VZCZCXYZ0000
OO RUEHWEB

DE RUEHIL #1803/01 2161130
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 041130Z AUG 09
FM AMEMBASSY ISLAMABAD
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 4171
RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHINGTON DC IMMEDIATE
RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK IMMEDIATE 9890
RUEHNO/USMISSION USNATO IMMEDIATE 5578
RHEHAAA/THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON DC IMMEDIATE
RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC IMMEDIATE
RHMFISS/HQ USCENTCOM MACDILL AFB FL//CCPA// IMMEDIATE
RHMFIUU/HQ PACAF HICKAM AFB HI//CCPA// IMMEDIATE
RUEKJCS/JOINT STAFF WASHINGTON DC IMMEDIATE
RHEFDIA/DIA WASHINGTON DC IMMEDIATE
RUEHLO/AMEMBASSY LONDON 1040
RUEHFR/AMEMBASSY PARIS 7656
RUEHMO/AMEMBASSY MOSCOW 1653
RHHMUNA/HQ USPACOM HONOLULU HI

UNCLAS ISLAMABAD 001803 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: KMDR KPAO OIIP OPRC PGOV PREL PK
SUBJECT:  PAKISTAN MEDIA REACTION: AUGUST 04, 2009 
 
Summary:  Reports on local political developments dominated 
headlines in all major newspapers on Tuesday.  All dailies continued 
to give front page coverage to reports and photographs on follow up 
to Saturday's communal violence in the Punjab's town of Gojra.  All 
newspapers reported that the National Assembly adopted a unanimous 
resolution, "condemning" the tragic incident and demanding 
"exemplary punishment" to the culprits.  Reports on the killing of 
five militants in Upper Dir "as the jets bombed Taliban hideouts" 
received front-page display.  In a Washington datelined story, the 
English daily, "Dawn," reported that the "Obama's exit policy 
envisaged Taliban joining the political mainstream."  Some major 
newspapers highlighted an LA Times report that Admiral Mike Mullen 
established a Pak-Afghan Coordination Cell "to bring together the 
Pentagon's top strategy and intelligence experts." 
 
Most major newspapers continued to pen editorials and columns on the 
Gojra riots, the Supreme Court's verdict, and the sedition case 
against the TNSM leader Sufi Mohammad.  Commenting on the blasphemy 
laws, the center-left independent national English daily "Dawn," 
noted that these laws "have become a ticket in the hands of the 
majority to persecute and victimize the minority communities if they 
don't easily submit to their inferior status in society."  The 
center-right national English daily "The Nation," observed that 
"this episode should not have happened, but it did.  Something is 
obviously wrong in the republic, which needs fixing."  The leading 
mass circulation populist, often sensational Urdu daily "Jang" 
underlined that "this is perhaps the most appropriate time for the 
religious scholars to stand up and extinguish the fire of communal 
violence and hatred."  End Summary. 
 
----------------- 
News Stories 
----------------- 
 
"NA Seeks Gojra Inquiry Report" "The News" (08/04) 
 
"The National Assembly on Monday adopted a resolution, condemning in 
the strongest words the tragic Gojra incident and demanding 
exemplary punishment to the culprits and compensation for the 
affected families of the Christian community." 
 
"Government To Protect Rights Of All Citizens: FO" "Dawn" (08/04) 
 
"The government is committed to protecting the fundamental rights of 
all citizens and to promoting tolerance and harmony among all 
religions and sections of society.  The Foreign Office spokesman in 
a statement issued on Monday said the government had strongly 
condemned the Gojra incident in which precious lives were lost and 
property was damaged." 
 
"Jets Kill Five Militants In Dir Upper" "The News" (08/04) 
 
"Fighter Jets bombs Taliban hideouts and killed at least five 
militants in Dir Upper on Monday, officials said." 
 
"Obama's Exit Policy Envisages Taliban Joining Mainstream" "Dawn" 
(08/04) 
 
"The Obama administration already has an exit strategy for 
Afghanistan, which includes increasing U.S. military strength in the 
country to force the Taliban to join the political mainstream, U.S. 
experts say.  But the U.S. policy-makers also realize that showing 
any sign of weakness will further prolong the war." 
 
"Mullen Creates Pak-Afghan Coordination Cell" "Daily Times" (08/04) 
 
"Far from the prestigious windowed offices on the outerring of the 
Pentagon, a new war room focusing entirely on the conflicts in 
Afghanistan and Pakistan sits deep inside a cavernous basement, the 
LA Times reported on Monday.  Created by Navy Admiral Michael G 
Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Pakistan 
Afghanistan Coordination Cell is intended to bring together the 
Pentagon's top strategy and intelligence experts." 
 
"Arrival of U.S. Marines Is Threat For Pakistan's Security: JI 
Leader Asadullah Bhutto," "Jasarat" (cir. 3,000) (08/04) 
 
"Chief of Jamaat-e-Islami Sindh, Maulana Asadullah Bhutto, has said 
that the coming of the U.S. Marines to Pakistan is a threat for the 
national security. Activities of the American embassy in Pakistan 
are worrisome, and the government must understand the foreign 
conspiracies." 
 
"Jirga Resents Action Against Mehsuds" "The Nation" (08/04) 
 
"Leading Mehsud tribal elders on Monday resented action against 
their entire tribe and observed that they would knock every door to 
stop the ongoing bloodshed of Mehsuds in the native South Waziristan 
Agency as well as other parts of the country." 
 
"Swat Provides Model To Contain Extremism: Zardari" (08/04) 
 
"President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday said the recent social, 
political and security upheaval in Swat and Malakand while posing 
serious challenges also afforded new opportunities to create viable 
models for containing extremism and violence as they rear their ugly 
heads in other parts of the region and the world." 
 
"Plan For Malakand Prepared For Friends' Meeting" "Dawn" (08/04) 
 
"Pakistan will place a pilot project to the second ministerial 
meeting of the Friends of Democratic Pakistan to be held in Istanbul 
on August 25 to seek assistance for reconstruction and 
rehabilitation of displaced people in the Malakand division." 
 
"Army Majors Arrested For Collaborating With Terrorists" "Daily 
Times" (08/04) 
 
"Elements in the intelligence agencies who were sympathetic towards 
terrorists, including Baitullah Mehsud, Qari Ilyas and Qari Hussain 
and with banned organizations had resigned and had been arrested, a 
private TV channel quoted Interior Minister Rehman Malik on Monday, 
adding they were officers of the rank of Major and wanted to target 
army generals." 
 
"Karzai Promised To Strike Terrorist Camps: Malik" "Dawn" (08/04) 
 
"Interior Minister Rehman Malik has reiterated his claim that 
terrorist training camps in Afghanistan were operating against 
Pakistan and that Afghan President Hamid Karzai had promised to take 
action against them.  Mr. Malik said in a statement on Monday." 
 
"Three Militants Die In Bajaur" "The News" (08/04) 
 
 
"Three militants were killed and several others injured when 
security forces pounded suspected hideouts of the militants in 
different areas of Salarzai Tehsil of Bajaur Agency, official 
sources said on Monday. They added that a number of sanctuaries of 
the militants were destroyed in the action." 
 
"Six Killed In Fresh Tirah Clashes" "Dawn" (08/04) 
 
"At least six people were killed and five others injured in fresh 
clashes between militants of the banned Lashkar-iIslam and 
Ansaar-ul-Islam groups in the remote Tirah valley of the Khyber 
Agency on Monday." 
 
"Another Seminary Razed In Lakki Marwat" "Dawn" (08/04) 
 
"Security forces demolished another religious seminary, Jamia 
Miftahul Uloom in Bachkan Ahmadzai area in Lakki Marwat on Monday, 
Official sources and eyewitnesses said." 
 
"Kabal Soon To Be Cleared Off Militants: LT. Gen. Nadeem" "The News" 
(08/04) 
 
"LT. Gen. Nadeem Ahmad, in-charge of Special Support Group, said on 
Monday that Kabal tehsil would be cleared of militants within a few 
days, allowing the displaced people to return to their homes." 
 
"Pakistan Wants Bilateral Trade Agreement With U.S." "The News" 
(08/04) 
 
"In a new development, Pakistan has decided to reinitiate the 
stalled process of technical dialogue with the U.S. authorities to 
finalize the Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) by December this 
year, confirmed Federal Minister for Investment Senator Waqar Ahmad 
Khan while talking to 'The News' in Islamabad on Monday." 
 
--------------------- 
Editorials/Op-eds 
--------------------- 
 
"Rampant Bigotry," an editorial in the Karachi-based center-left 
independent national English daily "Dawn" (cir. 55,000) (08/04) 
 
"Yet it seems little is changing to avoid the repetition of such 
incidents.  In fact, while Gojra burnt the local administration made 
only half-hearted efforts to douse the fires....  Unfortunately, the 
fact that we have blasphemy laws suggests that we are not.  These 
laws have become a ticket in the hands of the majority to persecute 
and victimize the minority communities if they don't easily submit 
to their inferior status in society....  A state held hostage by its 
own bigots cannot guarantee protection for religious minorities in 
its jurisdiction." 
 
"Gojra Riots," an editorial in the center-right national English 
daily "The Nation" (cir. 20,000) (08/04) 
 
"Though the laying of blasphemy charges came as a shock to the local 
Christian community, there is no justification for the protests to 
turn violent.  Matters must be settled in a peaceful manner, 
preferably in court....  This episode should not have happened, but 
it did.  Something is obviously wrong in the republic, which needs 
fixing." 
 
"When Society Will Be Established Envisioned By Founder Of 
Pakistan?" an editorial in the leading mass circulation populist, 
often sensational Urdu daily "Jang" (cir. 300,000) (08/04) 
 
"Incidents like Gojra tragedy can infuriate the public across the 
country, and anti-state elements could take advantage of this 
charged situation.  Moreover, the non-Muslim forces at global and 
regional levels, particularly the western media can launch 
propaganda drive against Pakistan, Islam and the Muslim countries in 
the garb of criticism on these awful incidents.  In fact they (the 
western media) are already engaged in baseless and preposterous 
propaganda against Pakistan by labeling it as a terrorist state, or 
at least a safe haven of terrorists.   This is perhaps the most 
appropriate time for the religious scholars to stand up and 
extinguish the fire of communal violence and hatred." 
 
"Outlawed Terrorists In Gojra," an editorial in the Lahore-based 
liberal English language daily "Daily Times" (cir. 10,000) (08/04) 
 
"Sources in Gojra have revealed that the killers came from outside 
the city, from Jhang, the hometown of Sipah-e-Sahaba....  There is 
no 'external hand' here, as announced by an official in Lahore.... 
Christians have been killed according to plans made by Al Qaeda and 
its followers." 
 
"Terrorism Case Against Sufi Muhammad," an editorial in the 
second-largest, center-right nationalist Urdu daily "Nawa-i-Waqt" 
(cir. 150,000) (08/04) 
 
"Sufi Muhammad played his role for peace in Swat at a time when 
there was chaos and lawlessness everywhere....  Making cases against 
Sufi Muhammad will infuriate his supporters....  The government 
should see reason and release him honorably after withdrawing all 
the cases.  Sufi's cooperation should be sought for establishing 
peace in the region." 
 
"Treason Case On Sufi Muhammad," an editorial in Lahore-based 
populist Urdu daily "Waqt" (cir. 10,000) (08/04) 
 
"It is expected of the government that it will widen the scope of 
its attention for establishing its writ. Apart from Sufi Muhammad 
all those elements should be taken care of who are bent upon 
creating anarchy by supporting the extremists." 
 
"Traitor Or Hero?," an editorial in the populist, often sensational 
national English daily "The News" (cir. 55,000) (08/04) 
 
"The issue of justice raised by Sufi made some impact.  Now that he 
is back behind bars, these matters need to be sensibly considered. 
If this does not happen the risk of another uprising in the future 
will continue to hover.  What people yearn for is some mechanism 
that grants them access to justice....  In the aftermath of the 
events in Swat we need to put in place mechanisms that can help 
solve the basic issues of people." 
 
"Not The End Of The Road," an op-ed by Rahimullah Yusufzai in the 
populist, often sensational national English daily "The News" (cir. 
55,000) (08/04) 
 
"A number of positive things have happened in Swat and the rest of 
Malakand division in recent days and weeks.  Educational 
institutions have opened in some, if not all, conflict-hit places, 
and these include girls' schools which were a favorite target of the 
rampaging Taliban.  Repatriation of displaced people is in full 
swing to areas. Certain basic services have been restored to Mingora 
and Saidu Sharif and some other towns and villages.  The police are 
again visible on the streets and the civil administration is being 
slowly revived....  However, a lot needs to be done to make the 
situation normal....  The way must be opened for those militants to 
surrender who are reconcilable.  The irreconcilable won't surrender 
and will continue to fight.  But a way must be found to reconcile 
those willing to repent their past and ready to change course." 
 
"Declaration Of Independence Day: Conspiracies In Balochistan," an 
editorial in Karachi based Pro-Jehadi right-wing daily "Ummat" (Cir. 
33,000) (08/04) 
 
"There are some reports that the former head of Kalat state (a 
principality of Balochistan during British colonial period) Mir 
Suleman Daud Khan is going to declare an 'independent Balochistan' 
on August 11, and Baloch nationalists will observe that day as their 
independence day.  Furthermore militants are also planning to wage 
violent attacks on August 14, the Pakistan's Independence Day. 
Pakistan must realize the gravity of the situation that our enemies 
are engaged in disintegrating our country.  To foil these attempt 
the government must address the grievances of the Baloch people, as 
it is always easy for an enemy to exploit poverty and deprivation of 
common people to achieve his or her nefarious designs." 
 
"British Foreign Relations Committee Report; American Failures And 
Duty Of Government Of Pakistan," an editorial in the second-largest, 
center-right nationalist Urdu daily "Nawa-i-Waqt" (cir. 150,000) 
(08/04) 
 
"British Parliament's Foreign Relations Committee has reported that 
if a repeat of 9/11 occurred then it would be from those Pakistani 
areas where Al Qaeda and Taliban have sanctuaries and where Pakistan 
has minimal authority....  The government of Pakistan should see the 
ways of American and British administrations and should shun 
pro-America policies to revive the authority of the elected civilian 
government....  America should be told that peace and stability 
could return to the region only after it withdraws troops from 
Afghanistan." 
 
"Is Pakistan A Threat To Afghanistan?," an editorial in the 
Lahore-based liberal English language daily "Daily Times" (cir. 
10,000) (08/04) 
 
"To say that threat is now from inside Pakistan is an allegation 
that few will take seriously.  British soldiers never wanted to 
fight the war which the U.K. only took on because of its status of a 
close ally of the U.S....  The fact is that the war against the 
Taliban and Al Qaeda is going far better in Pakistan than in 
Afghanistan....  Pakistan is doing a better job without the 
advantage that the NATO forces have with American drones.  At this 
stage, the U.K. Parliament should realize that its best bet is 
strengthening Pakistan in its war against the terrorists." 
 
"The Great Game," an editorial in the center-right national English 
daily "The Nation" (cir. 20,000) (08/04) 
 
"A report released by the Foreign Affairs Committee of the House of 
Commons, while focusing on the causes of Britain's less than 
satisfactory performance in the fight against militancy in 
Afghanistan....  Pakistan is indeed crucial to a successful campaign 
in Afghanistan, as the report points out.  Pakistan cannot be blamed 
for not doing enough to defeat the forces of militancy and 
extremism; it has stretched its resources to the maximum.  However, 
important NATO countries have to overcome their reluctance to commit 
themselves fully to achieve the required results.  Instead, the 
report aptly says, the drone attacks by the U.S. are muddying the 
waters and by no means helping to win the hearts and minds of the 
tribesmen.  Besides, nothing tangible is in sight about the promised 
economic and social development of the troubled areas.  The longer 
it takes to deliver on the ground, the worse will be the situation 
on the War on Terror.  Washington is also paying little heed to 
Islamabad's complaint that outside forces, New Delhi and Kabul, are 
interfering in Balochistan and FATA, aiding and abetting the 
insurgents.  Unless the U.S. corrects its own perspective, the 
countries that have joined up in this cause would continue to suffer 
along with it." 
 
"U.S. Must Admit Its Moral Defeat," an editorial in the 
Karachi-based, pro-Taliban Jihadi Urdu daily "Islam" (cir. 15,000) 
(08/04) 
 
"The U.S. leaning towards India vis-`-vis Pakistan, and its signals 
to revisit its old policies on Iran and North Korea demonstrate that 
the U.S. is facing unusual problems due to fighting in Afghanistan 
and Iraq.  Following massive economic meltdown, these conflicts have 
turned into a debacle for the super power.  Now, they (the 
Americans) also want to get rid of the Bush administration policies, 
and the statements of senior U.S. civilian and military officials 
show their waning resolve about these wars.  It is better for the 
U.S. administration to admit its moral defeat, and protect its 
troops by withdrawing them from Afghanistan and Iraq without delay." 
 
 
"Need For New Initiative On Afghanistan," an editorial in liberal 
Urdu daily "Express" (cir. 25,000) (08/04) 
 
"House of Commons Foreign Relations Committee has concluded that 
international military presence in Afghanistan failed to achieve its 
targets in the country....  The situation in Afghanistan requires a 
swift military operation to completely defeat Al Qaeda and 
extremists, which should be followed by withdrawal of America and 
its allies from the country....  In our view the major cause of 
American and international economic crisis was the U.S. and allies 
adventurism in Iraq and Afghanistan." 
 
"Afghanistan: NATO Complains Of Allies," an editorial in the 
Islamabad-based rightist English daily "Pakistan Observer" (cir. 
5,000) (08/04) 
 
"The report has come out with some of the realistic findings like 
the one that considerable cultural insensitivity of some coalition 
troops had caused serious damage to Afghans' perceptions that will 
be difficult to undo.  The international forces went to Afghanistan 
to liberate the country from, what was labeled as, autocratic rule 
of Taliban but with the passage of time they have expanded their 
activities.  They have also trampled centuries old Afghan traditions 
besides bombing and killing of innocent.  In fact, it is U.S. and 
U.K. troops that are in the forefront of all such efforts and have, 
therefore, become symbol of hatred....  We, therefore, believe that 
the Committee should have recommended to the Government to 
immediately halt its operations in Afghanistan and withdraw troops 
engaged in genocide of Afghan people." 
 
"United States' $1 Billion Islamabad Home Is Its Castle," an op-ed 
by Syed Saleem Shahzad in the Lahore-based liberal English daily 
"The Post" (cir. 5,000) (08/04) 
 
"The ambitious U.S. $1 billion plan of the U.S. to expand its 
presence in Islamabad underscores Washington's resolve to 
consolidate its presence in the region, particularly in pursuit of 
the endgame in the 'war on terror.'  This marks the beginning of 
direct American handling of 'war and peace' diplomacy in the region, 
following the forging of a seamless relationship between the 
Pakistani military establishment and the U.S. military....  As much 
as the U.S. wants to expand its war efforts, inter-connected Jihadi 
and militants groups are already thinking beyond their traditional 
boundaries to meet the challenge." 
 
(All circulation figures are based on estimation) 
Feierstein