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UNCLAS ISLAMABAD 002301 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: KMDR KPAO OIIP OPRC PGOV PREL PK
SUBJECT:  PAKISTAN MEDIA REACTION: SEPTEMBER 24, 2009 
 
Summary:  President Barack Obama's determination while addressing 
the UNGO to "defeat Al-Qaeda" and to "stand by Pakistan" received 
extensive coverage in all major newspapers on Thursday.  Almost all 
the Urdu and English language dailies highlighted the demand of 
President Zardari that "the U.S. [should] fast track reimbursement 
of outstanding Coalition Support Fund of $1.6 billion to Pakistan." 
Stories about General Stanley McChrystal's criticism of "increasing 
Indian influence in Afghanistan," house arrest of Jamaat-ud-Dawa 
chief Hafiz Saeed and the reports that "U.S. mulling more drone 
attacks in Pakistan" also garnered media attention today.  The 
English daily, "Dawn," in a front page story reported that "nuclear 
scientist Dr. A. Q. Khan declined to comment on the veracity of a 
letter he had allegedly written to his wife about five years ago.... 
Stirring up a fresh controversy about his role in nuclear 
proliferation."  Newspapers also highlighted reports that "former 
President Pervez Musharraf will privately discuss Afghan war with 
U.S. lawmakers." 
 
Editorializing U.S. General Stanley McChrystal's criticism of the 
increasing Indian influence in Afghanistan, the prestigious English 
language daily, "Dawn," observed that "it is clear that peace in 
Afghanistan cannot prevail unless the interests of the Pakistani 
state are taken into account....  Identifying the problem does not 
mean the U.S. is necessarily in a position to do something about 
it." In its editorial, the center-right national English daily "The 
Nation" asserted that "General McChrystal's charge against elements 
of ISI aiding the Taliban has an air of dj` vu.  This had at one 
time been a constant refrain of American officials."  Commenting on 
the approval of $2.3 billion as U.S. aid for Pakistan, the populist, 
often sensational national English daily "The News" noted that "this 
aid offer, however, will bring with it issues. One of these is the 
question of how the aid will be disbursed."  End Summary. 
 
----------------- 
News Stories 
----------------- 
 
"Obama Pledges To Defeat Al Qaeda" "Dawn" (09/24) 
 
"U.S. President Barack Obama pledged on Wednesday to defeat Al Qaeda 
and said the United States would permit no safe havens for 
terrorists to launch attacks from Afghanistan or any other country. 
'The violent extremists who promote conflict by distorting faith 
have discredited and isolated themselves,' the U.S. President told 
the 192-member UN General Assembly." 
 
"Zardari Urges U.S. For Early Reimbursement Of Coalition Support 
Fund - Holbrooke, Ban Meet President" "The News" (09/24) 
 
"President Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday urged the U.S. to reimburse 
the outstanding Coalition Support Fund of $1.6 billion on a fast 
track basis.  The President said this while talking to Obama's 
Special Envoy for Pakistan and Afghanistan Richard Holbrooke, who 
called on him in New York on Tuesday afternoon. " 
 
"Pakistan Hopes For Major Help To End Economic Crisis" "Dawn" 
(09/24) 
 
"The stage is set to launch a major international action on Thursday 
to help Pakistan overcome the current energy and economic crises 
which the Americans fear may destabilize the nuclear-armed country 
if not controlled.  The action, to be launched at the first summit 
of the Friends of Democratic Pakistan on the sidelines of the UN 
General Assembly session, is unique." 
 
"Who Are Pakistan's 'Friends' And What Do They Want" "Dawn" (09/24) 
 
"President Asif Ali Zardari is due to meet his country's main 
backers, including President Barack Obama, at a 'Friends of 
Pakistan' meeting in New York on Thursday (today)....  In 
particular, the group (Friends of Pakistan) wants to help Pakistan 
foster economic development and fight terrorism....  The United 
States and other allies with troops in Afghanistan want to see 
Pakistan tackle Taliban hideouts on the Pakistani side of the Afghan 
border.  But some analysts say Pakistan might be reluctant to take 
on the only Afghan factions it can use to counter what it says is 
the ever-growing influence of India in Afghanistan." 
 
"WB-Supplied Fund For NWFP, FATA And Balochistan" "Dawn" (09/24) 
"A multi-donor World Bank-operated Trust Fund for NWFP, Federally 
Administered Tribal Areas and Balochistan is expected to be set up 
at the Friends of Democratic Pakistan summit in New York on Thursday 
to address the problem of underdevelopment in these areas." 
 
"U.S. General Criticizes Indian Influence In Afghanistan" "Dawn" 
(09/24) 
 
"India's increasing influence in Afghanistan is jeopardizing U.S. 
efforts to defeat the Taliban and Al Qaeda extremists, warns Gen. 
Stanley McChrystal, the top U.S. and NATO commander in the 
war-ravaged country.  The suggestion to scale back India's growing 
influence in Afghanistan is included in an assessment submitted to 
U.S. President Barack Obama on Wednesday." 
 
"Hafiz Saeed put Under 'House Arrest': Jamaat-ud-Daawa" "The Nation" 
(09/24) 
 
"The Punjab government on Monday clamped restrictions on movement of 
Hafiz Saeed, head of banned religious outfit Jamaat-ud-Daawa, 
disallowing him to lead Eid prayers outside Gaddafi Stadium, an open 
place where he used to perform this religious obligation in the 
past." 
 
"U.S. Unrepentant On Drones" "The Nation" (09/24) 
 
"Pakistan must brace itself for more American drone attacks if 
President Barack Obama decides to shift his strategy against 
Al-Qaeda away from more troops in Afghanistan to more strikes by 
unmanned aircraft against terrorist targets.  As the war worsens in 
Afghanistan, a U.S. media report said Obama could steer away from 
the comprehensive counterinsurgency strategy he laid out this spring 
and towards a narrower focus on counterterrorism operations." 
 
"Dr. Khan Quiet On Times Proliferation Report" "Dawn" (09/24) 
 
"Nuclear scientist Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan declined on Wednesday to 
comment on the veracity of a letter he had allegedly written to his 
wife about five years ago and whose contents published by a British 
newspaper have stirred up a fresh controversy about his role in 
nuclear proliferation.  Revelations made in the letter prompted an 
immediate reaction from the United States which said that Dr. A.Q. 
Khan was still a 'risk for proliferation.'" 
 
"Musharraf to Discuss Afghan War With U.S. Lawmakers" "Daily Times" 
(09/24) 
 
"Former military ruler General (R) Pervez Musharraf will meet 
privately with U.S. lawmakers on September 29 to discuss the 
changing US strategy for fighting the war in Afghanistan, according 
to an email obtained by AFP on Wednesday." 
 
"U.S. Approves $2.376 Billion Aid For Pakistan" "The News" (09/24) 
 
"American Congress has approved aid amounting to $2.376 billion for 
Pakistan.  'Geo News' reported that this aid amount was meant for 
the fiscal year 2008-09, while the U.S. government has also 
presented an aid bill for Pakistan for the fiscal year 2009-10 
amounting to $2.282 billion in the American Congress. This 
assistance includes both military and non-military aid." 
 
"Transparency Indicts Pakistan At Critical Time" "The News" (09/24) 
 
"In an obvious rebuke to President Asif Zardari's efforts to seek 
massive aid from the world community, the global anti-corruption 
watchdog, the Transparency International, issued a stinging 
indictment on the eve of a high-profile New York meeting of the 
Friends of Democratic Pakistan, saying: 'How can one expect from any 
donor to come forward to assist Pakistan from its current financial 
crisis, when there exist no law against corruption.' Releasing the 
annual report, the Transparency International Chief in Pakistan 
Adeel Gilani said anti-corruption efforts in the country had taken a 
180 degree turn since Gen Pervez Musharraf issued the National 
Reconciliation Ordinance on October 5, 2007." 
 
"Corruption Was Bad Enough, Now Human Trafficking As Well; Pakistan 
Put On Watch List By State Department" "The News" (09/24) 
 
"It was a shameful Wednesday for Pakistan, first for being dubbed as 
one of the most corrupt nations by the Transparency International 
and then on the same day to be put on the State Department watch 
list for failing to curb human smuggling.  The government's failure 
to provide the required information to the State Department on the 
former's efforts to curb human trafficking has led to the 
Islamabad's inclusion in the State Department's Tier 2 Watch List." 
 
"U.S. Has Failed In Public Diplomacy, Says Qureshi" "The News" 
(09/24) 
 
"Pakistan's Foreign Minister, Shah Mahmood Qureshi candidly gave a 
f-grade to American policy-makers in perception management during an 
interview with American News Channel, CBS.  Questioned about reasons 
behind rise in anti-American sentiment in the Pakistani public, the 
Foreign Minister felt the U.S. had failed in public diplomacy." 
 
"ANP Asks Parties To Resist Enhanced U.S. Presence" "Dawn" (09/24) 
 
"The Awami National Party (ANP) has warned the Pakistan People's 
Party (PPP) that it may, along with other parties, take to the 
street if the federal government succumbs to 'the U.S. pressure' of 
allowing private American armies to operate in the country." 
 
"Malik Denies Presence Of Blackwater In Pakistan" "Daily Times" 
(09/24) 
 
"Interior Minister Rehman Malik on Wednesday categorically denied 
the existence or operations of US private security firm Blackwater 
in the country.  'Blackwater does not engage in any activity in 
Pakistan.  Indeed no official or foreign security company has been 
provided any facility in the country,' he said during an interview 
with a private TV channel." 
 
"U.S. Departure From Region Key To Peace: JI" "The News" (09/24) 
 
"Secretary General of the Jamaat-e-Islami Liaquat Baloch has said 
that withdrawal of the U.S.-led coalition forces from Afghanistan 
was indispensable for peace in the region." 
 
"Army Close To Winning Anti-Terror War: COAS" "Dawn" (09/24) 
 
"The army is close to winning the war against terrorism and it will 
guarantee national security without letting anyone cast an evil eye 
on Pakistan, says Chief of the Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez 
Kayani.  Addressing army Jawans during a visit to South Waziristan 
and Tank on Wednesday, Gen. Kayani praised the soldiers' devotion 
and dedication and said that the strategy adopted by the army and 
people's support had led to the dismantling of the terror network." 
 
"Mass Exodus From South Waziristan Continues" "The News" (09/24) 
 
"Scores of families continued shifting to safer places due to the 
ongoing clashes between the militants and security forces in 
Mahsud-inhabited areas of South Waziristan Agency, Tribal sources 
said." 
 
"Eight Bodies Found" "Dawn" (09/24) 
 
"Security forces found two decapitated bodies and six bullet-riddled 
bodies in Hangu, Orakzai Agency and Darra Adamkhel on Wednesday. 
The eight people are believed to have been killed by militants." 
 
"At Least 21 Militants Surrender In Swat" "Dawn" (09/24) 
 
"Security forces have arrested at least 24 terrorists during the 
last 24 hours.  According to the Inter-Services Public Relations 
(ISPR), search and clearance operations are continuing in Swat and 
Malakand." 
 
"Suicide Bombing Mastermind Held" "Dawn" (09/24) 
 
"Security forces killed seven terrorists and claimed to have 
captured a militant accused of masterminding suicide bombings in 
Swat.  According to the army media cell, Mohammad Naseem alias Abu 
Faraj was arrested in Bara Bandai area on Tuesday." 
 
"Taliban Commander Among 4 Held In Nowshera" "The News" (09/24) 
 
"The security agencies have arrested an important Taliban Commander, 
Siddique alias Abu Zar, a mentor of suicide bombers and a close aide 
to Swat Taliban Chief, Maulana Fazlullah, along with his three 
companions during an operation, official sources told 'The News.'" 
 
"Two Peace Body Members Killed In Swat" "The News" (09/24) 
 
'Two members of the village peace committee were killed and two 
other persons sustained injuries when unknown militants opened fire 
at them in Manglawar area of Swat Valley on Wednesday, sources in 
the area said." 
 
--------------------- 
Editorials/Op-eds 
--------------------- 
 
 
"McChrystal And India," an editorial in the Karachi-based 
center-left independent national English daily "Dawn" (cir. 55,000) 
(09/24) 
 
"Indian political and economic influence is increasing in 
Afghanistan, including significant development efforts and financial 
investment.  In addition, the current Afghan government is perceived 
by Islamabad to be pro-Indian.  These words of Gen. Stanley 
McChrystal, which are a part of his assessment of the war in 
Afghanistan, are perhaps as significant as any other in the report 
for two reasons.  One, it is clear that peace in Afghanistan cannot 
prevail unless the interests of the Pakistani state are taken into 
account.  And from that perspective, enhanced Indian interests in 
Afghanistan are inimical to peace in the region....  But welcome as 
it may be that the U.S. appears to finally be coming around to 
understanding Pakistan's security outlook, there are problems. 
Identifying the problem doesn't mean the U.S. is necessarily in a 
position to do something about it." 
 
"The Air Of Dj` Vu," an editorial in the center-right national 
English daily "The Nation" (cir. 20,000) (09/24) 
 
"General McChrystal's charge against elements of Pakistan's ISI 
aiding the Taliban has an air of dj` vu.  This had at one time been 
a constant refrain of American officials as, on the one hand, they 
found that the phenomenon of resistance refused to peter out despite 
the superior U.S. firepower and, on the other, Pakistan was 
reluctant to launch military operation in the sensitive region along 
the border with Afghanistan for valid internal reasons....  However, 
the General's warning against the growing Indian influence in 
Afghanistan chimes in with Pakistan's position and correctly points 
to the destabilization impact it would have on the region." 
 
"U.S. General Stanley's Realism," an editorial in the 
second-largest, nationalist Urdu daily "Nawa-i-Waqt" (cir. 150,000) 
(09/24) 
 
"American General Stanley McChrystal has warned that increasing 
Indian influence in Afghanistan can increase tension in the region 
which could become detrimental to American interests....  The Obama 
administration should reconsider its Af-Pak policy in the light of 
General Stanley's report, especially American Envoy Holbrooke should 
be asked to read the report....  President Zardari, who is visiting 
America these days, should also inform the Obama administration 
about nefarious Indian designs against Pakistan's integrity." 
 
"Aid From U.S.," an editorial in the populist, often sensational 
national English daily "The News" (cir. 55,000) (09/24) 
 
"The U.S. Congress has approved aid of $2.3 billion for Pakistan.... 
 This is all the more so as approval has also been sought for an aid 
package for the coming fiscal year.  The aid offer, however, will 
bring with it issues.  One of these is the question of how the aid 
will be disbursed....  The new U.S. administration has also made it 
clear it wishes to see investment in education and the social 
sector.  Pakistan has also been asked to draw up clear projects for 
this.  For the people of Pakistan, the change in emphasis from 
military aid alone to a more mixed package is probably good news.... 
 In the longer-term, Pakistan needs to carefully assess its 
relationship with the U.S. and find a way to set it out on a more 
equal footing, so that Washington acts as a friend rather than as a 
master." 
 
"Meeting Of The Friends Of Democratic Pakistan: Don't Accept Any Aid 
At The Cost Of National Interests," an editorial in the 
second-largest, nationalist Urdu daily "Nawa-i-Waqt" (cir. 150,000) 
(09/24) 
 
"Following President Asif Ali Zardari's meetings with former 
President Bill Clinton, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and 
Special Representative Holbrooke, this propaganda of American and 
British press came to the fore that President Zardari is willing to 
minimize Pakistan's nuclear capability.  President Zardari might 
give assurance in this respect in the meeting of the so-called 
Friends of Pakistan.  In this backdrop, the nation is justifiably 
concerned about Zardari's long foreign trip." 
 
"Challenges Facing NATO In Afghanistan" an editorial in liberal Urdu 
daily "Express" (cir. 25,000) (09/24) 
 
"The law and order situation in Pakistan has improved greatly after 
the military operation against the Taliban. The biggest evidence 
being eid, which passed by peacefully without any major terrorist 
act.  If the NATO countries want to counter challenges facing them 
in Afghanistan, they too need to launch a comprehensive operation to 
break the terror network in Afghanistan.  The other way [to improve 
the situation] would be to end the Afghan war, and Pakistan has also 
offered to help in this regard.  It is now up to the U.S. and NATO 
to decide which option they want to try." 
 
"Rise In U.S. Problems In Afghanistan," an editorial in the 
Lahore-based independent Urdu daily "Din" (cir. 10,000) (09/24) 
 
"The U.S. cannot absolve itself of the Afghan issue by sending in 
more troops, as it would increase the local resistance. On the other 
hand, allied countries are considering pulling their troops out. If 
this trend strengthens, the U.S. will be left alone to shoulder the 
entire burden - which can prove even more devastating for its 
already declining economy." 
 
"Americans See A Change In The Air In Pakistan," a news commentary 
by Dr. Shahid Masood in the populist, often sensational national 
English daily "The News" (cir. 55,000) (09/24) 
 
"Americans see a change fast, but smoothly, coming in Pakistan in 
the wake of loss of credibility of the man at the helm, following 
some domestic legal developments.  After meeting top political and 
defence decision-makers in Washington, where I was invited by the 
National Defence University (NDU) for a two-day seminar on the 
anniversary of 9/11, I was told in unambiguous terms that a change 
in Pakistan was inevitable for U.S. policy interests, although 
Washington does not intend to disrupt the system.  Several important 
Pakistani political players have also been conveyed the same message 
by the U.S. political and defence establishment.  The main problem 
being faced by the U.S. administration, which it may never admit 
publicly, is that the present set-up with Mr. Asif Ali Zardari as 
the de facto ruler, has no credibility at home and no ability to 
deliver on the promises he makes, either on the military side or on 
the war on terror or on governance issues." 
 
"Not Vietnam, Not Yet," an op-ed by Tariq Fatemi in the 
Karachi-based center-left independent national English daily "Dawn" 
(cir. 55,000) (09/24) 
 
"President Barack Obama recently asserted that Afghanistan was not 
Vietnam, which shows his apprehension that Afghanistan is reviving 
the nightmarish memories of Vietnam that are seared in the American 
psyche.  Hence the need to revisit the issue.  Obama is increasingly 
giving the impression of a beleaguered leader, confronted by 
powerful lobbies determined to sabotage his well-intentioned 
proposals, whether they include domestic health reforms or his 
Middle East initiative.  But it is Afghanistan that could cripple 
his administration and tar him for all times.  The situation is not 
getting better, with a Taliban resurgence that has surprised U.S. 
commanders....  A U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan would leave it 
with little justification for its growing presence in Central Asia 
where it has been establishing military bases and other 
facilities....  Given the limited options before Obama, it is not 
unlikely that there will be renewed efforts to make the Afghan war 
more 'efficient,' 'cost-effective' and 'sustainable,' in a way that 
does not hurt the U.S. leader at home." 
 
"The North-South Nexus," an op-ed by Kamila Hyat in the populist, 
often sensational national English daily "The News" (cir. 55,000) 
(09/24) 
"The operation against the Taliban militants continues in the 
north....  But how much does the victory in Swat actually mean?  In 
some ways at least it is not insignificant.  A clear signal of 
unwillingness to do business with the militants has finally been 
delivered.  The initially skeptical people of Swat now seem more 
convinced that this time round the operation is indeed intended to 
go beyond the cosmetic and achieve the defeat of the Taliban who had 
controlled the area for months.  But despite this, there is some 
question as to how far the overall picture has changed.  The series 
of devastating suicide attacks we have seen since August - at the 
Torkham border post, in Mingora and in Kohat - is evidence the 
Taliban remain operational." 
 
"Hafiz Saeed Under House Arrest Again," an editorial in the 
second-largest, nationalist Urdu daily "Nawa-i-Waqt" (cir. 150,000) 
(09/24) 
 
"Police is duty bound to provide security to personalities like 
Hafiz Saeed (Lashkar-i-Taiba chief) and not to restrain them in 
their houses.  Eid is a religious obligation and stopping him from 
observing Eid in order to appease India and America was 
inappropriate.  Now that it has happened, the unwritten restriction 
on Hafiz Saeed's movement should end." 
 
"Hafiz Saeed Under House Arrest Again" an editorial in the 
center-right Urdu daily "Pakistan" (cir. 10,000) (09/24) 
 
"Prime Minister Gilani said in Multan that action against Hafiz 
Saeed will be taken on the basis of evidence.  India had been asking 
for evidence against Hafiz Saeed from Pakistan, which means that 
India does not have any evidence against the Hafiz....  India wants 
to label Pakistan as a terrorist state, whereas it is involved in 
terrorism against Pakistan.  The government should reconsider its 
decision to detain Hafiz Saeed." 
 
"Back Channel Diplomacy With India: Include Important Issues In The 
Agenda," an editorial in the Lahore-based populist center-right Urdu 
daily "Khabrain" (cir. 50,000) (09/24) 
 
"The desire to hold talks with India is encouraging but the 
government must bear in mind that talks will be fruitless until 
important issues [like Kashmir and Baglihar Dam] are included in the 
agenda.  It is important that these issues be added to the agenda." 
 
 
 
 
"No Forward Movement," an editorial in the Karachi-based center-left 
independent national English daily "Dawn" (cir. 55,000) (09/24) 
 
"President Obama is seeking to bring the two sides to the 
negotiating table in the hope that the issue of the settlement 
freeze would be discussed. The American leader plans to keep up the 
pressure on both sides through Secretary of State Hillary Clinton 
and Middle East special envoy George Mitchell.  But it is difficult 
to be optimistic under the circumstances, especially if it is kept 
in mind that freezing settlement activities would be relatively 
easier to accomplish than the other daunting items on the agenda 
such as the status of Jerusalem, the fate of Palestinian refugees 
and the borders of a future Palestinian state." 
 
"Practical Measures Needed To Resolve The Palestinian Issue," an 
editorial in the Lahore-based independent Urdu daily "Din" (cir. 
10,000) (09/24) 
 
"President Obama realizes that global powers' ineffective role on 
Palestine has created the impression that the U.S. is following 
anti-Muslim policies. The continuation of Israeli settlements, 
restrictions on Palestinians' movement, and stopping international 
assistance have all added to the woes of Palestinians, instead of 
reining in Israel. President Obama needs to pay as much attention to 
the implementation of the two-state solution as he has stressed on 
the resumption of talks on the matter." 
 
(All circulation figures are based on estimation) 
Patterson