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UNCLAS ISLAMABAD 002585 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: KMDR KPAO OIIP OPRC PGOV PREL PK
SUBJECT:  PAKISTAN MEDIA REACTION: TOP STORIES, TERRORISM/MILITARY, 
KERRY-LUGAR BILL, SECRETARY CLINTON'S VISIT, POLITICAL, 
ECON/BUSINESS, MISCELLANEOUS - OCTOBER 23, 2009 
 
Summary:  Reports and photographs of the broad daylight 
assassination of a Pak Army brigadier along with another soldier in 
Islamabad dominated front pages in all newspapers on Friday. Pegged 
to it were reports that 24 militants were killed in S. Waziristan 
military offensive.  Reports that President Obama was likely to sign 
the military aid bill for Pakistan with new conditions received 
prominent coverage.  Secretary Clinton's vow to counter propaganda 
in Pakistan was also given prominent coverage.  Some dailies also 
reported that Secretary Clinton would arrive in Islamabad on October 
¶28.  Newspapers reported that Farooq Haider was elected as AJK Prime 
Minister.  Commenting on the closure of educational institutions in 
the country in the wake of terrorist attacks, the prestigious 
English language daily, "Dawn," termed it a psychological victory 
for the militants.  In its editorial on the impending new U.S. curbs 
on military aid to Pakistan, another daily, "The Nation," called the 
Congressional move a hostile U.S. intent.  All news channels 
reported that six people were killed in a suicide blast near Kamra 
Aeronautical Complex in Attock early Friday morning.  End Summary. 
 
TOP STORIES 
 
News Story: "Army Loses Another Brigadier To Terror" "Dawn" (10/23) 
 
"Unidentified gunmen ambushed a military jeep in the federal 
capital's G-11 Sector on Thursday, killing a serving Brigadier 
Moinuddin Ahmed and his driver. An armed soldier was injured." 
(Story also front paged in: Daily Times, The News,The Nation, Jang, 
Nawa-i-Waqt, Khabrain, Express) 
 
News Story: "24 Militants, Two Soldiers Killed In South Waziristan 
Agency Action" "The News" (10/23) 
 
"Security forces continued consolidating positions in Tor Ghundai 
and Gurgurai Sar areas without making any considerable advance 
against militants in South Waziristan on the sixth day of the 
Rah-e-Nijat operation on Thursday.  The troops have yet to declare 
Kotkai a secured area to get psychological edge over the militants, 
as the village is the hometown of TTP head Hakimullah Mehsud and his 
cousin and lieutenant Qari Hussain, known as the mentor of suicide 
bombers." (Story also front paged in: Dawn, Daily Times, The News, 
The Nation, The Post, Jang, Nawa-i-Waqt, Khabrain, Express) 
 
TERRORISM/MILITARY ISSUES 
 
News Story: "Obama Likely To Sign Pak Aid Bill With Curbs" "Dawn" 
website (10/23) 
 
"The U.S. Senate is poised to a send a defence bill to President 
Barack Obama late on Thursday, which includes tough new conditions 
on American military aid to Pakistan.  The president is likely to 
sign the fiscal 2010 defence authorization bill despite objections 
to its funding for a controversial backup jet fighter engine." 
 
News Story: "U.S. To Counter Propaganda In Pakistan: Hillary" "The 
Nation" website (10/23) 
 
"The United States will forcefully counter what Secretary of State 
Hillary Clinton calls 'propaganda and misinformation' being spread 
against various U.S. actions vis-a-vis Pakistan, including the 
Kerry-Lugar aid bill.  'We have adopted a new approach, which is, we 
do not leave any misstatement or inaccuracy unanswered', she said 
when questioned about how Washington planned to counter the growing 
anti-US sentiments in Pakistan." (Story also front paged in: The 
News, Nawa-i-Waqt) 
 
News Story: "Clinton Vows U.S. Support For Pakistan's 'Courageous' 
Fight" "Dawn" website "The News" (10/23) 
 
"As Pakistan pushed its battle against militant stronghold in South 
Waziristan amid continuing retaliatory terrorist attacks, Secretary 
of State Hillary Clinton voiced U.S. solidarity and support for the 
nation's 'courageous' anti-terror fight.  Speaking at US Institute 
of Peace, Clinton also noted that the recent terrorist attacks 
against government and military targets do not pose a threat to 
Pakistan's nuclear command and control." 
 
News Story: "Top Guns Of Punjabi Taliban Captured" "Dawn" (10/23) 
 
 
"Security agencies have arrested two of the highest ranking Punjabi 
Taliban commanders, who are believed to have masterminded the 10/10 
attack on Army's General Headquarters (GHQ) and other high-profile 
strikes in Lahore.  The two commanders identified as Iqbal and Gul 
Muhammad, both hailing from Faisalabad, were arrested earlier this 
week by law-enforcement agencies, senior officials disclosed to 
'Dawn' on Thursday." 
 
News Story: "Advancing Troops Besiege Kotkai" "Dawn" (10/23) 
 
"Security forces besieged the militant stronghold of Kotkai in South 
Waziristan after fierce clashes on Thursday.  Officials said seven 
militants and five soldiers were killed in gunbattles in Sherwangei, 
Nawazkot and areas around Kotkai, the hometown of Tehrik-i-Taliban 
Pakistan chief Hakimullah Mehsud." 
 
News Story: "PAF To Continue Supporting Army In South Waziristan 
Agency" "Daily Times" (10/23) 
 
"The Pakistan Air Force will continue to support the army in its 
fight against terrorists in South Waziristan, Chief of Air Staff Air 
Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman said on Thursday." 
 
News Story: "9 Terrorists Gunned Down In Mohmand" "The Nation" 
(10/23) 
 
"Security forces killed nine terrorists and destroyed several houses 
and hideouts of militants in Mohmand Agency on Thursday.  According 
to details, the security forces supported by gunship helicopters, 
heavy artillery and armored vehicles." 
 
News Story: "South Waziristan Special" "Daily Times" (10/23) 
 
Leader of the Mehsud Taliban, Rehman is now the strongest commander 
of TTP and controls between 7,000 and 10,000 armed fighters in South 
Waziristan. A Malkhel Mehsud, Rehman is approximately 40 years old, 
a resident of Momi Karama area, and belongs to a middle class 
family." 
 
News Story: "ICG Calls For Political Reforms In FATA" "Dawn" 
(10/23) 
 
"An international watchdog body has expressed doubts over the 
lasting impact of the operation in South Waziristan because of 
military's attempts to appease rival Taliban factions and absence of 
political reforms in the region. The Brussels-based International 
Crisis Group in its report 'Pakistan: Countering Militancy in FATA' 
has attributed Taliban's influence in the area to 'short-sighted 
military policies and a colonial-era body of law' that isolated the 
region from the rest of the country. 
 
News Story: "Terrorists Plan Attacks On Army Convoys In Punjab, 
NWFP" "Daily Times" (10/23) 
 
"The Tehreek-e-Taliban (TTP) and Al Qaeda are planning to attack 
army convoys in Rawalpindi, Kharian, Multan and Okara cantonments in 
addition to hitting important targets in Kohat, Bunnu and Dera 
Ismail Khan, according to recent intelligence reports." 
 
News Story: "Fresh Travel Advisory Issued For U.S. Citizens" "Daily 
Times" (10/23) 
 
"The U.S. Embassy on Thursday issued a fresh travel advisory, urging 
its citizens in Pakistan to take measures for their security at all 
times.  'These measures include maintaining good situational 
awareness, avoiding crowds and keeping a low profile,' the Embassy 
said." 
 
News Story: "President, PM Discuss Security Situation" "The News" 
10/23) 
 
"President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani on 
Thursday met for the third time in one week and discussed the 
security situation in the country amid the fresh wave of terrorist 
attacks.  Zardari and Gilani, who also met on Friday and Tuesday, 
decided to establish a counter-terrorism wing in the Information 
Ministry. The wing will coordinate with the print and electronic 
media. According to sources, it was decided during the meeting that 
 
 
the premier would convene a meeting of all the four chief ministers 
today (Friday) to formulate a new security plan in the wake of fresh 
terrorism attacks." 
 
News Story: "Police Arrest Terror Suspect" "The News" 10/232) 
 
"Capital city police have arrested a suspected terrorist from the 
Faizabad area with thousands of bullets of different caliber, 
explosive devices and sophisticated parts of sub machineguns (SMGs) 
and 7 MM rifle, police said." 
 
News Story: "U.S. Envoy Holbrooke Denies Being 'Missing In Action'" 
"Dawn" 10/23) 
 
"Richard Holbrooke, the US special envoy on Afghanistan and 
Pakistan, has hit back at critics who have accused him of 
disappearing from public view amid major crises in the countries 
under his purview.  'I didn't know I was missing in action because I 
was kind of busy all day,' the senior diplomat said in an interview 
with Foreign Policy magazine blog The Cable." 
 
News Story: "U.S. Spying On Kahuta Since 2003" "The Nation" (10/23) 
 
"Despite the fact that Americans have been permanently housed near 
Pakistani nuclear installations at Kahuta since 2003 in the guise of 
imparting training at the Police College Sihala, neither the 
military nor the PPP regime has dared to dislodge them, according to 
reliable sources." 
 
News Story: "Certain Forex Dealers Financing Terrorists: Malik - 
Daily Times" (10/23) 
 
"Certain money exchange dealers and other 'foreign sources' are 
financing terrorists, Interior Minister Rehman Malik said on 
Thursday.  He said the ministry had taken serious notice of such 
reports and had directed the Federal Investigation Agency to conduct 
a through investigation into the matter." 
 
Editorial: "Not The Right Decision," an editorial in the 
Karachi-based center-left independent national English daily "Dawn" 
(cir. 55,000) (10/23) 
 
"The decision to close schools, colleges and universities in most 
parts of the country this week can only be termed a psychological 
victory for the militants....  All sides in a war rely on 
psychological propaganda as a major weapon to demoralize the enemy, 
sow confusion in its ranks and make it believe that further 
resistance would be useless....  The closure has brought the morale 
of the people to a new low and perhaps given ideas to the enemy.... 
What is needed is a joint effort by the education departments and 
the official security apparatus to draft and implement a safety 
plan." 
 
Editorial: "Need To Fight On Several Fronts To Defend Homeland," an 
editorial in the popular rightist Urdu-language daily "Ausaf" (cir. 
10,000) (10/23) 
 
"It has now become almost a routine that whenever Pakistan faces a 
difficult situation, India begins mounting pressure on us 
diplomatically as well as militarily. It is once again using this 
strategy for vested interests. After the Pakistan army launched 
operation in Waziristan, India started military build-up on our 
eastern border. Meanwhile, Tehran is also pointing fingers at us 
following suicide attack on its top security officials. It seems 
that the conspiracies to isolate Pakistan in the region are gaining 
momentum with the every passing day. We think that time has come to 
tell the U.S. in plain terms that Pakistan has paid a very heavy 
price in the war on terror. Now it is not in a position to render 
more sacrifices by jeopardizing its own existence." 
 
Editorial: "Moving Targets," an editorial in the populist, often 
sensational national English daily "The News" (cir. 55,000) (10/23) 
 
"There is now a palpable sense of 'drift' in the ongoing security 
crisis. Our police and security services are unwilling or unable to 
enforce even straightforward attempts to protect the populace. The 
ordinary people of Pakistan going about their daily business can see 
for themselves at every turn of the road that the state is failing 
 
 
in its duty to protect them. We need to be hearing from our leaders 
what it is that they propose to do to remedy the situation. Rest in 
peace Brigadier Moin - another good man down." 
 
Editorial: "Culture Takes A Hit," an editorial in the Karachi-based 
center-left independent national English daily "Dawn" (cir. 55,000) 
(10/23) 
 
"The theatre of war has expanded to South Waziristan. Meanwhile, it 
is far from business as usual in other parts of the country. In 
Lahore, amongst the prime victims of the deteriorating security 
situation, are the many cultural activities that were, in happier 
times, emblematic of the city. Since the recent spate of terror 
attacks in the city, cinema audiences have dropped by about 80 per 
cent. Commercial theatres have suffered similarly. The fear of a 
terror attack, particularly in view of the militants' opposition to 
cultural activities, is a significant deterrent." 
 
Editorial: "Treacherous Act Of Pentagon," an editorial in the 
Islamabad-based rightist English daily "Pakistan Observer" (cir. 
5,000) (10/23) 
 
"Pentagon has confirmed a news item published in this newspaper that 
soon after launching of the military operation "Rah-e-Nijat", the US 
and NATO forces took a number of steps in Afghanistan that are in 
direct conflict with the objective of the operation and considered 
intriguing by defence analysts and strategists. One of such measures 
included vacation of check pots on the Afghan side of the border, 
giving free hand to Taliban for a two-way movement....  This act of 
the United States would surely be misunderstood especially when it 
has been taken without consultation with the Pakistan Army....  It 
is really surprising that the United States was taking unilateral 
decisions in a war endangering interests of its partners and allies 
despite the fact that there is formal mechanism for coordination of 
the strategy." 
 
Editorial: "A Tougher Stance," an editorial in the Karachi-based 
center-left independent national English daily "Dawn" (cir. 55,000) 
(10/23) 
 
"Interior Minister Rehman Malik has come down hard on India....  Be 
that as it may, we believe that the gist of Mr. Malik's blunt 
comments on India is correct. Whatever India may or may not be doing 
inside Pakistan, it is clear that the Indians are still unwilling to 
move out of the accusation mode....  whatever doubts the Indian 
government has about Pakistan's bona fides as a partner in the fight 
against terrorism, it has a bigger duty to try and thwart future 
attacks - and public warnings but no intelligence-sharing seems to 
run contrary to the fulfillment of that duty." 
 
Editorial: "Obama's Afghanistan Dilemma," an editorial in the 
Lahore-based liberal English language daily "Daily Times" (cir. 
10,000) (10/23) 
 
"If the Americans have to go away Pakistan must be in a position to 
benefit from their exit. And this can happen only if it re-thinks 
its old strategy on the Taliban and leans more on consultations with 
the regional states. What happened in consequence of the policies 
adopted in the 1990s - known as policies of 'strategic depth' - must 
teach us to approach Afghanistan with a new understanding of our 
western neighbor and our region." 
 
Opinion: "Implications Of The Waziristan Operation," an op-ed by 
Shafqat Mahmood in the populist, often sensational national English 
daily "The News" (cir. 55,000) (10/23) 
 
"The mother of all battles it may not be, but success of the 
Waziristan operation is critical to the fight against militancy in 
Pakistan. It is the last frontier, an un-policed border land, a 
black hole in sovereign territory that has become a centre of 
terror. Without taking control of it, victory in Pakistan's terror 
war is impossible.... Losing this area will be a setback to 
militancy." 
 
Opinion: "A Make-Or-Break Moment For Pakistan," an op-ed by Ayaz 
Amir in the populist, often sensational national English daily "The 
News" (cir. 55,000) (10/23) 
 
 
"The imperative holds that if we are to emerge from this test 
successfully, nation and army must acquire the not-easy habit of 
thinking for themselves rather than looking at things through 
American eyes. While American friendship is something to be 
cherished, American guidance and tutelage are afflictions to be 
avoided like the plague. The U.S. has started wars it is having a 
hard time finishing. It is not doing too good a job of managing 
Afghanistan. On the question of whether or not to send more troops 
to Afghanistan, Washington presents a picture of dithering and 
irresolution. Contrast this with the steady resolve our army has 
shown from Swat onwards. Which only means that while our army can do 
with the right kind of help - helicopters and precision-guided 
munitions above all - advice and lectures can be kept on hold for 
later." 
 
SECRETARY CLINTON'S VISIT 
 
News Story: "Clinton To Arrive On 28th" "The News" (10/23) 
 
"U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is visiting Pakistan on 
October 28 to discuss host of issues with special focus on 
Kerry-Lugar Bill with Pakistan's high level leadership.  Diplomatic 
sources told Online that U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's 
visit to Pakistan has now been finalized.  She will be accompanied 
by U.S. special Representative on Pakistan and Afghanistan Richard 
Holbrooke." (Story also front paged in: Jang, Express) 
 
KERRY-LUGAR BILL 
 
Editorial: "New Curbs On Military Aid," an editorial in the 
center-right national English daily "The Nation" (cir. 20,000) 
(10/23) 
 
"If anyone in Pakistan had any doubts about the hostile U.S. intent 
towards this country, especially its defence institutions and 
capabilities, the move in the U.S. Congress to impose new 
restrictions on U.S. military aid to Pakistan should set them 
straight. The Indian hand in this move is clear because one of the 
rationales is to ensure that this aid does not 'upset the balance in 
the region.'" 
 
Editorial: "For How Long Pakistan Will Depend On Foreign Aid?," an 
editorial in the Karachi-based, pro-Taliban Jihadi Urdu daily 
"Islam" (cir. 15,000) (10/23) 
 
"The government has decided to accept the U.S. aid under the 
controversial Kerr-Lugar Bill. Since its participation in the 
U.S.-led so-called war on terror, Pakistan has suffered tremendous 
losses which totals up to the frightening figure of $35-$40 billion. 
Its economy has been reduced to almost rubble, about 60 percent of 
Pakistan's total population has receded under the poverty line, 
while the unrestrained series of suicide bombings and terrorist 
attacks have jolted the entire social fabric of the country. 
Ironically, despite all our sacrifices, the international community 
doubts our sincerity, and demands such measures from us which may 
even efface the very existence of our own country from the globe. It 
is high time for us to give up the habit of begging for foreign 
assistance." 
 
"Federal Cabinet Meeting: KLB Acceptance And American Conditions," 
an editorial in the second-largest, nationalist Urdu daily 
"Nawa-i-Waqt" (cir. 150,000) (10/23) 
 
"The Government has decided to accept the aid under Kerry-Lugar 
Bill....  According to Finance Minister Shaukat Tarin, Pakistan has 
been forced to accept itself as a terrorist state....  In return to 
$1.5 billion annual aid we are fighting a war on which we have spent 
$35 billion from our own pocket....  It would still be better for 
the government to reconsider its decision to accept American alms." 
 
 
Editorial: "KLB: Decision To Accept Aid," an editorial in the 
center-right Urdu daily "Pakistan" (cir. 10,000) (10/23) 
 
"Despite all the reservations and apprehensions the government of 
Pakistan has decided to accept $7.5 billion aid spread over five 
years....  Pakistan did not force America for the aid or 
cooperation.  This was the U.S. need and this cooperation was in its 
 
 
interest.  Undoubtedly, it is in Pakistan's interest too....  The 
fresh news is that the American Congress is considering new and 
harsh conditions vis-`-vis military aid for Pakistan....  The U.S. 
administration and the Congress should consider Pakistan's reaction 
and should not force Pakistan for an adverse reaction." 
 
Editorial: "Federal Cabinet: Decision To Accept U.S. Aid," an 
editorial in the Lahore-based independent Urdu daily "Din" (cir. 
5000) 
 
"It is tragic that just when the Federal Cabinet was deciding to 
accept U.S. aid under the Kerry-Lugar bill, along with the 
explanatory notes, the U.S. Congress was planning to slap tougher 
sanctions on military assistance to Pakistan....  Only time will 
tell how beneficial this aid [under the Kerry-Lugar Bill] will be 
for the country.... [By accepting the aid] the federal cabinet has 
enslaved every single Pakistani for $8 per head to the U.S.  This is 
the view of the patriotic Pakistanis. Meanwhile, the pro-government 
circles are extremely happy that successful diplomacy by Hussain 
Haqqani and Shah Mehmud Qureshi has led to the addition of the 
explanatory note with the bill." 
 
Editorial: "Federal Cabinet: Rejection Of Reservations On 
Kerry-Lugar Bill" an editorial in the Lahore-based Urdu daily "Waqt" 
(circ 5000) (10/23) 
 
"Last Wednesday, the Federal Cabinet decided to accept U.S. 
assistance under the Kerry-Lugar bill despite strong reservations 
expressed by the nation and the opposition. The Information Minister 
says that the explanatory notes attached to the bill have removed 
any misgivings on the issue.... On the other hand there are reports 
that there is a likelihood that the U.S. Congress would impose tough 
sanctions on military aid to Pakistan.... Seeing this change of 
events, it should be stated that the Pakistani leadership needs to 
keep the nation's aspirations supreme and give importance to the 
opinion expressed by the parliament." 
 
POLITICAL ISSUES 
 
News Story: "Farooq Haider New Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK) PM" "The 
Nation" (10/23) 
 
"Raja Farooq Haider, a candidate of Muslim Conference, has been 
elected the Leader of the House in AJK Legislative Assembly by 
securing 29 votes in the House of 48 members." 
 
News Story: "PPP Plans To Bulldoze NRO Through Parliament" "The 
News" 10/23) 
 
"The government has planned to bulldoze the National Reconciliation 
Ordinance (NRO) through Standing Committees on Law and Justice of 
the National Assembly and the Senate on the force of its majority. 
'When we have a clear majority not only in the bodies but also in 
both the parliamentary chambers, we are not shy of pushing the NRO 
through the Senate and the National Assembly at a speed of our own 
choice,' a cabinet minister, who is part of the ongoing 
consultations at the Presidency about the passage of this crucial 
legislation, told The News on the condition of not being named." 
 
News Story: "Nawaz Accepts Zardari's Invitation To Banquet" "Dawn" 
(10/23) 
 
"PML-N chief Mian Mohammad Nawaz Sharif has accepted an invitation 
to a banquet President Asif Ali Zardari will host on Monday for 
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan.  It is learnt that 
President Zardari and Mr. Sharif will hold a separate meeting before 
or after the banquet to discuss important issues, including the 
Kerry-Lugar bill and the National Reconciliation Ordinance." 
 
News Story: "Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Referendum On K-L Law Today" "The 
Nation" (10/23) 
 
"Jamaat-e-Islami has finalized arrangements for holding Peoples 
Referendum on Kerry-Lugar Bill and the U.S. interference in the 
country on Friday (today) with the constitution of monitoring teams 
at provincial level.  The JI is seeking public opinion on the US aid 
under the Kerry-Lugar Bill, drone attacks resulting in killing of 
innocent tribal people, alleged presence of Blackwater network, 
 
 
establishment of a U.S. cantonment at the U.S. Embassy and the 
pro-U.S. policies of the rulers." 
 
ECON/BUSINESS 
 
News Story: "SC Judge Takes Offence At Commission Report On Sugar" 
"Dawn" (10/23) 
 
"A Supreme Court judge, Justice Jawwad S. Khawaja, on Thursday 
expressed serious reservations over the report of the one-man 
commission appointed to determine the sugar industry's production 
cost and profit margin, branding it as non-starter. 'We had 
appointed the commission to determine the cost of production and not 
to lecture us on economics,' Justice Khawaja observed, saying the 
report had gone beyond its mandate." 
 
News Story: "Sugar Crisis Worsens Across NWFP" "The News" (10/23) 
 
"Consumers and small dealers looted trucks loaded with sugar on the 
Dilazak Road and the Ring Road on Thursday as the commodity crisis 
deepened across the NWFP and it prices continued to fluctuate from 
Rs 80 to Rs 120 on the retail outlets." 
 
News Story: "Agreement Likely On New NFC Resources Distribution" 
"The News" (10/23) 
 
"Senator Haji Mohammad Adeel has said the federating units and 
centre may agree on changing criteria for the distribution of 
resources from the divisible pool and factors including revenue 
generation, poverty, unemployment and effects of terrorism would 
also be considered by the National Finance Commission (NFC). 'Three 
federating units are likely to agree on changing the criteria for 
resources distribution.'" 
 
MISCELLANEOUS 
 
News Story: "Strong Earthquake Strikes Afghanistan And Pakistan" 
"Dawn" (10/23) 
 
"A strong 6.2-magnitude earthquake hit the border area between 
northeast Afghanistan and Pakistan on Friday, shaking buildings in 
both countries, officials said." 
 
News Story: "PCO Judges Were Never Ever Judges Of Supreme Court 
(SC): Full Court" "The News" (10/23) 
 
"The full court meeting of the Supreme Court on Thursday observed 
that the judges who were appointed under the November 3, 2007 
Provisional Constitution Order (PCO), were never ever judges of the 
apex court. The full court meeting, held here at the Supreme Court 
building under the chairmanship of Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad 
Chaudhry, discussed different matters, including the issuance of 
last pay certificate to the judges who had ceased to hold office in 
pursuance of the July 31 judgment." 
 
(All circulation figures are based on estimation) 
Patterson