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UNCLAS ISLAMABAD 001976 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: KMDR KPAO OIIP OPRC PGOV PREL PK
SUBJECT:  PAKISTAN MEDIA REACTION: AUGUST 19, 2009 
 
Summary:  Reports and photographs of the capture of the Tehrik 
Taliban Pakistan's (TTP) chief spokesman Maulvi Umar dominated 
headlines in all newspapers on Wednesday.  Newspapers also 
front-paged his statement "confirming" Baitullah Mehsud's death in a 
recent U.S. missile attack.  U.S. Special Envoy Holbrooke's meetings 
with President Zardari, Army Chief General Kayani and a delegation 
of the Jamaat-i-Islami also received extensive coverage in all 
newspapers.  Also underscored by several major dailies was report 
that President Zardari sought "more access to U.S. and European 
markets for Pakistani goods."  The U.S. Undersecretary McHale's 
remarks that the U.S. "sees Pakistan as highest foreign policy 
priority" also received media coverage.  The report of a suicide 
attack in North Waziristan that killed seven security personnel also 
received prominent display. 
 
All major dailies ran editorials on the recent statement of Indian 
Prime Minister Singh's claiming that a "terrorist group in Pakistan 
was planning an attack in India."  However, some newspapers 
editorialized the ongoing visit of Ambassador Holbrooke and its 
implication.  The pro-Taliban Jihadi Urdu daily "Islam," observed 
that the "wrong policies of the Musharraf regime, and their 
continuity under the present government, have provided ample room 
for the United States to expand and strengthen its influence in our 
internal affairs.  Now Washington has decided to enhance its 
diplomatic-military presence in Pakistan, which would definitely be 
aimed at achieving some clandestine objectives."  In contrast, the 
country's premier business newspaper, "Business Recorder," called 
Ambassador Holbrooke's statement for U.S. cooperation to help ease 
energy crisis as a "landmark announcement" that "clearly and 
unambiguously reflects a major U.S. policy shift."  End Summary. 
 
----------------- 
News Stories 
----------------- 
 
"Taliban Spokesman Maulvi Omar Captured; Confirms Mahsud's Death" 
"The News" (08/19) 
 
"A tribal Lashkar in Khwezai area of Mohmand Agency captured and 
handed over to security forces a top militant commander and 
spokesman for the defunct Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) Maulvi 
Omar.  Omar was also deputy to Bajaur Taliban commander Maulvi Faqir 
Muhammad, engaged in fighting against security forces since August 
6, 2008.  A senior military official told 'The News' that the TTP 
spokesman during preliminary interrogation confirmed the death of 
Baitullah Mehsud in a U.S. drone attack." 
 
"Taliban Defeated In Swat, Says Zardari" "The News" (08/19) 
 
"President Asif Ali Zardari, while commenting on the changed 
environment in Swat, said on Tuesday that the picturesque valley had 
turned out to be the point of positive change in attitude and 
mindset.  Talking to 'The News' at the Aiwan-e-Sadr ahead of his 
meeting with Ambassador Holbrooke, Zardari said that the scenes of 
jubilation in Swat and other tribal cities on the eve of 14th August 
had shown that Pakistan was united and terrorists had been 
defeated." 
 
"Zardari Seeks More Access For Pak Goods To U.S. Market" "The News" 
(08/19) 
 
"President Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday called upon Washington to 
allow greater market access to Pakistani goods in the United States. 
 Special U.S. envoy for Pakistan and Afghanistan Richard Holbrooke 
called on President Asif Ali Zardari in the Presidency.  Matters 
relating to fight against militants, the forthcoming meeting of the 
Friends of Democratic Pakistan (FODP), rehabilitation of Internally 
Displaced Persons (IDPs), Pakistan's energy needs and strengthening 
of civil law enforcing agencies were discussed in the meeting." 
 
"Holbrooke Calls On Kayani" "The News" (08/19) 
 
"U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan Richard 
Holbrooke on Tuesday called on Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq 
Parvez Kayani at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi." 
 
"U.S. Vows To Meet Pak Defence Needs" "The Nation" (08/19) 
 
"Acclaiming the role and contribution of Pakistan security agencies 
in fighting terrorism, the U.S. Special Representative for 
Afghanistan and Pakistan Richard Holbrooke on Tuesday assured 
Pakistan Army all-out U.S. help in meeting country's defence needs." 
 
 
"Shortages Delaying FATA Push, Says General" "Dawn" (08/19) 
 
"Pakistan would need months to prepare for a ground offensive 
against the Taliban in their South Waziristan stronghold, a senior 
army commander said on Tuesday, citing equipment shortages.  U.S. 
President Barack Obama's visiting special envoy to Afghanistan and 
Pakistan, Richard Holbrooke, said Washington was trying to expedite 
delivery of the equipment requested by the Pakistani army, including 
helicopters and parts.  After briefing Mr. Holbrooke on its 
operations against militants, Lieutenant-General Nadeem Ahmed told 
reporters the Pakistani army was trying to create the 'right' 
conditions for a full-blown offensive in the rugged South Waziristan 
region by imposing a tight blockade on entry and exit points, and by 
pounding militant targets from the air." 
 
"Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) delegation meets Holbrooke" "The News" 
(08/19) 
 
"A Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) delegation in a meeting with U.S. Special 
Envoy for Pakistan and Afghanistan Richard Holbrooke on Tuesday 
conveyed the party's concerns over the expansion in the U.S. Embassy 
in Islamabad and the drone attacks, besides raising the issue of Dr. 
Aafia Siddiqui's detention.  The delegation comprising (JI) 
Secretary General Liaquat Baloch and Naib Ameer Dr. Muhammad Kamal 
met the U.S. special envoy at the U.S. Embassy.  The JI team also 
handed over a document to the U.S. official containing their stance 
on U.S. policies in Afghanistan and Pakistan." 
 
"U.S. In Process To Increase Pak Aid" "Pakistan Observer" (08/19) 
 
"U.S. Special Envoy for Pakistan and Afghanistan Richard Holbrooke 
has said that the United States is in the process of increasing aid 
to Pakistan by four hundred percent as compared to 2007.  In an 
interaction with journalists in Islamabad Tuesday, he said apart 
from cooperation in the war on terror, his country would have heavy 
emphasis on energy issues facing Pakistan." 
 
"Holbrooke Says He's Nothing To Do With IPI Gas-Line" "The Nation" 
(08/19) 
 
"U.S. Envoy for Pakistan and Afghanistan Richard Holbrooke said on 
Tuesday that he had nothing to do with Iran-Pakistan-India (IPI) Gas 
Pipeline project.  While talking to 'The Nation' he said that 
neither he had discussed the issue of (IPI) Gas Pipeline with any of 
the functionaries in Islamabad nor it had any link to his job." 
 
"Holbrooke Denies Report About Marines" "Dawn" (08/19) 
 
"U.S. Special Envoy for Pakistan and Afghanistan Richard Holbrooke 
rejected on Tuesday reports about the stationing of U.S. Marines in 
Islamabad.  Sources privy to the meeting between President Asif Ali 
Zardari and Ambassador Holbrooke quoted the latter as saying that 
the U.S. Embassy was being enlarged to accommodate all U.S. staff. 
Mr. Holbrooke's claim was endorsed by Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood 
Qureshi: 'We know that no U.S. Marine is coming to Islamabad.  Some 
media outlets have wrongly reported in this context.' He said he 
would brief the media in a few days on the factual position." 
 
"Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Holds 'Go America Go' Rally In Islamabad" "The 
News" (08/19) 
 
"The Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) activists on Tuesday marched on roads in 
the federal capital to denounce U.S. policies and reported expansion 
in the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad and the arrival of U.S. Marines, 
(JI) Ameer Syed Munawar Hassan led the 'Go America Go' rally. 
 
"U.S. Persists To Assist Pakistan In All Areas: Judith McHale" "The 
News," "Daily Times" (08/19) 
 
"U.S. Under Secretary of State for Public Affairs, Judith A. McHale 
on Tuesday said that her country sees Pakistan as highest foreign 
policy priority, and will continue to assist it in the journey of 
progress and stability.  Judith McHale presently in Islamabad was 
talking to a private television channel in a telephonic interview." 
 
"7 troops Killed In NWA Suicide Attack" "The News" (08/19) 
 
"Seven personnel of the security forces including four paramilitary 
Frontier Corps soldiers and three Khasadars men were killed and four 
others were injured in a car suicide attack on the roadside 
check-point at Eesha Village, seven kilometers east of Miramshah in 
North Waziristan Agency (NWA) on Tuesday." 
 
"Fight For Spoils Splits Taliban" "Dawn" (08/19) 
 
"As various militant groups fight it out to inherit about two 
billion rupees in cash and weaponry left behind by Baitullah Mehsud, 
government and security officials say it will take the 
Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan a considerable time to rebuild and recover 
from a shocking blow to its leadership.  'The cracks within the TTP 
are all too visible. In classical counter-insurgency terms, the 
fissures within the TTP conglomerate suggest that their decline has 
started. We are over the hump,' a senior security official with 
considerable experience in counter-terrorism told 'Dawn.'  'There is 
a struggle for the leadership and this would include the struggle 
for power, territory, stature and resources,' a senior military 
official said." 
 
"34 Militants Held" "The Nation" (08/19) 
 
"At least 34 militants were arrested while 10 others surrendered to 
the security forces on Tuesday in different parts of Swat region. 
Moreover, six houses of militants were set ablaze and demolished in 
Qamber area, said Commissioner Malakand." 
 
"Muslim Khan Resurfaces, Threatens Commissioner" "The News" (08/19) 
 
"Spokesman for Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, Swat chapter, Muslim Khan 
on Tuesday resurfaced after sometime by making a call to the 
Commissioner Malakand division in Swat and threatened him to stop 
action against the militants." 
 
"Four Tribesmen Killed For 'Spying'" "Dawn" (08/19) 
 
"Four tribesmen were killed by militants of the Tehrik-i-Taliban 
Pakistan in Upper Orakzai on Tuesday for 'spying' for security 
agencies.  Sources told 'Dawn' that the bodies of the tribesmen were 
found in the agency's Anjani area with a note warning that any 
person cooperating with the government against the TTP would meet 
the same fate." 
 
"Pakistan Presents Its 5-Year Strategy To FODP Next Week" "The News" 
(08/19) 
 
"Pakistan will table its five-year strategy before the Friends of 
Democratic Pakistan (FoDPs) ministerial meeting being held next week 
under the head 'Partnership for Progress: Roadmap for Sustainable 
Development' by identifying the financing gap of around $20 billion 
in achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).  A senior 
official of the government told 'The News' in an interview on 
Tuesday." 
 
"Personnel Of A Private American Security Company 'Wackenhut' 
Deployed In Pakistan" "Express" (08/19) 
 
"The personnel of a private American company the 'Wackenhut' have 
been deployed in various cities of Pakistan including the Diplomatic 
Enclave, Islamabad for security purposes.  Hundreds of the security 
guards of this company, which also provides services for nuclear 
investigation, have been deployed at different offices, residences 
and the diplomatic missions in the federal capital.  The Wackenhut 
was registered as 'Wackenhut Pakistan Private Limited Company' on 
December 24, 1992, and its registration period expired on December 
29, 2007.  The Wackenhut provides its services for nuclear, 
ambassadorial, emergency security, and the headquarters of its 
nuclear service division has been established in Florida. According 
to a former diplomat, dozens of the American companies have 
succeeded in establishing their offices in Pakistan, under different 
names and in the garb of NGOs, taking the advantage of simple and 
easy procedure of registration as a company." 
 
"Army Has Nothing To Do With Mass Graves: DG ISPR" "Dawn" (08/19) 
 
"The military has rejected as baseless allegations made by the Human 
Rights Commission of Pakistan in its latest report against security 
forces about its involvement in extra-judicial killings and human 
rights abuses in Malakand.  Speaking in DawnNews' program 'News 
Eye,' ISPR director-general Maj-Gen Athar Abbas said that the army 
had a strong chain of command and behaved in a responsible manner." 
 
"Militants Set On Fire Two Schools In Lower Dir" "Dawn" (08/19) 
 
"Militants set on fire two government schools in the Kad area of 
Maidan tehsil in Lower Dir on Tuesday, officials told 'Dawn.'" 
 
"Release of $20 Million To U.S. Lawyers; Aafia's Lawyer Files 
Contempt Plea" "Dawn" (08/19) 
 
"Dr. Aafia Siddiqui's counsel on Tuesday filed a contempt of court 
petition in the Lahore High Court against Interior and Foreign 
Affairs Ministries for releasing $20 million to American lawyers for 
defence of the Pakistan woman in U.S. courts, in violation of a 
court order." 
 
"First Pak Satellite To Be Launched In April 2011" "The News" 
(08/19) 
 
"The first satellite of Pakistan will be launched in April 2011, 
member Planning Commission for Science and Technology Dr. Samar 
Mubarak-mand said on Tuesday." 
 
"Militant Camps Still Functioning In Pakistan, Alleges India" "Dawn" 
(08/19) 
 
"India's defence minister claimed on Tuesday there were dozens of 
militant training camps active near Pakistan's border with India 
that had not been dismantled by authorities there, A.K. Antony said 
in the southern state of Kerala, PTI news agency reported." 
 
"Give Us Proof, If You Got Any, Qureshi Tells India" "The News" 
(08/19) 
 
"Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Tuesday said Pakistan had 
taken serious notice of the remarks of Indian Prime Minister 
Manmohan Singh regarding threats to India from terrorists and 
conveyed a message to India through its High Commission.  Talking to 
newsmen in Islamabad, he said: 'Pakistan wants to cooperate with 
India on the issue of fight against terrorism and if India has any 
credible information in this regard, it should share this with the 
Pakistan government.'" 
 
"Indian PM's Statement A Cover-Up: ISI" "The News" (08/19) 
 
"Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has upped the ante by sending 
alarm signal of fresh attacks by militants only to cover up India's 
misdeeds and suppression in the occupied Kashmir which causes the 
domino effect in the region, says a senior official of Pakistan's 
premier intelligence agency." 
 
--------------------- 
Editorials/Op-eds 
--------------------- 
 
"Expression Of Anti-Pakistan U.S. Mindset," an editorial in the 
Karachi-based, pro-Taliban Jihadi Urdu daily "Islam" (cir. 15,000) 
(08/19) 
 
"U.S. Special Envoy Holbrooke has said that he cannot assure the 
transfer of predator drone technology to Pakistan.  However, he 
added, the U.S. was ready to help Pakistan to resolve its energy 
crisis.  Mr. Holbrooke adopts a similar attitude during his 
incessant visits to Pakistan.  The wrong policies of the Musharraf 
regime, and their continuity under the present government, have 
provided ample room for the United States to expand and strengthen 
its influence in our internal affairs.  Now Washington has decided 
to enhance its diplomatic-military presence in Pakistan, which would 
definitely be aimed at achieving some clandestine objectives.  If 
the Pakistan government is serious in its opposition to the drone 
attacks, it must discuss this issue with the U.S. unambiguously." 
 
"Energy Sector: Possible Areas Of U.S. Assistance," an editorial in 
the country's premier business newspaper, "Business Recorder" (cir. 
25,000) (08/19) 
 
"Richard Holbrooke, the United States Special Representative to 
Pakistan and Afghanistan, on his current visit to Pakistan, made a 
landmark announcement that clearly and unambiguously reflects a 
major U.S. policy shift: to assist in steering us out of our 
worst-ever energy crisis.  Though, he did not identify the 
areas/projects which would receive assistance, his statement has 
raised expectations....  One must appreciate the U.S. change in 
stance as announced by Holbrooke and one hopes that the two 
administrations are able to work together to ensure that our energy 
needs are met in the short, as well as the long term." 
 
"How Many Times Will We Be Duped?," an op-ed by Shireen M. Mazari in 
the populist, often sensational national English daily "The News" 
(cir. 55,000) (08/19) 
 
"Holbrooke's latest foray into Pakistan and the glib statements that 
have come forth reflect an American assumption of Pakistani 
gullibility.  To some extent they are certainly correct, at least in 
terms of Pakistani officialdom which continuously seeks to place 
Pakistan at the altar of U.S. subjugation.  Just look at a few 
recent events to realize the dangerous kowtowing by Pakistani 
decision-makers before the U.S.  Incidentally, if mere size of 
embassies reflects friendship and good intentions towards a nation 
(rather than a subservient government) then one should have assumed 
the Soviets had nothing but love for the people of East Germany! 
But we know what a few thousand U.S. marines will do here, 
especially in terms of our nuclear assets, especially when we see 
the wider picture in the context of the ISAF/NATO base that our 
leadership has apparently agreed to provide in Pakistan.  We have 
also had the Pakistani leadership jumping with joy over the apparent 
U.S. intent to help us overcome our energy crisis.  So what has 
Holbrooke committed to?...  We have seen so far is the demand that 
we renege on the Iran Pipeline in case we wanted U.S. energy 
cooperation.  We are being asked to give up something already in 
hand for a vague promise for the future. The arrogance of the 
blackmail is what stands out, because we are being told that if we 
withdraw from the IPI project, only then will the U.S. move towards 
getting us the funds promised but not delivered by the so-called 
Friends of Democratic Pakistan." 
 
"India's Imagined Fear," an editorial in the center-right national 
English daily "The Nation" (cir. 20,000) (08/19) 
 
"Interestingly, while the Indian Prime Minister was raising the 
scare of a terrorist attack, his Home Minister maintained that there 
was no danger of such an imminent incident.  There appears to be 
little doubt that New Delhi wants to take full advantage of the 
predicament Islamabad is in, and add the factor of tension from its 
side....  Dr. Singh might have felt that it would take up the matter 
with Mr. Holbrooke, currently in Islamabad, and thought the 
allegation would tend to sidetrack the exposure of its misdeeds.  It 
is time India realized that though in the short term it could 
complicate matters for Pakistan, in the long term, peace and 
understanding it would serve the interests of both." 
 
"PM Singh's Comments," an editorial in the Karachi-based center-left 
independent national English daily "Dawn" (cir. 55,000) (08/19) 
 
"Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh made a disturbing claim: There 
is credible information of ongoing plans of terrorist groups in 
Pakistan to carry out fresh attacks....  Whatever the truth behind 
the allegations, it is regrettable that Mr. Singh chose to air his 
concerns publicly rather than take up the matter with Pakistani 
authorities in private.  Other than pandering to a domestic lobby 
that is increasingly hawkish on Pakistan, it is difficult to see 
what purpose Mr. Singh's remarks serve.  If there is indeed a threat 
- and it is unrealistic to believe that there is absolutely no 
possibility of attacks on Indian soil - then the primary aim of the 
Indian authorities should be to thwart it.  That translates into 
meaningful cooperation with Pakistan, not sensational claims at 
high-profile events....  The net effect: Mr. Singh continues to be 
tugged in opposite directions, but his instincts, rightly, appear to 
be to restart talks, and for that he has a ready partner in 
Pakistan." 
 
"Manmohan Singh's Latest Mischief: Motives Behind The Smokescreen," 
an editorial in the second-largest, center-right nationalist Urdu 
daily "Nawa-i-Waqt" (cir. 150,000) (08/19) 
 
"Indian PM Manmohan Singh has said that extremist outfits in 
Pakistan are planning another attack on India....  It is quite 
possible that India has planned to stage such an attack to frame 
Pakistan....  Pakistan should not rest at merely lodging protest. 
This situation is similar to conditions in 1971, and India can take 
full advantage of it.  The first step we need to take is to recall 
troops sent to the western border so that they can be deployed at 
the eastern border again....  Pakistan should also not neglect 
informing the international community about Indian designs." 
 
"Manmohan Singh's Apprehensions," an editorial in the center-right 
Urdu daily "Pakistan" (cir. 10,000) (08/19) 
 
"This is an extremely grave issue.  The Indian PM's warning [that 
extremist outfits in Pakistan are planning another attack on India] 
must be taken seriously as any such act can be devastating for South 
Asian stability.  The Government of Pakistan should ask India for 
more information on this matter so that timely action is taken 
against alleged terrorist outfits and they do not get an opportunity 
to enter Indian territory and wreak havoc there....  There is also 
no harm in the Pakistani PM calling up his Indian counterpart and 
requesting for more information....  At the same time, India must 
remain vigilant about disgruntled elements within its own public who 
have prepared ground for terror acts in collusion with foreign 
terrorists.  It is also worth mentioning here that Pakistan has not 
been taken into confidence about such elements in connection with 
the Mumbai blasts." 
 
"NASA warning of a possible Indo-Pak war over water," an editorial 
in the second-largest, center-right nationalist Urdu daily 
"Nawa-i-Waqt" (cir. 150,000) (08/19) 
 
"U.S. space agency NASA has said that there is a threat of the next 
Indo-Pak war taking place over water issues....  U.S. and other 
influential countries must play a role in preventing this war by 
urging India to give Pakistan its due share of water; otherwise 
Pakistan has the option of targeting Indian dams." 
 
"Extrajudicial Killings," an editorial in the Karachi-based 
center-left independent national English daily "Dawn" (cir. 55,000) 
(08/19) 
 
"The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has called for a 
parliamentary probe into allegations of extrajudicial killings in 
Swat.  The issue is cause for great concern....  There is great 
danger of individuals being wrongly identified and treated as 
terrorists, or for the lashkars to be used as tools to settle 
private scores.  A Taliban witch-hunt must be avoided at all cost. 
Neither state nor society should be allowed to resort to tactics 
that smack of Taliban brutality: all suspected militants must be 
dealt with through a transparent judicial process.  Anything less 
would mean adopting the same lawless means that characterized the 
Taliban's actions." 
 
"Revenge Killings," an editorial in the center-right national 
English daily "The Nation" (cir. 20,000) (08/19) 
 
"The security forces cannot escape the blame for having carried out 
revenge killings by simply conceding the presence of mass graves in 
the region that remained under conflict for over a month.  This is 
not enough.  Those conducting the operation will have to do a lot of 
explaining to clear doubts in the public mind, rather than alleging 
that bodies were of militants buried by other militants.  The 
government must pay heed to the demand for the constitution of a 
multi-party parliamentary commission so that the issue could be 
thoroughly investigated and those responsible for carrying out 
extrajudicial killings be brought to justice." 
 
(All circulation figures are based on estimation) 
Feierstein