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UNCLAS ISLAMABAD 002361 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: KMDR KPAO OIIP OPRC PGOV PREL PK
SUBJECT:  PAKISTAN MEDIA REACTION: SEPTEMBER 30, 2009 
 
Summary: Reports of "killing of 12 militants including three Uzbek 
nationals in U.S. drone strikes and PAF (Pakistan Air Force) 
jetfighter bombing in South and North Waziristan" made front-page 
headlines in most major dailies on Wednesday.  Newspapers also 
highlighted remarks attributed to Ambassador Patterson, published in 
The Washington Post, that Afghan Taliban's "Quetta Shura is high on 
Washington's list."  Pakistan Army Chief General Kayani's statement 
that "Pakistan will not allow U.S. drones to attack Balochistan" 
received extensive media coverage too.  The English language daily, 
"The News" reported that the "Pakistan Embassy in Washington hired 
another big-cost lobbyist Cassidy & Associates, while a furious 
debate is raging in Pakistan on the Kerry-Lugar bill." 
 
Commenting on the possibility of U.S. drone strikes on Quetta, the 
populist, often sensational national English daily "The News," 
wrote:  "The specter of aerial strikes over a major city is simply 
unthinkable. Perhaps this is a result of Islamabad's failure to 
oppose the Predator strikes in our tribal areas."  Criticizing the 
proposed strings attached to the Kerry-Lugar bill, the pro-Taliban 
Jihadi Urdu daily "Islam," opined that "by accepting the shameful 
conditions of the Kerry-Lugar Bill, Pakistan will virtually become 
an American colony. The weaknesses of our rulers have provided the 
entire world a pretext to impose their decisions upon us."  Toeing 
the line, the Islamabad-based English language daily, "Pakistan 
Observer," observed that "it is sheer diplomatic fiasco that the 
(Pakistan) government miserably failed to persuade Americans to drop 
highly objectionable and humiliating conditions attached to the 
original Kerry-Lugar Bill."  End Summary. 
 
----------------- 
News Stories 
----------------- 
 
"U.S. Drone, PAF Jets Kill 12 In Waziristan; Three Uzbeks Among 
dead" "The News" (09/30) 
 
"Three Uzbek militants were reportedly among the nine people killed 
in two missile attacks by unmanned U.S. aircraft in South and North 
Waziristan tribal regions, while three militants were killed in 
Pakistani jets bombing on Tuesday." 
 
"Patterson Says Quetta Shura High On U.S. List" "Dawn" (09/30) 
 
"The United States has now turned its focus to Quetta, claiming that 
it has now become a major Taliban base from where Mullah Omar and 
his commanders plan and launch cross-border strikes into 
Afghanistan.  On Tuesday, The Washington Post quoted U.S. Ambassador 
to Pakistan Anne W. Patterson as saying that Quetta was high on 
Washington's list of terrorist bases in the region." 
 
"No Drone Strikes In Balochistan, Kayani Tells U.S." "Daily Times, 
"The Nation" (09/30) 
 
"Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Kayani has said Pakistan 
will not allow U.S. drones to attack Balochistan, a private TV 
channel reported on Tuesday.  Quoting sources in the ISPR, the 
channel reported that Kayani attended the 28th Tripartite 
Commission, consisting of senior military representatives from 
Pakistan, Afghanistan and Coalition Forces in Afghanistan, where he 
met Afghan Army Chief General Bismullah Khan and ISAF Commander 
General McChrystal." 
 
"As Kerry-Lugar Boils, New Lobbyist Hired In DC" "The News" (09/30) 
 
"While a furious debate is raging in Pakistan on the Kerry-Lugar 
bill, focusing on who was responsible for this disaster, another 
almost a million-dollar lobbyist has been hired by Pakistan in 
Washington, though it is unclear how effective the move will be at 
this stage of the bill.  The new company hired is Cassidy & 
Associates, one of the biggest lobbying firms in Washington...." 
 
"Kerry-Lugar Bill Imposes Restrictions On U.S., Not Pakistan: 
Haqqani" "The News," "Daily Times," "The Post" (09/30) 
 
"The U.S. Congress has not imposed any restrictions on Pakistan, 
rather restrictions have been imposed on the U.S. government through 
the Kerry-Lugar Bill, Pakistan's Ambassador to the U.S. Hussain 
Haqqani said on Monday.  Haqqani made the comments in an interview 
with a private television channel. Since the Kerry-Lugar bill was 
legislated by the U.S. Congress, the conditions of this law apply to 
the U.S. government, not Pakistan, he said." 
 
"Over 10,000 Taliban In FATA: DG ISPR" "Daily Times" (09/30) 
 
"There are more than 10,000 Taliban present in Waziristan, including 
Uzbeks and other foreign militants, a private TV channel quoted 
Inter-Services Public Relations Director General Major General Athar 
Abbas as saying on Tuesday." 
 
"Lashkar Kills Three Militants In Swat; Security Forces Held 27 
Militants" "The News" (09/39) 
 
"A Lashkar of the anti-Taliban villagers killed three militants in a 
clash in Kanju area of Swat Valley on Tuesday.  Also, security 
forces held 27 militants during search operations while another 36 
surrendered to the authorities. " 
 
"Four Security Men Injured In Darra Rocket Attack" "Dawn" (09/30) 
 
"Four security personnel were injured when militants attacked Spina 
Thana in Akhorwal area of Darra Adamkhel with rockets on Tuesday 
night." 
 
"Owner Of Security Firm Arrested"  "Dawn" (09/30) 
 
"The owner of Inter-Risk Security Company, Capt (Retd) Syed Ali Ja 
Zaidi, who escaped Qest when police raided his house on Sept 19 
and seized a large quantity of arms and ammunition, was arrested on 
Tuesday after the additional district and sessions judge cancelled 
his bail.  The Inter-Risk Security Company provides security to 
diplomats.  Its license was cancelled after unlicensed arms were 
recovered from his house." 
 
"Peace Linked To Resolution Of Kashmir: PM" "The News" (09/30) 
 
"Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani on Tuesday linked normalization 
of relations with India and peace in the region with the resolution 
of the Kashmir dispute.  He said this while addressing a huge public 
gathering at the Shaheed Lalac Jan Stadium, Gilgit." 
 
--------------------- 
Editorials/Op-eds 
--------------------- 
 
"And Now Quetta," an editorial in the populist, often sensational 
national English daily "The News" (cir. 55,000) (09/30) 
 
"The specter of aerial strikes over a major city is simply 
unthinkable.(dm4M'yptof Islamabad's failure to 
oppose the Predator strikes in our tribal areas....  According to 
reports in the western media, there was an agreement to make a lot 
of noise but do nothing in more concrete terms to stop the unmanned 
aircraft.  It is this that seems to have led to the new and still 
more audacious proposal to take out targets in a heavily populated 
area....  By doing so they put all of us at greater risk. The U.S. 
must be told there can be no drone strikes over heavily populated 
areas.  Pakistan must voice the strongest opposition to this and 
dissuade Washington from finalizing a strategy for which the people 
of the country would never forgive it and indeed their own 
government." 
 
"A Double-Edged Sword," an editorial in the center-right national 
English daily "The Nation" (cir. 20,000) (09/30) 
 
"If the news about the likely insertion of a provision, 'shoot at 
sight,' in the anti-terrorist laws whose toughening is supposed to 
be on the cards, has any truth, there is need for a rethink.  For 
one thing, there must be a clear difference between the state and 
non-state actors.  Security of citizens being a decisive factor in 
the evolution of the concept of state, it cannot go about murdering 
people on mere suspicion; it has to follow the law and constitution. 
 For another, the proposed change could have dreadful 
consequences....  Reports keep appearing in the media, here as well 
as abroad, accusing the security forces of covertly murdering 
militants since the army has been doing mopping up operations in 
Swat.  Under the circumstance, it would be a great folly to give 
such a handle to the law enforcement agencies." 
 
"Political Upheaval In FATA," an editorial in the center-right 
national English daily "The Nation" (cir. 20,000) (09/30) 
 
"Though the perception that the conditions in FATA are reminiscent 
of the Middle Ages is quite valid, the official circles seem to have 
done little to bring it into the mainstream.  The current picture is 
that poverty and unemployment are at an alarmingly high level.  On 
the other hand, the U.S. drones are causing a staggering amount of 
loss of life and property.  Worse still, plans for uplifting the 
region economically remain nothing more than hot air.  Hardly any 
effort has been made to build basic infrastructure; and when exactly 
FATA can start producing goods under the Reconstruction Opportunity 
Zones for the U.S. market to consume is a big question.  The 
government must realize that ignoring its problems is an option the 
country can ill-afford." 
 
"Convince FATA Parliamentarians," an editorial note in the 
second-largest, center-right nationalist Urdu daily "Nawa-i-Waqt" 
(cir. 150,000) (09/30) 
 
"...  It would be better for the government to avoid extending the 
operation into Waziristan and come up with a replacement of the NWFP 
Governor, who is responsible for the Balochistan operation and 
compensate the people of FATA for their deprivations.  If it does 
not happen then tomorrow the entire nation will follow the FATA 
parliamentarians protest against U.S. sponsored operation and will 
start a street agitation." 
 
"Resignation Of FATA Parliamentarian," an editorial in the 
center-right Urdu daily "Pakistan" (cir. 10,000) (09/30) 
 
"American designs in this region are cause of grave concern.  The 
reports of mercenaries' activities, hired by military organizations, 
are rife.  America has denied presence of Blackwater or any other 
agency, but public has seen movements of foreign intelligence 
agencies operatives in Islamabad and Peshawar.  America has denied 
acquisition of 200 houses in Islamabad, but Interior Minister Rehman 
Malik has confirmed by saying that America has been given permission 
to buy 264 houses in Islamabad.  Is it for the first time that any 
country has been allowed to buy so many houses in another country or 
has there been a tradition history of this?  The American claim is 
also a cause of concern that Taliban leader Mullah Umar and his 
Shura members are hiding in Quetta and they are provided 
protection....  These are dangerous times....  Be warned that the 
wind blowing in FATA could spread to the entire country." 
 
"After All What The U.S. Want From Pakistan?" an editorial in the 
Karachi-based, pro-Taliban Jihadi Urdu daily "Islam" (cir. 15,000) 
(09/30) 
 
"U.S. Secretary of State Clinton's statement that 'Pakistan is not 
doing enough in the war on terror' has once again proved the 
apprehensions of analysts that Pakistan would get nothing from its 
dependence over the U.S. aid other than humiliation and shame. 
Despite rendering countless sacrifices, we are far away from winning 
the confidence of the U.S.  By accepting the shameful conditions of 
the Kerry-Lugar Bill, Pakistan will virtually become an American 
colony.  The weaknesses of our rulers have provided the entire world 
a pretext to impose their decisions upon us." 
 
"Take Dreaded Kerry-Lugar Bill to Parliament," an editorial in the 
Islamabad-based rightist English daily "Pakistan Observer" (cir. 
5,000) (09/30) 
 
"It is a sheer diplomatic fiasco that the Government miserably 
failed to persuade Americans to drop highly objectionable and 
humiliating conditions attached to the original Kerry-Lugar Bill, 
which were obviously included on the insistence of anti-Pakistani 
lobbies and are there in the final version albeit with change of 
wording....  In view of the contemptuous conditions attached to the 
bill, it is rightly being viewed by majority of Pakistanis as a 
clear infringement on the country's sovereignty.  They wonder how 
the Government has bartered away independence and sovereignty for 
the sake of paltry $1.5 billion....  One fails to understand what 
our diplomats and policy-making circles have been doing during the 
last over one year....  Under these circumstances, the apprehensions 
of the people are quite understandable and it would be appropriate 
if the issue is debated threadbare in Parliament and a response 
befitting an honorable nation be adopted vis-`-vis the bill." 
 
"Kerry-Lugar Bill:  The Fruition of 62 Years," an op-ed by Mosharraf 
Zaidi in the populist, often sensational national English daily "The 
News" (cir. 55,000) (09/30) 
 
"Reading the Kerry-Lugar Bill exposes several pleasant realities. 
Its analysis of Pakistan's development challenges is succinct, to 
the point and reasonably comprehensive.  The depth of analysis in 
the bill indicates genuine American interest in serious Pakistani 
issues....  The Kerry-Lugar Bill is a well-crafted document that 
makes no secrets of its motivations....  The Kerry-Lugar Bill is a 
bitter pill that Pakistan's strong and resilient people must swallow 
because they have repeatedly been failed by both their military 
dictators and their civilian megalomaniacs." 
 
"Kerry-Lugar Bill - Benchmarks For Ceding Sovereignty," an op-ed by 
Shireen M. Mazari in the center-right national English daily "The 
Nation" (cir. 20,000) (09/30) 
 
"We had official Pakistani circles jumping for joy with the passage 
of the Kerry-Lugar bill through the U.S. Senate....  The bill, till 
it becomes law after going through all the Congressional procedures, 
is not going to turn on the money tap for Pakistan, and there is an 
expectation that in the House of Representatives even more 
conditionalities may be latched on to what is already a 
conditionality-laden bill.  Beyond this, what are of vital 
importance are the conditionalities the U.S. is seeking to push down 
our throats in order for this money to be doled out...  And one has 
not even begun to calculate the hidden costs in terms of 
psychological damage to the nation, a culture of fear and mistrust 
and so on....  The question is, did the U.S. actually make fools out 
of the Pakistani leadership and its minions or did Haqqani know what 
was going on and sought to fool the Pakistani nation instead?... 
Under the present circumstances, for any Pakistani leader or state 
representative to applaud the Kerry-Lugar Bill is nothing short of 
political absurdity and an insult to the Pakistani nation." 
 
"The Price Of Aid," an op-ed Anees Jillani in the Karachi-based 
center-left independent national English daily "Dawn" (cir. 55,000) 
(09/30) 
 
"The U.S. Senate unanimously passed the revised version of the 
Kerry-Lugar Bill....  The government (Pakistan) must be rejoicing 
and claiming the U.S. Senate's approval as a major victory and proof 
of the international community's confidence in the present 
set-up....  But, at the same time, one wonders what direction the 
country's sovereignty has taken.  It is totally an internal matter 
whether Pakistan's security forces subvert its political or judicial 
processes.  All may oppose this, but does it make sense for foreign 
powers to dictate to another country how its political and judicial 
system should function?  This is the price that a country like 
Pakistan has to pay for taking aid from others.  Either it says no, 
or signs on the dotted line with a wide grin on its face, as if this 
was the best thing that has happened to the country since 
independence." 
 
"Lessons In Disaster," an op-ed by Anjum Niaz in the populist, often 
sensational national English daily "The News" (cir. 55,000) (09/30) 
 
"Will Obama and Zardari face failure should there be a clash between 
counter-insurgency (COIN) and counter-terrorism (COTE)?  The 
naysayer - from military intelligence spooks down to doctoral 
candidates and research fellows in prestigious Washington 
think-tanks; from COIN and COTE experts to newspaper columnists and 
editors in America - paint a doomsday scenario in either case.... 
Obama is caught in Catch-22. Previously, he hoped that COIN would 
tame the Taliban and rout the region of terrorism.  But today, he's 
not sure as conflicting views come out of his administration. 
'Pakistan is the nuclear elephant in the room,' Obama is being 
reminded.'" 
 
"Asif right On Kashmir," an editorial in the center-right national 
English daily "The Nation" (cir. 20,000) (09/30) 
 
"President Zardari has finally recognized the critical importance of 
Kashmir not only for the Pakistani nation but also for peace in the 
region.  His commitment not to bargain on Kashmir, simply to satisfy 
India in order to improve bilateral relations in a transitory 
fashion, is to be welcomed....  President Zardari has given the 
right signals not only to India and the international community, but 
also to his own people.  Let him stay this course regardless of the 
deals and lures India and its allies may offer.  Sometimes one 
simply has to stick to principles and defend the rights of the 
oppressed - especially when these people are part of our own.  That 
is why President Zardari reclaiming some of our lost space on 
Kashmir should be appreciated." 
 
"Trade With India Is Not Possible Without Resolving The Kashmir 
Issue," an editorial in the Lahore-based populist center-right Urdu 
daily "Khabrain" (cir. 50,000) (09/30) 
 
"Pakistan should not strengthen relations with India without 
resolving the Kashmir issue as it would otherwise be a waste of 
time.  Similarly, Kashmiri leaders should also be included in the 
dialogue process so that durable solution can be worked out." 
 
"Linking Indo-Pak Ties With Mumbai Is Not Correct," an editorial in 
the Lahore-based independent Urdu daily "Din" (cir. 10,000) (09/30) 
 
"It can be expected that after the approval of the Kerry-Lugar bill, 
Pakistan would head in the direction of establishing positive, 
durable and friendly relations with neighboring states.  China's 
offer of mediation should not be ignored.  There is a likelihood 
that India-Pakistan relations would improve if China plays a role." 
 
 
(All circulation figures are based on estimation) 
Patterson