle on in 
Waziristan, the latest murder will go to strengthen Baitullah and to 
prove he remains the main force in Waziristan.  This of course is 
dangerous.  It has become clear that Waziristan is the epicenter of 
militancy.  It also acts as the main link between Pakistan and 
Afghanistan.  Till we re-gain control of that territory we cannot 
claim to have won the war on terrorism.  For the present Baitullah 
has demonstrated his ruthlessness and proved why he remains a main 
target for the military.  Until he (Baitullah) is defeated there can 
be no peace in Waziristan or in Pakistan." 
 
"Qari Zainuddin's Murder: It Is Imperative To Eliminate Terrorists" 
an editorial in liberal Urdu daily "Express" (cir. 25,000) (06/24) 
 
"Through this latest incident of killing [Zainuddin, Baitullah 
Mehsud's rival] a message has been given that any voice raised 
against the militants will be silenced forever.  However, one thing 
the militants are overlooking in this entire situation is that every 
such act will turn the Pakistani nation against them; and the 
militants will not be able to frighten the people like this." 
 
"Baitullah Mehsud And America," an editorial in the Lahore-based 
liberal English language daily "Daily Times" (cir. 10,000) (06/24) 
 
"One big diversion from the truth is the 'discovery' that Baitullah 
Mehsud, the leader of the TTP, is an agent of the United States and 
India wreaking havoc in Pakistan to fulfill the U.S. design to 
establish the hegemony of India in South Asia and to facilitate the 
elimination by the U.S. of Pakistan's nuclear arsenal.  Who has 
proof of all this?  Who inside the government has spread this 
'information' without giving sufficient proof?...  Foreign 
commentators now ask: If you hate the U.S. so much and know that it 
is helping the Taliban to create chaos in Pakistan as a prelude to 
grabbing your nuclear weapons, why do you go asking Washington for 
money?  They also say: If India is destroying Pakistan through the 
Taliban why are you seeking a 'composite' dialogue with it instead 
of going to war with it?" 
 
"Desperate Militants," an editorial in the Lahore-based liberal 
English daily "The Post" (cir. 5,000) (06/24) 
 
"The signs of desperation on the part of the Taliban are obvious. 
One example of which is the killing of Qari Zainuddin - a militant 
commander who had recently given statements opposing Baitullah 
Mehsud....  Under the dedicated and professional command of the 
Pakistan army, the military is once again set to apply force to 
capture or kill militants, especially Baitullah Mehsud, who is 
accused of harboring foreign troops on the Pakistani soil....  South 
Waziristan is believed to be the stronghold of Taliban chief 
Baitullah Mehsud whose killing or arrest will mean a lot for the 
fight against extremists....  There should be no let down in the 
military operation in the face of these bullying militants." 
 
"Fighting Extremism," an editorial in the center-right national 
English daily "The Nation" (cir. 20,000) (06/24) 
 
"Highlighting the need to fight extremism the President was 
categorical enough in warning that the failure was not an option: 
not for us, not for the world....  Obviously, the outcome of this 
crucial war against an enemy that is insidious wishing to shape 
Pakistan's future in its image, would to a very large degree affect 
the West as well.  Therefore, all the nations involved must join the 
forces engaged in eliminating this common enemy....  In the 
meanwhile, there have been reports that some countries like India 
are funding the Taliban movement.  While New Delhi might be 
attempting to destabilize Pakistan, at the end of the day it is the 
security of the world that would be put into jeopardy.  Keeping in 
view the stakes involved, the Obama Administration would have to 
muster up courage to contain Indian ambitions in this regard." 
 
"Stop Begging Now," an editorial in the second-largest, center-right 
nationalist Urdu daily "Nawa-i-Waqt" (cir. 150,000) (06/24) 
 
"When President Asif Ali Zardari has realized [Washington Post 
article] that we have suffered more loses then America or NATO 
countries, what is the use of sticking with war on terrorism....  In 
this situation, is it not better that we toss American aid on 
America's face and tell it that peace cannot be established in the 
region unless it withdrew its forces [from Afghanistan]." 
 
"Foreign Agencies Activities: Raise The Issue At International 
Diplomatic Fora" an editorial in the Lahore-based independent Urdu 
daily "Din" (cir. 10,000) (06/24) 
 
"The reality is now known to the international community that the 
Indian agency RAW and Indian commandos have been in the forefront of 
creating unrest in Swat.  Moreover, even those Uzbeks are involved 
in creating turmoil here who received formal training from U.S. 
marines in CIA's secret training centers in Uzbekistan.... 
According to the latest reports, military officials and national 
security institutions have handed over incontrovertible evidence to 
the government of financial and weapons' support provided to Baloch 
separatists by Indian, Israeli and other foreign agencies." 
 
"Nabbing Baitullah Alive," an op-ed by Ahmed Quraishi in the 
populist, often sensational national English daily "The News" (cir. 
55,000) (06/24) 
 
"The popular Pakistani understanding of the battle against Baitullah 
Mehsud is more American than Pakistani.  This prevents us from 
accepting that this insurgency is wrapped in multiple layers of 
deceit.  The entire prevailing narrative of the situation is 
exclusively American, tailored to suit Washington's worldview.  It 
talks about a uniform threat of the Taliban and Al Qaeda with no 
distinction made between the Afghan Taliban and the new Pakistani 
version; the American narrative does not explain how or why the 
ranks of the Pakistani Taliban have been swelling steadily when the 
Afghan Taliban are not experiencing a similar surge; and why the 
American narrative suppresses any discussion of Pakistani grievances 
about an organized anti-Pakistan terror wave emanating from 
Afghanistan.  The Pakistani counter-narrative is missing on the 
government level and is probably limited to some circles within the 
Pakistani strategic and intelligence communities.  The impression 
that one gets is that the Pakistani government is essentially 
bartering silence for U.S. aid. And this is a dangerous bargain." 
 
"The Dead Do Tell Tales," an op-ed by Zafar Hilaly in the populist, 
often sensational national English daily "The News" (cir. 55,000) 
(06/24) 
 
"The army is fast acquiring a credibility problem with its claims of 
dead, injured and captured Taliban.  At first there were mere 
mutterings, sotto voce suspicions, that not all is as claimed. 
These doubts are increasing; the chorus of suspicion is more voluble 
and before they acquire the dimensions of a scream the Army had 
better attend to it....  Pakistanis are a suspicious lot when it 
comes to evaluating official claims, perhaps because they tend to 
deceive even when it is easier to tell the truth; or because they 
have learnt from experience that 'official speak' is invariably 
wrong or comes with a spin; or because the claims are so fatuous as 
to defy credulity." 
 
"U.S. Intent Getting Clearer," an op-ed by Shireen M. Mazari in the 
populist, often sensational national English daily "The News" (cir. 
55,000) (06/24) 
 
"For anyone who thought the U.S. was not targeting our nuclear 
assets, the screaming headlines from the Afghan-based Al Qaeda 
leadership's interview to Al Jazeera brought the issue to the 
forefront once again with claims that Al Qaeda would use our nuclear 
assets against the U.S. if they could.  The absurdity of the 
statement notwithstanding, it can be explained only if seen as part 
of the campaign to legitimize a U.S./NATO takeover of our nuclear 
assets since our security prevents the U.S. from taking them out 
physically....  While our military has become embroiled in a 'war' 
that cannot be won by conventional military means, the U.S. 
continues to play dangerous games with Pakistan - and at multiple 
levels....  In fact just as the present government has gone the 
extra mile in ceding ground to the U.S. in Pakistan....  The fact is 
that unless the Pakistan military is weakened from within, the 
assets cannot be accessed at all.  Hence the need of the U.S. to get 
the military bogged down in a conventional battle against 
unconventional foes in Swat and FATA....  Things are moving fast, 
and there is a crucial need for the Pakistani state to step back and 
look at the larger picture so that inclusive policies can be 
formulated to deal with the threat of extremism, militancy on a long 
term basis by denying them space in our society; and to protect our 
nation and its nuclear assets from U.S. designs." 
 
"Obama On Pakistan," an op-ed by Mazhar Qayyum Khan in the 
center-right national English daily "The Nation" (cir. 20,000) 
(06/24) 
 
"The noises calling upon the U.S. to get hold of Pakistan's nuclear 
assets lest the Taliban should capture them have died down.  In the 
first instance, it was simply ridiculous to make the assumption that 
militants could snatch the weapons from their guardians.  If the 
U.S. analysts (who go for experts, ready to pronounce on everything 
on earth) did not know that these weapons were not lying in the open 
for anyone to pick up, they had better learn of facts before making 
judgments.  The nuclear weapons are under a proper command and 
control authority....  It is difficult to deny that the Western 
nations have not been able to stomach the reality of a nuclear 
Pakistan, a Muslim country.  However, under the circumstances Mr. 
Obama had no choice but to tell the Pakistani interviewers that they 
(atomic weapons) were 'safeguarded' and that 'it is Pakistan's 
nuclear arsenal.'  That seemed to suggest that the Americans had no 
right to get hold of them.  It should be clear that Pakistan would 
not, under any circumstances, provide access to the secret to 
anyone, not even the Americans." 
 
"Expanding The Nuclear Arsenal," an op-ed by S.M. Hali in the 
center-right national English daily "The Nation" (cir. 20,000) 
(06/24) 
 
"Pakistan's nuclear program has been under attack right from its 
inception; yet Pakistan faces a concerted campaign to instill fears 
regarding the security of its nuclear assets....  Pakistan has been 
on the defensive far too long, the West and India have been verbally 
assaulting Pakistan's nuclear program....  It is high time Pakistan 
stopped being apologetic.  It has established a sound and 
operational nuclear security program; learning from the slip-ups of 
U.S. and other nuclear powers, a very mature, multi-dimensional and 
sturdy mechanism that covers all aspects of security....  As a 
sovereign country, it has the option of deciding for itself the 
number and quality of nuclear weapons it must have in its arsenal, 
directly proportional to the threat perception.  No outsider has the 
right to declare 'Pakistan is stockpiling nukes over and above its 
genuine needs.'" 
 
"Momentum For change In Iran," an op-ed by Mahir Ali in the 
Karachi-based center-left independent national English daily "Dawn" 
(cir. 55,000) (06/24) 
"After last weekend's depressing events - at least 10 deaths, by 
official count, on Saturday, followed by nary a whimper of public 
protest on Sunday - it appeared that the repressive apparatus of the 
Islamic Republic of Iran had succeeded once more in trampling on the 
hopes of citizens disinclined to tolerate any further the 
totalitarian excesses of a theocratic state....  It seems not, 
primarily because any change for the better in Tehran would 
discredit their Manichean view of Iran....  Ahmadinejad has 
variously described the protesters as 'dust' and as 'terrorists,' 
and has relied on the notorious Basij militia to perpetrate violence 
against Iranians of all ages and both sexes.  These are not the 
utterances and actions of someone confident of popular support.... 
Many of Mousavi's better known supporters claim that he is a changed 
man and the ideal candidate of these times." 
 
(All circulation figures are based on estimation) 
Patterson