VZCZCXYZ0949
OO RUEHWEB

DE RUEHIL #2411/01 2791024
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 061024Z OCT 09
FM AMEMBASSY ISLAMABAD
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 5182
RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHINGTON DC IMMEDIATE
RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK IMMEDIATE 0137
RUEHNO/USMISSION USNATO IMMEDIATE 5812
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 1438
RUEHFR/AMEMBASSY PARIS 7862
RUEHMO/AMEMBASSY MOSCOW 1859
RHHMUNA/HQ USPACOM HONOLULU HI

UNCLAS ISLAMABAD 002411 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: KMDR KPAO OIIP OPRC PGOV PREL PK
SUBJECT:  PAKISTAN MEDIA REACTION: OCTOBER 06, 2009 
 
Summary:  Reports and photographs of a suicide attack at the UN 
World Food Program office in Islamabad, killing five people 
including a diplomat and two female employees garnered headlines in 
all newspapers on Tuesday.  The leading mass circulation Urdu daily 
"Jang," and its sister English language newspaper, "The News," ran 
Ambassador Patterson's statement on their front-pages condemning the 
incident.  Interior Minister Malik's remarks warning that "more 
incidents of blasts might occur as the terrorists are on the run" 
were also highlighted.  In its editorial on the subject, the daily, 
"Dawn," observed that the "Monday's attack is a grim reminder that 
the fight against militancy is far from over." 
 
The Kerry-Lugar Bill continued to receive intense media attention 
ever since its approval by the U.S. Congress.  Newspapers portrayed 
a mix of reaction from various segments of Pakistani society, with 
some praising while other criticizing it. The prestigious daily, 
"Dawn," reported that the "government put up a stout defense in the 
National Assembly of the U.S. aid bill."  However, in a front-page 
report another English daily, "The News," highlighted that "Pakistan 
has a good mind to reject Kerry-Lugar Bill."  The same paper in 
another report noted that "President Zardari rejected criticism on 
Kerry-Lugar Bill and termed it the best aid bill."  Several major 
newspapers gave prominence to Punjab Governor Taseer's remarks that 
the "criticism on the Kerry-Lugar Bill has been merely for the sake 
of criticism."  Along with the story, several newspapers ran an AP 
story that "billions in U.S. aid (were) funneled away from Pakistan 
military."  Commenting on the Kerry-Lugar Bill, the second largest 
nationalist Urdu daily "Nawa-i-Waqt" noted in its editorial that 
"Punjab Chief Minister Sharif's statement of not accepting aid at 
the cost of national dignity should not remain mere political 
slogan.  The PML-N should play an active role in strengthening 
public opinion against the conditions of the Kerry-Lugar bill." 
 
In other news, almost all newspapers highlighted reports that the 
"Christians of Gojra recorded protest with the U.S. diplomat" at an 
event where USAID relief supplies were being distributed.  The 
villagers were protesting the police failure to arrest people 
involved in the communal violence on July 31 and August 1 this year. 
 Also front-paged were reports that the new TTP (Tehrik Taliban 
Pakistan) chief "Hakimullah Mehsud appeared in video clip broadcast 
on local television, dispelling rumors of his death and vowing 
'severe' new attacks on U.S. and Pakistani forces."  End Summary. 
 
----------------- 
News Stories 
----------------- 
 
"Suicide Bomber Kills Five UN Aid Personnel" "Dawn" (10/06) 
 
"At least five UN officials, a foreigner and two women among them, 
were killed and eight others injured on Monday when a suicide bomber 
dressed as a paramilitary soldier blew himself up after slipping 
through high security checkpoints at the main office of the World 
Food Program in Islamabad." 
 
"UN Chief, U.S. Condemn WFP Attack" "The News" (10/06) 
 
"In the press briefing at the UN Headquarters, Michele Montas, a 
spokeswoman for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon read out a 
condemnation statement on issued by Ban Ki-moon against the attack. 
Condemning the attack, U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan Anne W. Patterson 
said senseless acts of violence against people who helped feed the 
poor and hungry were an attack on Pakistani society." 
 
"Malik Warns Of More Attacks" "Daily Times" (10/06) 
 
"Interior Minister Rehman Malik on Monday warned of more terrorist 
attacks in the days to come, as the Taliban might resort to 'rapid 
attacks' as a last ditch effort to pressure the government." 
 
"UN Offices In Pakistan Closed Temporarily" "The News" (10/06) 
 
"United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Monday ordered 
closing all offices of the world body in Pakistan for the time being 
for security concerns." 
 
"Humanitarian Work To Continue: UN" "Dawn" (10/06) 
 
"Officials say UN aid work will continue in Pakistan even though 
staff in Islamabad has been sent home since the bomb attack. 
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon says the UN will continue its 
humanitarian assistance to more than 2 million Pakistanis in need of 
help." 
 
"Govt. Defends U.S. Aid Bill In NA" "Dawn" (10/06) 
 
"The government put up a stout defence in the National Assembly on 
Monday of the so-called Kerry-Lugar bill seeking to triple 
non-military U.S. aid to Pakistan to $7.5 billion over the next five 
years, rejecting opposition charges that attached conditions would 
hit the country's interests.  Information Minister Qamar Zaman 
Kaira, responding to criticism by opposition leader Chaudhry Nisar 
Ali Khan at the start of the lower house session, said the 
conditions in the bill did not conflict with Pakistan's policies and 
pointed out that they would apply only to a still undetermined 
security assistance and not to $1.5 billion a year civilian aid." 
 
"Pakistan Has A Good Mind to Reject Kerry-Lugar Bill" "The News" 
(10/06) 
 
"The government is gently moving in a direction where it may reject 
the Kerry-Lugar Bill in its present shape.  The rejection will be 
accompanied by a request to the U.S. Congress and the Obama 
administration for an understanding of Pakistan's sovereignty and 
its right to decide issues of national security and foreign policy, 
according to several senior Pakistani officials and an important 
Federal Cabinet Minister." 
 
"Zardari Rejects Criticism Of Kerry-Lugar Bill" "The News" (10/06) 
 
"Asif Zardari on Monday night asked party leaders and Ministers to 
vigorously respond to the criticism of the party and government 
policies by its political adversaries.   Briefing the media about 
the meeting, presidential spokesperson Farhatullah Babar said the 
President and party co-chairman also explained the salient features 
of the Kerry-Lugar Bill and rejected all criticism that conditions 
ostensibly attached to it undermined the country's sovereignty in 
any way." 
 
"Opponents Of Lugar Bill 'Armchair Critics'" "Dawn" (10/06) 
 
"Governor Salmaan Taseer says criticism on the Kerry-Lugar Bill has 
been merely for the sake of criticism and all opposing it are 
'armchair critics.'  It is a grant-in-aid and not a loan, he said at 
a news conference at the Governor's House, Lahore on Monday." 
 
"Billions In U.S. Aid Funneled Away From Pakistan Military" "Daily 
Times" (10/06) 
 
"The US has long suspected that a majority of the billions of 
dollars it has sent to Pakistan to battle the Taliban has been 
diverted to the domestic economy and other causes, such as fighting 
India.  However, the scope and longevity of the misuse has become 
clear after two army generals have claimed that between 2002 and 
2008, while Al Qaeda regrouped, only $500 million of the $6.6 
billion in American aid actually made it to the Pakistani military." 
 
 
"Kerry-Lugar Bill Proves U.S. Is Eternal Friend: Haqqani" "Daily 
Times" (10/06) 
 
"The Kerry-Lugar Bill has allayed Pakistan's fear that the U.S. 
would abandon Pakistan, envoy to the U.S. Hussain Haqqani said while 
talking to a private news channel on Monday." 
 
"Corps Commanders To Discuss Aid Bill Tomorrow" "The News" (10/06) 
 
"The corps commanders will discuss the Kerry-Lugar Bill in a meeting 
tomorrow (Wednesday), it is learned.  A meeting of the top military 
commanders has been convened on Wednesday at the GHQ, which would be 
chaired by COAS General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani." 
 
"Christians Record Protest With U.S. Diplomat" "Dawn" (10/06) 
 
"The Christians of Gojra refused on Monday to accept relief goods 
from Lahore U.S. Consulate Principal Officer Carmella Conroy in 
protest against, what they say, police failure to arrest the people 
involved in the communal violence in Gojra on July 31 and August 01, 
2009." 
"Hakeemullah Alive, Vows To Expedite Attacks" "Dawn" (10/06) 
 
"New leader of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan Hakeemullah Mehsud, 
thought by Pakistani and U.S. officials to have been killed in 
infighting, appeared before a small group of journalists at an 
unspecified place in South Waziristan on Monday, vowing to avenge 
the killing of his predecessor Baitullah Mehsud and expedite attacks 
on U.S. and Pakistani forces." 
 
"Surrender Of Bajaur Militants Deadline Extended But Locals Continue 
To Flee" "Dawn" (10/06) 
 
"The government extended on Monday the deadline, set for Mamond 
tribes of Bajaur tribal region to hand over militants in their 
respective areas, for three days but locals, fearing a military 
operation in near future, continued to shift to safer places." 
 
"Security Forces Claim Killing 3 Militants In Bajaur" "The News" 
(10/06) 
 
"The security forces claimed to have killed three militants and 
wounded as many while two others were arrested in injured condition 
during fierce clashes in Charmang area of Bajaur's Nawagai 
sub-division on Monday." 
 
"Five Militants Killed" "Dawn" (10/06) 
 
"Five militants were killed when helicopter gunships targeted their 
hideouts on the Gurguri hilltop in Bara tehsil of Khyber Agency on 
Monday." 
 
"Sufi's Close Aide, Nine Others Surrender In Dir" "The News" 
(10/06) 
 
"Ten suspected militants, including a close lieutenant of the 
outlawed Tanzim Nifaz Shariat-e-Muhammadi (TNSM) chief Maulana Sufi 
Muhammad, surrendered to the administration on Monday." 
 
"Eight Taliban Killed In Malakand Agency" "Daily Times" (10/06) 
 
"Security forces killed eight Taliban and arrested another 13 in 
Malakand, a security forces spokesman said on Monday." 
 
"Pakistan Has Forces, Arms For Waziristan Action: U.S." "Dawn" 
(10/06) 
 
"Pakistan has mobilized enough forces and equipment to launch a long 
awaited ground offensive against the Taliban in their South 
Waziristan stronghold near the Afghan border, US defence officials 
said on Sunday.... 'We would assess that they have plenty of force 
to do the job right now,' said one of the officials, who has been 
closely monitoring Pakistani preparations for the offensive." 
 
--------------------- 
Editorials/Op-eds 
--------------------- 
 
"Islamabad Attack," an editorial in the Karachi-based center-left 
independent national English daily "Dawn" (cir. 55,000) (10/07) 
 
"Terror struck in Islamabad once again on Monday: a suicide bomber 
killing several people in the UN World Food Program's offices.... 
Yet, Monday's attack is a grim reminder that the fight against 
militancy is far from over.  The state may be growing in confidence 
and developing better means to thwart the militants, but the threat 
of violence is still very real.  Indeed, the central question 
remains unanswered: is the present, sporadic violence a sign that 
the militancy phenomenon is in its last throes or does it represent 
a relative lull while the militants regroup?" 
 
"Hitting The Innocents," an editorial in the populist, often 
sensational national English daily "The News" (cir. 55,000) (10/06) 
 
"Whoever bombed the World Food Program office in Islamabad F8/3 knew 
that this was an organisation that had done more to help the people 
of Pakistan than almost any other UN agency.  The WFP feeds people, 
it has no aggressive or warlike face and you would need a very 
warped view of the world to consider it a threat - or a target.... 
Even without a claim of responsibility it is reasonable to assume 
that this was carried out by one of the several extremist groups 
currently laying siege to our society.  They are a clever and 
sophisticated enemy who could possibly have sympathizers inside our 
defensive walls who will look the other way as the man with the bomb 
in the box saunters past.  Ultimately, nothing and nowhere is 'safe' 
anymore." 
 
"Blast At The UN Office: Are The Extremists Regrouping?," an 
editorial in the liberal Urdu daily "Express" (cir.25,000) (10/06) 
 
"Yesterday's attack should be thoroughly investigated so it can be 
determined as to what forces were behind such attacks. It would not 
be difficult to get the [terrorist] leadership once the perpetrators 
of this attack are apprehended.  This would help uproot terrorism 
from this region and the world." 
 
"U.S. Goes Too Far," an editorial in the center-right national 
English daily "The Nation" (cir. 20,000) (10/06) 
 
"As U.S. pressure becomes more overt, aggressive and intrusive, the 
reaction against it becomes more expressive and spreads across the 
board....  But the U.S. seems to be in no mood to adopt any rational 
mode of behavior.  Now it has been reported that the Pakistani 
government has gone an accommodative step further - some would say 
too far - and declared that if the U.S. thinks there are remnants of 
the Taliban Shura present in Quetta, Pakistan would be prepared to 
take U.S. officials alongside and target these holdouts in their 
presence....  This is an untenable position and Pakistan needs to 
state unequivocally that 'enough is enough.'  No monetary aid can 
make such submissions as we are seeing our leadership make 
acceptable....  The nation has realized the U.S. has gone too far. 
When will the leadership understand the same?" 
 
"Government's Reconnaissance Offer To U.S. Army In Balochistan," an 
editorial note in the second largest nationalist Urdu daily 
"Nawa-i-Waqt" (10/06) 
 
"What is the need to offer reconnaissance to the U.S. when proof has 
already been provided to Admiral Mullen about the non-existence of 
Taliban Shura in Quetta....  Does the U.S. allow the rest of the 
world to tour specific [sensitive] areas?  Not possible.  In fact it 
[the U.S.] presents foreigners to the [sniffer] dogs before they 
enter the U.S; people are strip-searched....  The U.S. is now 
looking for excuses to launch drone strikes in Balochistan now. 
General Kayani had responded by saying courageously that no one 
would be allowed to attack Balochistan.  He should turn this 
statement into a policy and make it clear to the U.S. that drone 
strikes on Balochistan would not be tolerated." 
 
"Dangerous Ambitions Of Enemies In Balochistan," an editorial in the 
popular rightist Urdu-language daily "Ausaf" (cir. 10,000) (10/05) 
 
"It seems that like Waziristan and the North-West Frontier Province 
(NWFP), the U.S. is fabricating new lies in order to play a similar 
game in Quetta.  It has assigned a very important role to India 
against Pakistan and if we fail to take timely remedial measures, 
the situation can take a very dangerous turn.  We hope that our 
government would take immediate steps to encounter all the 
machinations of the U.S., Israel and India against our country." 
 
"Need For Restraint," an editorial in the Lahore-based liberal 
English daily "The Post" (cir. 5,000) (10/06) 
 
"The Obama administration increased pressure on Pakistan for 
dismantling what it calls Taliban's command structure in Quetta.  As 
the U.S. has not ruled out carrying out drone attacks in parts of 
Balochistan....  Such strikes, since they act like a blunt 
instrument, often cause collateral damage killing civilians and, in 
the process, raising anti-U.S. sentiment.  Terrorists take advantage 
of such a situation and succeed in taking more terrorists into their 
fold....  The U.S. administration should also take a lesson or two 
from its experiences in FATA where its drone attacks caused the 
terrorists to strike in cities." 
 
"Don't Just Raise Slogans Of Rejecting U.S. Assistance," an 
editorial note in the second largest nationalist Urdu daily 
"Nawa-i-Waqt" (10/06) 
 
"Mian Shahbaz Sharif's statement of not accepting aid at the cost of 
national dignity should not remain mere political slogan.  The PML-N 
should play an active role in strengthening public opinion against 
the conditions of the Kerry-Lugar bill.  The party should inform the 
nation about the pros and cons of this assistance - this is a matter 
of safeguarding national dignity, not playing politics." 
 
"Nation Cannot Accept Aid In Exchange Of Its Honor," an editorial in 
the popular rightist Urdu-language daily "Ausaf" (cir. 10,000) 
(10/06) 
 
"The U.S. is planning to target the Pakistani Army and the ISI.  To 
attain this objective, Washington is using its financial assistance 
as a bait which would go to the pockets of the rich instead of its 
utilization to improve the lot of the poor Pakistani masses.  This 
nation can live with poverty but cannot accept slavery in the form 
of such financial aid.  All political parties, labor unions, media 
and the civil society should raise their voice against the 
Kerry-Lugar Bill." 
 
"Analyzing Kerry-Lugar," an op-ed by Syed Mohammad Ali in the 
Lahore-based liberal English language daily "Daily Times" (cir. 
10,000) (10/06) 
 
"Instead of being critical just for the sake of criticism, however, 
it would be better if the media and the opposition were to look more 
closely into the text of the revised version of the Kerry-Lugar 
bill, and to double check claims of U.S. and Pakistani officials 
concerning not only the sanction clauses, but also the 
administrative costs of incoming aid, and means to ensure 
involvement of local organizations in its disbursal.  If most of 
their fears are alleviated, it would still be useful for the current 
opposition and the media to play a constructive role in maintaining 
vigilance during the process of aid disbursals over the next five 
years, so that there is eventually more progress to show on the 
ground, once the allocated funds have been spent." 
 
"Kerry-Lugar," an op-ed by Mir Jamilur Rahman in the populist, often 
sensational national English daily "The News" (cir. 55,000) (10/06) 
 
"A country which is submerged up to its neck in debt, which Pakistan 
is, cannot be 100 per cent sovereign.  Nor can it dictate terms 
entirely to its own liking.  President Zardari and his able team 
spent nearly a week in the U.S. lobbying for the passage of the 
Kerry-Lugar Bill on the best possible terms.  The outcome of its 
efforts is amazing: $1.5b per year for the next five years, not as a 
loan but as an outright grant for the social uplift of the poor.... 
Pakistan has incurred heavy losses by supporting the American war on 
terror, which is our war also....  The Kerry-Lugar Bill is in fact a 
token of US appreciation for the fruitful efforts of Pakistan 
security forces against the Taliban.  It is in the interest of 
Pakistan that NATO force remained in Afghanistan until full peace is 
secured." 
 
"Pakistan And U.S. Aid," an op-ed by Shahid Javed Burki in the 
Karachi-based center-left independent national English daily "Dawn" 
(cir. 55,000) (10/06) 
 
"Directly or indirectly the United States has been involved in 
helping Pakistan develop its economy....  This time around, the U.S. 
is committing itself to helping Pakistan to improve the lives of its 
citizens.  This is being done as a part of the belief that unhappy 
people are potential insurgents and there are many of those in 
Pakistan....  However, bypassing the government and giving aid 
directly to non-government organizations may appear to be attractive 
over the short-term but would be very counterproductive over the 
long-term.  What the United States should be turning its attention 
to right away is to build the institutions of government rather than 
ignore them." 
 
"Afghanistan Issue: U.S. Consultation With Pakistan" an editorial in 
the center-right Urdu daily "Pakistan" (cir. 10,000) (10/06) 
 
"Coincidentally, the battle in Nuristan took place at a time when 
Afghan and Pakistan governments were in consultation in Washington 
about the future strategy....  Despite grave differences, the Afghan 
and Pakistan delegations agreed on one point: immediate U.S. 
withdrawal from Afghanistan could lead to devastation in the region. 
This needs some clarification.  Before finalizing such points, the 
government should discuss them with elected representatives. There 
is no alternative for collective wisdom." 
 
"NWFP Takes The Brunt," an op-ed by Nasser Yousaf in the 
Karachi-based center-left independent national English daily "Dawn" 
(cir. 55,000) (10/06) 
 
"The U.S. might be an ignoble villain responsible for all the 
world's woes but it is doing one thing right: keeping the Afghans 
from fleeing their country like they did during the Soviet 
occupation and subsequent Taliban rule....  Pulling out at this 
stage would amount to handing over Afghanistan to the Taliban, which 
would undoubtedly force another wave of migration of Afghans and 
their consequent settlement in the Frontier.  This could be the 
worst imaginable nightmare for the Frontier as the province - 
teetering and crumbling - is seen grappling with the most decisive 
moments of its volatile history." 
 
"The Afghan Fallout," an op-ed by Dr. Maleeha Lodhi in the populist, 
often sensational national English daily "The News" (cir. 55,000) 
(10/06) 
 
"The U.S. and coalition forces will face greater difficulties 
against the insurgency especially if the present strategy remain 
unchanged and when a fraud-stricken Presidential election in 
Afghanistan has denuded the country of a legitimate government.  One 
response being proposed in the U.S. to this dire situation is a 
substantial surge of military forces.  But to what end, at what cost 
and with what chances of success?...  If the central objective is to 
disrupt and defeat Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan and Pakistan's border 
region can this be achieved through a military escalation?  Even if 
the stated aim is to protect the population, more troops will mean 
intensified fighting with the Taliban.  But Al Qaeda can only be 
neutralized in Afghanistan and in the border region with Pakistan if 
it is rejected by and ejected from the Taliban 'sea' in which it 
survives.  This urges a strategy to separate the two movements by 
military, political and other means." 
 
"The Afghan Quagmire," an op-ed by Rahimullah Yusufzai in the 
populist, often sensational national English daily "The News" (cir. 
55,000) (10/06) 
 
"The current U.S. predicament reminds one of the Soviet dilemma in 
the 80s when the Red Army occupation troops in Afghanistan were 
pulled out of far-away military outposts to avoid further harm. 
When this policy was implemented, the Afghan countryside gradually 
fell into Mujahideen hands, the highways and roads linking cities 
became unsafe and the communist government of President Babrak 
Karmal and his successor President Dr. Najibullah started weakening. 
 This scenario could be repeated if the NATO forces were to pull 
back to better defended urban centers, thereby leaving most of the 
rural areas in southern and eastern Afghanistan in Taliban hands. 
This would also put to rest any remaining western hopes of winning 
the hearts and minds by interacting with the Afghan people and 
solving their problems to make their lives better than under the 
Taliban....  This would mean more fighting, though it is doubtful if 
the military stalemate in Afghanistan could be broken.  And then, 
after a few months the Obama administration could be carrying out 
another policy review and wondering what to do next to extricate 
itself from the Afghan quagmire." 
 
"U.S. Must Withdraw From Afghanistan," an op-ed by Rizwan Asghar in 
the center-right national English daily "The Nation" (cir. 20,000) 
(10/06) 
 
"No doubt, the Taliban have no popular support in Afghanistan but 
the presence of foreign troops there continues to provide them a 
best recruiting ground in their own country.  The Taliban cannot be 
expected to surrender soon and their leadership remains out of the 
reach of NATO forces.  The support of U.S. citizens for the Afghan 
war has already dropped to a record low.  So now it is left with no 
other option but to withdraw its forces from the country....  The 
expansion of Afghan war theatre into Pakistan will compound U.S. 
difficulties.  Therefore, the U.S. administration must let sanity 
prevail and accept its forces' inevitable defeat in Afghanistan." 
 
"What Is The Justification For Indian Presence In Afghanistan?," an 
editorial in the Lahore-based Urdu daily "Waqt" (10/06) 
 
"After all what is the justification for Indian presence in 
Afghanistan?  Isn't it in Mike Mullen and Holbrooke's notice that 
whenever the Allied forces meet failure in Afghanistan, they raise a 
hue and cry about Mullah Umar and Usama bin Laden's presence in 
Pakistan?...  The need is to take strong note of India's 
anti-Pakistan activities in Afghanistan. Pakistani leadership should 
also make it clear to the U.S. that peace in Afghanistan will remain 
elusive until the so-called Indian consulates in Afghanistan are 
closed down.  In such a scenario, neither [Indo-Pak] talks can be 
held nor the gulf between the two countries be bridged." 
 
(All circulation figures are based on estimation) 
Patterson