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UNCLAS ISLAMABAD 001955 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: KMDR KPAO OIIP OPRC PGOV PREL PK
SUBJECT:  PAKISTAN MEDIA REACTION: AUGUST 18, 2009 
 
Summary:  The U.S. Special Envoy Holbrooke's Pakistan visit 
continued to garner front-page media coverage on Tuesday.  His 
remarks made while talking to a select group of senior journalists 
that "President Zardari would hopefully complete his term" and that 
"Pakistan is gaining political stability" made headlines in several 
major newspapers.  Reports of the killing of at least seven persons 
including three children in a bomb blast in Shabqadar (a town of 
NWFP) were also highlighted.  All newspapers highlighted reports on 
the assassination of the chief of a banned religious (Sunni) outfit 
'Sipah-e-Sahaba,' Ali Sher Haideri that sparked riots in several 
parts of province Sindh.  The ISAF Commander General McChrystal's 
meeting with Pakistan Army Chief General Kayani also received 
extensive coverage.  Newspapers reported that the security agencies 
arrested Baitullah's lieutenant commander Saifullah in Islamabad. 
 
In its editorial on Ambassador Holbrooke's offer to help ease 
Pakistan's energy crisis, the populist, often sensational national 
English daily "The News," noted that "we must also keep in view that 
while Holbrooke seems to be offering a prize for warding off the 
Taliban, in the longer run this is something we must be committed to 
because it is necessary for our own survival."  In contrast, the 
liberal Urdu daily "Express," opined that "apparently the statement 
of the U.S. envoy to help Pakistan in the energy sector is good, but 
the government should not forget that such an offer may not be 
without some hidden objectives."  Whereas the center-right national 
English daily "The Nation," observed that "if matters of vital 
interest to Pakistan continue to be put on the backburner, one 
wonders if the talks with important U.S. emissaries can in any way 
be dubbed as strategic dialogue."  End Summary. 
 
----------------- 
News Stories 
----------------- 
 
"Zardari To Complete Term: Holbrooke" "Daily Times" (08/18) 
 
"President Asif Zardari will hopefully complete his 'role' as the 
democratically elected head of Pakistan, U.S. special envoy Richard 
Holbrooke told senior journalists and editors during an informal 
interaction on Monday.  He said there was a marked change in the 
political situation of Pakistan.  Refraining from commenting on the 
internal politics of Pakistan, he said the situation had improved 
greatly from what he had observed during his first visit." 
 
"Holbrooke Says FODP Pledges To Start Materializing In September" 
"The News" (08/18) 
 
"The United States has assured Pakistan that $2 billion of the $5.28 
billion committed by the Friends of Democratic Pakistan (FODP) in 
the Tokyo meeting would be released in 2009-2010.  This includes 
payment of $1 billion ($500 million each from U.S. and Japan) in 
September.  This assurance came from Mr. Richard Holbrooke, special 
U.S. representative on Pakistan and Afghanistan, during his meeting 
with Finance Minister Shaukat Tarin, a senior official of the 
Ministry of Finance told 'The News.'...  He said Holbrooke has 
informed us that President Obama has formed a joint task force for 
assisting Pakistan in overcoming the present energy crisis." 
 
"Energy Crisis Cannot Be Solved Overnight: Holbrooke" "Dawn" 
(08/18) 
 
"Richard Holbrooke's public statement a day earlier to help Pakistan 
overcome its energy crisis notwithstanding, the U.S. Special Envoy 
has acknowledged that the problem was too deep-rooted to be solved 
overnight.  The crisis has been building up for 25 years and it's 
quite obvious that it cannot be solved in a few weeks, he told a 
group of inquisitive journalists who wanted to know if the American 
trouble-shooter for the region had a concrete plan to meet the 
challenge." 
 
"U.S. Lures Pakistan Away From IPI Gas-Line" "The Nation" (08/18) 
 
"Asking to stay away from Iranian gas pipe-line for enhanced 
American energy cooperation, the Washington left Islamabad in a fix 
on Monday to choose between nearest available gas line or help line 
from U.S. in tackling the ever-growing energy crisis.  'In case 
Pakistan withdraws the primary partnership of transnational 
Iran-Pakistan-India (IPI) Gas Pipeline project, it would also get 
the American support to get funds committed by the Friends of 
Democratic Pakistan (FODP),' sources told 'The Nation.'  According 
to the sources, Rickard Holbrooke and Finance Minister Shaukat Tarin 
tossed these option during their meeting in Islamabad on Monday." 
 
"Gilani Hails Pak, U.S. Energy Task Force" "Pakistan Observer" 
(08/18) 
 
"Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has welcomed President 
Obama's initiative to form a joint task force for assisting Pakistan 
in overcoming the present energy crisis in the country." 
 
"Obama To Preside Over FODP Meeting; U.S. To Lit Our lights" "The 
News" (08/18) 
 
"U.S. President Barack Obama shall preside over the next critical 
meeting of Friends of Democratic Pakistan (FODP) being held in New 
York on September 24th.  This was confirmed in Islamabad on Monday 
by U.S. President's special representative for Pakistan and 
Afghanistan, Ambassador Richard Holbrooke, during an informal, but 
on the record, conversation with a group of newspaper editors and 
senior journalists." 
 
"Obama Vows To Defeat Al Qaeda, Help Pakistanis" "The News" (08/18) 
 
"In a speech to veterans of Foreign wars in Phoneix, Arizona, 
President Barack Obama on Monday renewed his administration's 
resolve to defeat Al Qaeda but said military power alone will not 
lead to success in the fight against extremists and that the United 
States would help the people of Pakistan and Afghanistan to build 
the future they seem." 
 
"Drone Attacks Fuelling Anti-U.S. Feelings, PM Tells Holbrooke" "The 
News" (08/18) 
 
"Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Monday urged the U.S. to 
provide drone technology to enable Pakistan armed forces to take 
action against terrorists.  He emphasized that the drone attacks 
remained a matter of public concern in Pakistan. They were 
counter-productive to government's efforts for isolating the 
terrorists and the concomitant collateral damage was exploited by 
the extremists for fuelling anti-Americanism in the country, he 
added." 
 
"Holbrooke Non-Committal Over End To Drone Attacks" "The News" 
(08/18) 
 
"U.S. President's special representative for Pakistan and 
Afghanistan, Ambassador Richard Holbrooke refusing to commit on 'no 
drone attacks in FATA' said that talks are continuing between 
Pakistan and the U.S. in this regard.  While giving details to 
'Online' members of the Parliament belonging to FATA headed by 
Parliamentary leader Munir Orakzai on Monday met Ambassador Richard 
Holbrooke and demanded from the U.S. government to stop drone 
attacks, as people living in tribal areas are furious, upset and 
livid over the U.S. actions." 
 
"Holbrooke, Fazl Discuss Political Issues" "Daily Times" (08/18) 
 
"U.S. special envoy for Afghanistan and Pakistan Richard Holbrooke 
met Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) Chief Fazlur Rehman on Monday 
and exchanged views on various political issues." 
 
"If Baitullah Were Alive, He Would Be On TV: Holbrooke" "Daily 
Times" (08/18) 
 
"The United States knows that the leader of Tehreek-e-Taliban 
Pakistan, Baitullah Mehsud, is dead because he has not appeared in 
public to prove that he is alive, U.S. envoy to Pakistan and 
Afghanistan Richard Holbrooke told CNN on Monday." 
 
"3 Children Among 7 Killed In Shabqadar Blast" "The News" (08/18) 
 
"At least seven persons, including three children and two women, 
were killed and nine others sustained injuries in a blast in a 
passenger vehicle at a petrol pump in Shabqadar tehsil of Charsadda 
district on Monday." 
 
"SSP Chief Ali Sher Haideri, Aide Shot Dead" "The News," "The 
Nation" (08/18) 
 
"The Chief of banned religious outfit Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistan (SSP), 
Allama Ali Sher Hyderi, was shot dead along with his close associate 
Imtiaz Phulpoto, while chief of SSP Sindh chapter Maulana Abdul 
Karim Marri was injured in firing by some armed persons near 
Khairpur in the wee hours on Monday.  One of the attackers was also 
killed when the guards of Allama Haideri retaliated.  The killing 
sparked riots in interior Sindh and Karachi, in which two protesters 
were killed and several other were wounded when personnel of law 
enforcement agencies opened fire on mob to stop them from removing 
rail track." 
 
"U.S. General McChrystal Calls On Gen. Kayani" "Daily Times" 
(08/18) 
 
"General Stanley McChrystal, Commander International Security 
Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan on Monday called on Chief of 
Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani and discussed 
important security issues and cooperation in the war on terror." 
 
"Baitullah's Lieutenant Held In Islamabad" "Dawn" (08/18) 
 
"A team of police and security agencies arrested Saifullah, a 
commander of the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) along with an aide 
in Islamabad on Monday.  Sources told 'Dawn.' that Saifullah, acted 
as a mediator between Baitullah Mehsud's TTP and Al Qaeda." 
 
"U.S. Setting Up Army Base In Capital With Zardari's Support" "The 
News" (08/18) 
 
"The Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) has accused President Asif Ali Zardari of 
backing the establishment of a U.S. army base in the federal capital 
on the pretext of the extension in the American Embassy, said (JI) 
Secretary General Liaquat Baloch, while addressing a press 
conference in Islamabad on Monday evening." 
 
"Presence Of Private U.S. Guards Scares Peshawarites" "The News" 
(08/18) 
 
"The reported presence of American security personnel in the 
provincial capital and their increasing movement in residential 
areas of the city has added to the anxiety of residents.  Inspector 
General of Police NWFP Malik Naveed Khan, however, categorically 
denied the presence of personnel of any foreign security agency in 
Peshawar to protect the diplomats." 
 
"Indian PM Raises Fresh Alarm Of Terror Attack" "Dawn" (08/18) 
 
"Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said on Monday that militants 
in Pakistan were plotting new attacks on India as he urged security 
forces to stay on high alert.  Mr. Singh told a summit on internal 
security attended by the Chief Ministers from India's states." 
 
"New Delhi Urged To Share Information" "Dawn" (08/18) 
 
"Pakistan on Monday asked India to share information that formed the 
basis of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's fears of more terror 
attacks allegedly being planned in Pakistan, Foreign Office 
spokesman Abdul Basit said." 
 
--------------------- 
Editorials/Op-eds 
--------------------- 
 
"Helping Hands," an editorial in the populist, often sensational 
national English daily "The News" (cir. 55,000) (08/18) 
 
"The energy crisis and the state of Pakistan's struggling economy 
topped the agenda as the U.S. Special Representative for Pakistan 
and Afghanistan met the foreign minister on his latest trip to 
Islamabad. This represents a distinct change in focus, with 
Washington showing a willingness to help Pakistan tackle its most 
pressing concerns....  The time seems to have come to reap the 
benefits that stem from the operation against the militants.... 
While Holbrooke's words and a softened approach towards pulling 
Pakistan out of the ditch into which it has stumbled have put smiles 
on many faces, Washington will naturally put its own interests 
first.  Any evidence of a militant resurgence could bring the stick 
out once more....  We must also keep in view that while Holbrooke 
seems to be offering a prize for warding off the Taliban, in the 
longer run this is something we must be committed to because it is 
necessary for our own survival." 
 
"Pakistan's Energy Crisis And Statement Of U.S. Special Envoy," an 
editorial in liberal Urdu daily "Express" (cir. 25,000) (08/18) 
 
"U.S. special envoy for Pakistan and Afghanistan, Holbrooke, has 
said that the U.S. will help Pakistan to resolve the latter's acute 
energy crisis. Apparently the statement of the U.S. Envoy to help 
Pakistan in the energy sector is good, but the government should not 
forget that such an offer may not be without some hidden objectives. 
Hence the government should be very cautious while inking any 
agreement with the U.S. in this regard." 
 
"What Strategic Dialogue?," an editorial in the center-right 
national English daily "The Nation" (cir. 20,000) (08/18) 
 
"According to Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, (U.S. Envoy 
Richard Holbrooke's) visit is in continuation of strategic dialogue 
to strengthen bilateral relations and cooperation in different 
fields.  With a number of vital matters that Islamabad has pursued 
with Washington being constantly ignored, one wonders if there is 
anything on the agenda other than Pakistan's performance against the 
militants in areas bordering Afghanistan.  To many, Mr. Holbrooke 
evokes the image of a taskmaster who turns up to review the progress 
made by Islamabad on issues vital to the U.S. and harangue the 
political and military leadership, duly lined up to meet him, on 
what needs to be done....  If matters of vital interest to Pakistan 
continue to be put on the backburner, one wonders if the talks with 
important U.S. emissaries can in any way be dubbed as strategic 
dialogue." 
 
"The Best Option," an editorial in the Karachi-based center-left 
independent national English daily "Dawn" (cir. 55,000) (08/18) 
 
"U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan Richard 
Holbrooke has claimed that the U.S. will focus more on 
'energy-related issues,' a laudable objective given Pakistan's acute 
electricity crisis but an area in which it is difficult to see an 
immediate American contribution to the solution....  One of the 
major initiatives that the Government of Pakistan is hoping to push 
through is the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline....  So will the Americans 
continue to block access to international funding for the IPP or 
will they give Pakistan a viable alternative?  With civilian nuclear 
cooperation ruled out by the U.S., there aren't many other options." 
 
 
"U.S. Cooperation To Overcome Energy Crisis," an editorial in the 
Islamabad-based rightist English daily "Pakistan Observer" (cir. 
5,000) (08/18) 
 
"Richard Holbrooke, Special Envoy for Pakistan and Afghanistan has 
said that U.S. would cooperate with Pakistan to help it overcome the 
energy crisis....  Anyhow the U.S. willingness to support Islamabad 
to overcome the energy shortages is though late yet a welcome 
development....  We would strongly recommend that Pakistan should 
also seek transfer of technology for power generation plants from 
the United States, China and France." 
 
"Welcome U.S. Assistance," an editorial in the Lahore-based liberal 
English daily "The Post" (cir. 5,000) (08/18) 
 
"U.S. Special Envoy Richard Holbrooke said the U.S. had shifted its 
focus towards Pakistan's economy and the energy sector....  The U.S. 
seems to have realized that the social, political and administrative 
structures of Pakistan have suffered heavily as a result of 
militancy against the state and society.  Ironically, the huge 
outlay of the American assistance in the war against terrorism has 
yet to produce any perceptible uplift in the economic fortunes of 
the common Pakistanis....  The U.S. envoy's statement is a welcome 
step given the U.S. background of making short term planning with 
regard to Pakistan." 
 
"New Foundation Of U.S. Friendship," an editorial in the 
Peshawar-based Urdu-language daily "Mashriq" (cir. 55,000) (08/18) 
 
"In his press conference after a meeting with Foreign Minister 
Qureshi, U.S. Special Envoy Holbrooke said that the U.S. would make 
economic cooperation, not terrorism, the basis of its future 
relationship with Pakistan.  Does it mean that the aid for Pakistan 
will be economic-specific and it will be deprived of all military 
assistance?  India is doing its level best to block the transfer of 
any military hardware for Pakistan from all over the world." 
 
"End Of U.S. Interference Is A Panacea To All Problems," an 
editorial in the popular rightist Urdu-language daily "Ausaf" (cir. 
10,000) (08/18) 
 
"U.S. Special Envoy Holbrooke has said that his country will help 
Pakistan to overcome its energy crisis.  He further said that 
Pakistan itself would have to make any decision to launch a military 
operation in Balochistan.  It is the need of the hour that our 
government must take all decisions on the national issues after 
getting approval from the Parliament rather than yielding to the 
U.S. dictate." 
 
"Holbrooke's Repeated Visits And Our National Interests," an 
editorial in the second-largest, center-right nationalist Urdu daily 
"Nawa-i-Waqt" (cir. 150,000) (08/18) 
 
"Former chief of Intelligence Bureau Brigadier [retired] Imtiaz is 
on the record as having said that on the one hand, Mr. Holbrooke 
assures Mian Nawaz Sharif that the U.S. will not be a hurdle in a 
case against Musharraf, but on the other hand, pressuring President 
Zardari not to let any action take place against Musharraf....  If 
the U.S. continues with its present anti-Pakistan policies and does 
not end its romance with India, Pakistan should review its policy of 
repeatedly welcoming Mr. Holbrooke." 
 
"Richard Holbrooke's Four-Day Trip To Pakistan," an editorial in the 
Lahore-based populist center-right Urdu daily "Khabrain" (cir. 
50,000) (08/18) 
 
"The Pakistani leadership must also realize that this is enough.  We 
need to review our relationship with the U.S.  All measures taken by 
the U.S. have only weakened Pakistan.  These days, Islamabad is 
abuzz with reports of the U.S. building a 'super' Embassy there.... 
Why does the U.S. need super Embassy in Islamabad?  The setting up 
of a super Embassy shows that the U.S. wants to remain in the 
country for a long period of time....  Our leaders' silence on the 
issue [of Embassy expansion] is also worrisome.  Obviously, this is 
happening with the government's permission.  What do our rulers have 
to say on this issue?" 
 
"U.S. Cooperation: Move Beyond Assurances," an editorial in the 
center-right Urdu daily "Pakistan" (cir. 10,000) (08/18) 
 
"Mian Nawaz Sharif's suggestion to Mr. Holbrooke is worth noting: he 
said that if the U.S. wants to see Pakistan strengthened, it should 
invest in the country, rather than give aid....  Mr. Holbrooke's 
concern at Pakistan's economic situation is encouraging.  He has 
also assured Pakistan of support, but it is not yet clear what shape 
this support will take.  We hope things become clearer during Mr. 
Holbrooke's trip to Karachi." 
 
"Energy Crisis And Implications Of Pak-U.S. Friendship," an 
editorial in Lahore-based populist Urdu daily "Waqt" (cir. 10,000) 
(08/18) 
 
"Speaking in the National Assembly, a PML-N MNA has said that 
arrangements are being made to house 7000 U.S. Marines in the U.S. 
Embassy.  Two thousand Marines have already arrived in the U.S. 
What is the purpose for expanding the U.S. Embassy premises and 
increasing the number of U.S. Marines?  Is a path being paved to set 
up a U.S. garrison [in Islamabad]; and if this happens, will our 
nuclear assets remain out of U.S. reach?  Judging by this turn of 
events, it is not wrong to expect that our leadership will review 
former president [Musharraf's] policy of bowing before the U.S." 
 
"U.S. Strategy," an editorial in Karachi based Pro-Jihadi right-wing 
daily "Ummat" (Cir. 33,000) (08/18) 
 
"For over a decade the U.S. strategy has been to bring governments 
in power, and then exert pressure on them to work out on the 
American agenda.  Pakistan remains the principal U.S. target and 
Washington is gradually getting hold of Pakistani politics.  The 
expansion of the American Embassy and stationing of the Marines 
there is part of this strategy to get access to Pakistan's nuclear 
assets." 
 
"American Signal Of Operation In Balochistan," an editorial in the 
Karachi-based right-wing pro-Jamaat-e-Islami Urdu daily "Jasarat" 
(cir. 3,000) (08/18) 
 
"U.S. Special Envoy Mr. Holbrooke's comments about PML-N chief Nawaz 
Sharif that keeping a distance with him would not be in the U.S. 
interest is not going to benefit PML-N anyway.  These closer ties 
could be in the American interest, but not in Nawaz Sharif's own 
political interests.  Nawaz Sharif needs to remove the impression 
that he too is willing to serve American interests." 
 
"Hysteria Over New U.S. Embassy" news analysis by Sadiq Saleem in 
the populist, often sensational national English daily "The News" 
(cir. 55,000) (08/18) 
 
"The usual America-bashers in Pakistan are going hysterical over the 
planned expansion of the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad instead of seeing 
it as a symbol of the U.S. commitment to remain engaged with the 
country.  If these people are to be believed, there is something 
sinister about the expansion of the U.S. Embassy.  They have done no 
research on the size of American diplomatic missions in other 
countries and their bearing on U.S. relations with the host country. 
As is often the case, it is all about hyping up anti-American 
sentiment without sharing facts.  The size of an Embassy reflects 
the nature and depth of relations between two countries.  If 
Pakistan wants U.S. aid and U.S. military hardware then it should be 
pleased that the U.S. is committing resources and personnel to its 
relationship with Pakistan." 
 
"Increase In Suicide Rate Among U.S. Soldiers," an editorial in the 
second-largest, center-right nationalist Urdu daily "Nawa-i-Waqt" 
(cir. 150,000) (08/18) 
 
"It is very unfortunate that President Obama is following in his 
predecessor's footsteps of creating unrest in the region through 
U.S. and Allied troops in Afghanistan.  As a reaction to the 
continued military presence, not only is militancy on the rise in 
the region, so is the U.S. troop death-toll." 
 
(All circulation figures are based on estimation) 
Feierstein