VZCZCXYZ0018
OO RUEHWEB

DE RUEHIL #2600/01 2991326
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 261326Z OCT 09
FM AMEMBASSY ISLAMABAD
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 5568
RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHINGTON DC IMMEDIATE
RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK IMMEDIATE 0238
RUEHNO/USMISSION USNATO IMMEDIATE 5909
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 1612
RUEHFR/AMEMBASSY PARIS 7960
RUEHMO/AMEMBASSY MOSCOW 1957
RHHMUNA/HQ USPACOM HONOLULU HI

UNCLAS ISLAMABAD 002600 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: KMDR KPAO OIIP OPRC PGOV PREL PK
SUBJECT:  PAKISTAN MEDIA REACTION: TOP STORIES, TERRORISM/MILITARY, 
SECRETARY CLINTON'S VISIT, KERRY-LUGAR BILL, POLITICAL, 
CON/BUSINESS, MISCELLANEOUS - OCTOBER 26, 2009 
 
Summary:  Reports and photographs of the assassination of 
Balochistan's Education Minister in Quetta dominated headlines in 
all newspapers on Monday.  Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan's 
Islamabad visit garnered extensive front page coverage.  The 
newspapers also highlighted reports that Pakistan Army Chief General 
Kayani visited the battle zone in Waziristan, and vowed to rout 
terrorists.  Also front-paged were reports of killing of 15 
militants on the ninth day of military offensive.  U.S. Special 
Envoy Holbrooke's statement terming the Secretary "Clinton's 
forthcoming visit "important" were also highlighted.  Commenting on 
the Pak-Iran row over bombing in Sistan, the national English daily 
"The News," observed that "the credibility of Pakistan's government 
is wearing thinner by the day." However, another daily, "The 
Nation," noted that "the issue is not so simple especially as long 
as the U.S. continues to have virtually unhindered access in 
Balochistan."  End Summary. 
 
TOP STORIES 
 
News Story: "Balochistan Education Minister Gunned Down" "Dawn" 
(10/26) 
 
"Balochistan's Education Minister Shafiq Ahmed Khan was shot dead in 
front of his house here on Sunday. One of his close relatives was 
injured in the attack. Mr. Khan, 55, belonged to the PPP. 
Balochistan Liberation United Front (BLUF), which had kidnapped 
UNHCR official John Solecki in February this year, claimed 
responsibility for the murder of Mr. Shafiq Khan." (Story also front 
paged in all newspapers.) 
 
News Story: "Turkey, Pakistan To Upgrade Strategic Partnership" 
"Dawn" (10/26) 
 
"Pakistan and Turkey decided on Sunday to upgrade their strategic 
partnership for combating terrorism and to strengthen political, 
diplomatic, security and economic cooperation. Prime Minister Yousuf 
Raza Gilani held talks with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip 
Erdogan and said the two countries shared the resolve to defeat 
terrorism. The Turkish Prime Minister is on a two-day official visit 
to Pakistan. Pakistan and Turkey signed a joint declaration to 
strengthen relations in trade, investment, agriculture, industry, 
culture, education and defence and to bolster people-to-people 
contacts. They agreed to increase their trade from $741 million a 
year to $2 billion in a couple of years." (Story also front paged in 
all newspapers.) 
 
News Story: "Twin Suicide Car Bombs In Baghdad Kill 136" "Dawn" 
(10/26) 
 
"Two powerful suicide car bombs blew up outside the Justice Ministry 
and city government offices in downtown Baghdad on Sunday, killing 
at least 136 people in the worst attack in more than two years. 
Iraqi leaders said the attacks aimed to disrupt political progress 
in the months leading up to January's crucial elections." (Story 
also front paged in all newspapers.) 
 
TERRORISM/MILITARY ISSUES 
 
News Story: "Kayani Visits Battle Zone, Vows To Rout Terrorists" 
"Dawn" (10/26) 
 
"Chief of Army Staff Gen. Ashfaq Parvez Kayani has linked 
eradication of terrorism and extremism in the country to the success 
of the Rah-i-Nijat operation in South Waziristan, the stronghold of 
banned Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) which has claimed 
responsibility for most of the terrorist attacks in Pakistan.  'The 
army is not conducting operations against any tribe or area, but 
against a handful of terrorists who have not only destroyed the 
peace and tribal traditions of the area but have also made the 
majority of the people hostage to their anti-state agenda,' the COAS 
said, during a visit to Wana on Sunday to meet field commanders and 
troops fighting insurgents." (Story also front paged in all 
newspapers.) 
 
News Story: "15 Militants Killed In South Waziristan Agency As 
Troops Make Further Advances" "The News" (10/26) 
 
"Security forces claimed killing 15 militants and losing one soldier 
 
 
on the ninth day of the operation Rah-e-Nijat in South Waziristan 
Agency (SWA) on Sunday....  Security forces made advance on the 
Jandola-Srarogha axis after the fall of Kotkai and captured some 
important ridges near Shishwam and Ghalrai. Sources said security 
forces had also secured Ghorlama, some three kilometers from 
Kotkai." 
 
News Story: "Military Helicopter Crashes; Three Killed" "Dawn" 
(10/26) 
 
"Three security personnel were killed and six others injured when a 
military helicopter crashed near Charmang area on Saturday. Official 
sources said the Russian-made MI-17 helicopter was returning from 
the border area of Nawa Pass to Khar, the headquarters of Bajaur 
agency, when it went down after developing some technical fault near 
Sarkari Qilla of Charmang Valley in Nawagai tehsil." 
 
News Story: "Taliban Claim Shooting Down Military Helicopter" "The 
News" (10/26) 
 
"The Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has claimed responsibility for 
shooting down a military helicopter in Bajaur Agency." 
 
News Story: "Bajaur Agency Drone Strike Toll Rises To 33" "The News" 
(10/26) 
 
"The death toll in Saturday's US drone attack in Bajaur Agency rose 
to 33 when 13 wounded persons succumbed to their injuries on Sunday. 
 Sources in Damadola area, located less than 10 kilometers from 
Bajaur's headquarters, Khar, said the injured persons died on the 
way to clinics. They said six more wounded persons were in critical 
condition and there were fears that the death toll could rise 
further." 
 
News Story: "Six Taliban Killed In Orakzai Air Strikes" "Dawn" 
(10/26) 
 
"At least six militants were killed when jet fighters targeted their 
hideouts in Ghiljo area in Upper Orakzai Agency on Sunday, sources 
said." 
 
News Story: "Lashkar Vows To Clear Bajaur Of Militants" "Dawn" 
(10/26) 
 
"The tribal elders raised a lashkar comprising 5,000 volunteers to 
launch an effective offensive against militants and restore writ of 
government in Loe Mamond tehsil of Bajaur tribal region on Sunday." 
 
 
News Story: "23,000 South Waziristan Agency Displaced Families 
Registered" "The News" (10/26) 
 
"Over 23,000 families displaced by the fighting in South Waziristan 
Agency have so far been registered while another 8,000 have received 
daily-use items. Chief Operating Officer Khalid Fayyaz of Fida, a 
non-governmental organisation entrusted by the NWFP Social Welfare 
Department with registration of internally displaced persons (IDPs) 
from the South Waziristan Agency, told 'The News.'" 
 
News Story: "Twin Cities' Educational Institutions Reopen Today" 
"Daily Times" (10/26) 
 
"All educational institutions working under the Federal Directorate 
of Education (FDE), the Punjab government as well as majority of 
private institutions will reopen today (Monday) after a six-day 
break announced in the wake of security threats." 
 
News Story: "Blackwater Responsible For Terror, Says Baloch" "The 
Nation" (10/26) 
 
"Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Pakistan has said on Sunday that the Black 
Water World-wide aka Xie (Zi) Services was involved in numerous 
terrorism incidents in Pakistan. 'This notorious private military 
company is backed by the United States and India,' Liaquat Baloch, 
JI's Central Secretary General said in a press conference at JI 
Karachi office." 
 
News Story: "Zardari terms Iran bombers enemies of Pak-Iran ties" 
 
 
"The News" (10/26) 
 
"President Asif Zardari on Sunday said those involved in the 
terrorist attack in the Iranian province of Sistan-Balochistan were 
the enemies of both the countries and did not want relations between 
them to flourish. The president said this while talking to Iranian 
Interior Minister Mostafa Muhammad Najjar and his delegation, who 
called on him at the Presidency in Islamabad." 
 
Editorial: "Plain Words," an editorial in the populist, often 
sensational national English daily "The News" (cir. 55,000) (10/26) 
 
"The Iranian Interior Minister has demanded Pakistan hand over the 
Chief of Jandullah....  The problem is that the credibility of 
Pakistan's government is wearing thinner by the day.  The Iranians 
have suggested the issue could have an adverse impact on relations 
between the two countries....   The time has come for Pakistan to 
assess its standing in the region and examine the manner in which 
terrorism is affecting this. We cannot afford to be seen as a nation 
from where neighbors can be attacked. It is obvious that denials are 
not being accepted. Islamabad must review strategy in this respect 
and accept that it has more to lose than gain by the perception that 
it is unable or unwilling to do more against the terrorists who, it 
is alleged, have set up base in the country." 
 
Editorial: "Pak-Iran Relations," an editorial in the center-right 
national English daily "The Nation" (cir. 20,000) (10/26) 
 
"The Iranian delegation headed by its Interior Minister, visiting 
Pakistan in the wake of the terrorism in Sistan....  But the issue 
is not so simple especially as long as the U.S. continues to have 
virtually unhindered access in Balochistan, especially in areas 
close to Pakistan's border with Iran. That is why the Iranian 
Intelligence Minister, from Tehran, has sought to advise Pakistani 
officials to take 'a separate approach from that of the U.S.' and to 
'heed' the information provided by Iran's visiting delegation to the 
Interior Ministry....  Pakistan needs to ensure that the U.S. does 
not again undermine the Pakistan-Iran relationship, by fanning 
terrorism in Sistan through Pakistan....  The time has come for 
Pakistan to show by deeds its intent of restoring the relationship 
with Iran." 
 
Editorial: "The Long View," an editorial in the populist, often 
sensational national English daily "The News" (cir. 55,000) (10/26) 
 
"No matter how successful the operation in South Waziristan, and no 
matter how hard and well the army fights (and it is doing both) the 
outcome is going to depend on political reform and the 
implementation of a string of promises and undertakings long-made 
and shortly neglected or forgotten. The military may be able to 
break the militants' hold over the area but it is the civil 
administration that requires urgent reform if the whole process does 
not have to be re-done at some near-future date. The violence of 
both the militants and the army operations against them has 
undermined efforts aimed at economic development in the region; 
which was already a development desert before the current 
operation." 
 
Editorial: "United We Must Stand To Face The Threat Of Terrorism," 
an editorial in the country's premier business newspaper, "Business 
Recorder" (cir. 25,000) (10/26) 
 
"The Army Chief, General Kayani's assurance that the military 
operation in South Waziristan, launched eight days back, is 
successfully moving towards the desired objectives, would also be 
comforting. There are many who think that unlike the last three 
operations in the Agency, there is a need this time to uproot the 
terrorist center from where the attacks have been launched all over 
the country, over the last few years. The operation has to be 
thorough and conclusive so that the terrorist strongholds in South 
Waziristan, used as a staging post for attacks, are eliminated. With 
the entire nation at the back of the army, it is the most suitable 
time to take the operation to its logical conclusion." 
 
Editorial: "United Against Militancy," an editorial in the 
Lahore-based liberal English daily "The Post" (cir. 5,000) (10/26) 
 
"It must be remembered that there should be no frivolity this time 
 
 
on the score of South Waziristan and its purported links with 
terrorist elements. It is a serious matter that should not be taken 
lightly at all. It is a positive sign that the civil and military 
leadership is united on this sensitive issue of terrorism and it is 
a good omen for the country." 
 
Editorial: "Army Operation Moving Towards Ultimate Success," an 
editorial in the Islamabad-based rightist English daily "Pakistan 
Observer" (cir. 5,000) (10/26) 
 
"Foreign and local militants enjoyed complete freedom in Razmak, 
Makeen, Kotkai, Sararogha and Jandola in the past and were seen 
moving freely with their arms and ammunition with none to challenge 
them. They would not easily leave their self-made forts. Now that a 
full-fledged operation has been launched against them and the entire 
nation is behind the army, it is the right time to flush them out 
once for all. There should be no agreement any more with the 
militants." 
 
Editorial: "We Must Strive To Protect Our Interests," an editorial 
in the leading mass circulation populist, often sensational Urdu 
daily "Jang" (cir. 300,000) (26/10) 
 
"Due to the removal of NATO check-posts on Pak-Afghan border, the 
infiltration of RAW and Mossad operatives into Pakistan has 
increased manifold. The people are expressing serious concerns on 
the Indian military build-up on our eastern border and the frequent 
visits of U.S. officials to Pakistan.  Moreover, the U.S. drone 
attacks in our tribal areas, which claim dozens of innocent lives 
daily, have also jeopardized national security and sovereignty. We 
should not sit silent at the ongoing Indian and Israeli activities 
in Afghanistan under the patronage of NATO and the U.S. if the past 
is in anyway a lesson regarding the American friendship, we should 
not forget the East Pakistan debacle. It is high time that our 
government takes into confidence all the political forces and the 
military leadership to evolve a unified strategy in order to foil to 
the evil designs of the enemies in a befitting manner." 
 
Editorial: "State Of The Economy," an editorial in the center-right 
national English daily "The Nation" (cir. 20,000) (10/26) 
 
"Pakistan's participation in the War on Terror has not brought the 
Pakistani businessman the stability he needs to make progress, and 
what is probably more important, to invest, whether in plant, or 
stocks....  However, this one-time refuge of the middle class is not 
yielding the returns of the past, and the investor does not know 
where to go, because the War on Terror has made sure that what was 
once a booming economy is now merely limping....  This is one of the 
costs of the War on Terror that its originators, the Americans, do 
not want to talk about. But it is a cost that Pakistanis have to 
pay, and it will go on being paid as long as Islamabad does not 
revise its policies." 
 
Editorial: "U.S.-India Collusion And Pakistan's Role In War On 
Terror," an editorial in the popular rightist Urdu-language daily 
"Ausaf" (cir. 10,000) (26/10) 
 
"At a time when Pakistani forces are conducting a massive operation 
against the terrorists with the full backing of the nation, the U.S. 
drone strike in Bajaur looks like a conspiracy to create fissures in 
our national unity. Had Washington been sincere with us, it would 
not have allowed India to continue its anti-Pakistan activities in 
Afghanistan. If the U.S. and other Western powers really want peace 
in the world, they would have to support Pakistan and its security 
forces." 
 
Editorial: "South Punjab And Taliban," an editorial in the 
Lahore-based liberal English language daily "Daily Times" (cir. 
10,000) (10/26) 
 
"The JI (Jamaat-e-Islami) line on the TTP (Tehrik-e-Taliban 
Pakistan) is that they are own people determined to fight the 
Americans and that the government should talk to them instead of 
dispatching troops into their territory. One can say that it has 
tactfully placed itself at the head of all the elements in Pakistan 
who embrace anti-Americanism and reject 'conditional' American aid 
to Pakistan in these days of economic crisis, manifested each day by 
protesting state employees who have not received their salaries for 
 
 
months." 
 
Editorial: "More Terror Threats," an editorial in the Karachi-based 
center-left independent national English daily "Dawn" (cir. 55,000) 
(10/26) 
 
"The words Lal Masjid (Red Mosque) evoke revulsion among many here, 
shocking evidence of the growth of militancy and the state's 
complicity in nurturing that threat in recent decades. But Lal 
Masjid also evokes a fierce anger against the state among a small 
group of people who believe that a 'house of God' was attacked in 
Operation Silence in July 2007 and that many 'innocent' people were 
killed by the armed forces. Born of that rage is a small but deadly 
militant group known as the Ghazi Force, named after the dead Abdul 
Rashid Ghazi, the infamous deputy imam of the Lal Masjid, which is 
bent on seeking vengeance against the state. Led by one Fidaullah 
until his arrest in May, the group was blamed for a series of 
attacks against security targets in Islamabad and Rawalpindi." 
 
Editorial: "Presence Of Black-Water In Pakistan And Its Activities," 
an editorial in the popular rightist Urdu-language daily "Ausaf" 
(cir. 10,000) (26/10) 
 
"The presence of Black-water operatives in Pakistan is now an open 
secret. It is a matter of serious concern for us that the U.S. 
intelligence and security agencies are flexing their muscles on 
Pakistani soil. If this state of affairs continues, it will prove 
very dangerous for the sovereignty and independence of our country." 
 
 
Opinion: "Imperatives Of The Waziristan Operation," an op-ed by 
Farhat Taj in the populist, often sensational national English daily 
"The News" (cir. 55,000) (10/26) 
 
"Some armchair intellectuals and analysts propagate the view that 
the militants and extremists are a kind of a tribal resistance to 
the Pakistan army, which they see as now fighting America's war. 
Nothing can be farther from the truth.  For the record, the Taliban 
and Al Qaeda have never claimed to represent tribal society or stand 
up for Pakhtun nationalism.  Their aim to further a global ideology 
which in their view should transcend all geographical borders and 
ethnicities - and that explains why those inclined towards this kind 
of worldview have come to Waziristan for training from all over the 
world.... There are Pakistani and foreign terrorists in Waziristan 
running an Islamist Emirate there. The Pakistanis are mostly Pakhtun 
and Punjabis. The army must treat them as dangerous criminals. The 
foreigners are stateless Uzbeks, Arabs, Africans, Afghans, Chechens, 
Tajiks and even Muslim immigrants from Europe. If deported, they 
would mostly likely be killed in many of their countries of origin. 
Waziristan is the only place in the world where they could freely 
rule. They are not going to surrender their rule easily. For them it 
is do or die. They will give a very tough fight to the army. But the 
army must keep fighting them, no matter what, because the 
alternative is disaster." 
 
SECRETARY CLINTON'S VISIT 
 
News Story: "Hillary's Pakistan Visit Significant, Says Holbrooke" 
"Dawn" (10/26) 
 
"Hillary Clinton's forthcoming visit to Pakistan will be one of the 
most important trips she has made since she became the U.S. 
Secretary of State, says America's special envoy for the region. 
'And I think the whole world will be watching,' said Richard 
Holbrooke.  The envoy was talking to journalists near Washington on 
Saturday evening after a frank but off-the-record exchange of views 
with the Pakistani-American community." 
 
News Story: "Clinton Visiting Pakistan As Friend: Holbrooke" "The 
News" (10/26) 
 
"Special U.S. Envoy for Pakistan and Afghanistan Richard Holbrooke 
has said U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is coming to 
Pakistan as a friend, not with conditions but with support for the 
democratically-elected government and the people of Pakistan, while 
talking to 'The News' after attending a function of the 
Pakistan-American Foundation at the residence of Pakistan's 
Ambassador-at-Large to the U.S. Riffat Mehmud." 
 
 
 
News Story: "Security Plan For Hillary's visit" "The Nation" 
(10/26) 
 
"There was a telephonic contact between Governor Punjab Salman 
Taseer and Chief Minster Mian Shahbaz Sharif in which matters 
pertaining to security arrangements on the eve of the visit of US 
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and other related matters were 
discussed." 
 
KERRY-LUGAR BILL 
 
News Story: "1,000 NGO's In Line To Work In Pakistan For Kerry-Lugar 
Law Dollars" "The News" (10/26) 
 
"With the Pakistan government is wishing to get the major chunk of 
the Kerry-Lugar Law aid directly, Special U.S. Envoy Richard 
Holbrooke has already started looking at 1,000 NGOs many of which 
may be used to carry out projects in Pakistan.  The figure of 1,000 
NGOs was given by Holbrooke himself at a recent U.S. State 
Department briefing and it has further complicated the situation 
because nothing is clear as to who will get the aid and through what 
channels." 
 
Editorial: "Jamaat-i-Islami Referendum Against Kerry-Lugar Bill," an 
editorial in the Karachi-based, pro-Taliban Jihadi Urdu daily 
"Islam" (cir. 15,000) (26/10) 
 
"In a popular referendum, held under the auspices of the 
Jamaat-i-Islami, 21.7 million out of a total of 21.9 million people 
have voted against the Kerry-Lugar Bill. Even if this referendum is 
not 100 percent reliable, its results provide a glimpse of popular 
sentiments regarding this controversial U.S. legislation. Now our 
leadership must respect the people's opinion, and refrain from 
turning Pakistan into a pawn in the hands of the United States." 
 
Opinion: "Beyond Kerry-Lugar Mess!," an op-ed by Khalid Iqbal in the 
center-right national English daily "The Nation" (cir. 20,000) 
(10/26) 
 
"The Kerry-Lugar document has indeed shocked the people of Pakistan, 
because despite all the sacrifices of the armed forces and the 
economic hardships suffered by the nation as a whole, the 
much-awaited legislation has brought only peanuts of an aid along 
with a string of humiliating conditionalities....  This fiasco 
created frustration at a number of places in America as well.... 
America as a nation appears to be losing resolve and commitment 
towards GWOT (Global War On Terrorism). Public appeal and support 
for continuation of military operations is diminishing. Most of the 
countries contributing towards ISAF composition no longer have the 
stomach to continue doing so. There are disturbing reports that some 
components of ISAF have been paying protection money to Taliban! 
There are glaring contradictions vis-`-vis dubious American designs 
and Pakistan's overly simplistic and unconditional association with 
American objectives. Hence, there is a need to initiate a national 
debate to reassess the viability of our Pak-U.S. policy in 
Afghanistan context, and take corrective actions." 
 
POLITICAL ISSUES 
 
News Story: "All Eyes On Zardari-Nawaz Meeting" "Daily Times" 
(10/26) 
 
"All eyes are on tomorrow's (Tuesday) banquet meeting between 
President Asif Ali Zardari and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz chief 
Nawaz Sharif that is likely to decide the future course of politics 
in the country.  Though it would be a banquet meeting being held in 
the honor of visiting Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdagon, 
political pundits believe that President Zardari would take this 
opportunity to discuss politics with Nawaz." 
 
News Story: "Zardari-Nawaz Parley Under U.S., Saudi Pressure?" "The 
Nation" (10/26) 
 
"... It is reportedly because of the immense pressure by Friends of 
Pakistan, especially America and Saudi Arabia, that led to the 
meeting of the two enemy-turned-brother-turned-enemy leaders of the 
country to open new chapter of relations. The aim is to ensure that 
 
 
two heavyweight political parties are single-minded to combat the 
monster of terrorism, it has been reliably learned." 
 
News Story: "Islamabad Ups U.S. Lobbying Expenses, Delhi Cuts" "The 
Nation" (10/26) 
 
"Having spent thousands of dollars for many quarters lobbying on 
bilateral ties and for the nuclear deal with the U.S., India cut 
down on these expenses in the last quarter, even as neighbor 
Pakistan paid a higher quarterly bill for canvassing support for it 
in America, reported Press Trust of India (PTI) on Sunday." 
 
News Story: "I Am Ready To Appear Before SC: Musharraf" "Dawn" 
(10/26) 
 
"Former President General (Retd) Pervez Musharraf has denied 
striking any deal before tendering resignation as country's head of 
state, saying he is ready to appear before the Supreme Court of 
Pakistan. Addressing the Pak-American Cultural Society in New 
Jersey, he said that promulgation of National Reconciliation 
Ordinance was vital because the courts failed to decide corruption 
cases against PPP slain Chairperson Benazir Bhutto and other 
political leaders." 
 
ECON/BUSINESS 
 
News Story: "U.S. Investment In Energy Sector Reassured" "The 
Nation" (10/26) 
 
"While reiterating its commitment to help Pakistan overcome its 
energy shortfall, the United States has assured that the U.S. 
private sector firms will invest in energy projects to help increase 
the energy capacity of the country. U.S. delegation led by David L. 
Goldwyn, the Secretary of State's Coordinator for International 
Energy Affairs, was holding meetings here with Pakistani authorities 
to renew their bilateral dialogue on energy issues." 
 
Editorial: "United States' Welcome Interest In Energy," an editorial 
in the Islamabad-based rightist English daily "Pakistan Observer" 
(cir. 5,000) (10/26) 
 
"A U.S. energy delegation is in Pakistan to discuss country's energy 
problems and to find a way out of the crisis, which has badly 
affected economy. The visit of the delegation headed by Energy 
Coordinator for U.S. Secretary of State is taking place ahead of 
Hillary Clinton's visit and one hopes that she would announce some 
concrete plans to help Pakistan.  It is in fact a welcome move and 
would be seen by the political leadership and the people at large as 
something really aimed at helping Pakistan." 
 
MISCELLANEOUS 
 
News Story: "U.S. Embassy Vehicle Smashes CDA Snorkel" "The News" 
(10/26) 
 
"An important vehicle of the Disaster Management Directorate of the 
Capital Development Authority (CDA) was badly smashed when it was 
hit by a recklessly driven Land Cruiser, bearing registration number 
plate LG-1, Islamabad, at the Radio Pakistan Chowk on the 
Constitution Avenue at around 9:15 am on Sunday. According to the 
Secretariat Police, the Land Cruiser belonged to the Embassy of the 
United States of America in Islamabad and was driven by Jimmy Mort, 
working in the Defence Attach's office and enjoying diplomatic 
status. Repeated attempts were made to contact the U.S. Embassy 
spokesperson to ascertain the details of the accident as well as the 
identity of the driver of the vehicle and his status in the embassy, 
but the calls were not entertained." 
 
News Story: "UN Experts Inspect Iranian Enrichment Plant" "Dawn" 
(10/26) 
 
"UN experts on Sunday were inspecting Iran's controversial second 
uranium enrichment plant to verify whether the newly disclosed 
facility was designed for peaceful nuclear purposes....  A 
four-member team of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) 
inspectors arrived in Tehran early on Sunday and later began 
inspecting the facility which is being constructed adjacent to a 
military base south of the capital....  Iran's Mehr news agency said 
 
 
the UN team is expected to make 'several visits' to the plant during 
their three-day stay." 
 
News Story: "Quran Desecration By Allied Forces Infuriates Afghans" 
"The Nation" (10/26) 
 
"Furious Afghans on Sunday torched an effigy of U.S. President 
Barack Obama at a mass protest over allegations that Western troops 
fighting the Taliban had set fire to a copy of the Holy Quran. A 
crowd of around 1,000 demonstrators, mainly university students, 
marched through the streets of the capital Kabul before massing in 
front of the national parliament building." 
 
(All circulation figures are based on estimation) 
Patterson