PAKISTAN MEDIA REACTION: TERRORISM, KERRY-LUGAR BILL,

UNCLAS ISLAMABAD 002518

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KMDR KPAO OIIP OPRC PGOV PREL PK
SUBJECT: PAKISTAN MEDIA REACTION: TERRORISM, KERRY-LUGAR BILL,
MISCELLANEOUS - OCTOBER 16, 2009

Summary: Reports and photographs of multiple terror attacks in
Lahore, and blasts in Kohat and Peshawar that resulted in killing of
several policemen, civilians and assailants dominated all
front-pages on Friday and overshadowed reports of the signing of the
'Kerry-Lugar Bill' by President Obama. All major newspapers ran
President Obama's remarks condemning the incidents. Editorializing
the Thursday's spate of terror attacks, the prestigious English
language daily, "Dawn," observed that "little proof is needed to
show how intricately the violence in Punjab is linked to terror in
the Frontier (NWFP)."

PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif's statement rejecting the KLB as "not
acceptable in the present form" received prominent display. Some
major newspapers highlighted Foreign Minister Qureshi's remarks that
the "U.S. Congressional statement answers Pakistani people's
concerns over some provisions of the Kerry-Lugar bill." Commenting
on the explanatory note, the populist, often sensational national
English daily "The News," noted that "it does help to soften the
impact of the bill and makes its distinctly more palatable, like a
dose of cod liver oil followed by a heaped spoon of sugar."
However, another popular Urdu language newspaper, "Ausaf," describe
it as "a big success of the Pakistani masses, army and the
opposition parties." Whereas, the pro-Taliban Jihadi Urdu daily
"Islam" raised a question that "who will be the real beneficiary of
this aid, Pakistan or the United States?"

In other news, reports that "at least 32 militants and civilians
were killed in AIR strikes in South Waziristan" received extensive
coverage. Along with this story, newspapers reported that "four
Afghan refugees were killed in a U.S. drone attack in North
Waziristan." End Summary.

--------------
Terrorism
--------------

News Story: "Three Simultaneous Attacks in Lahore - Terror With A
Vengeance" "The News" (10/16)

"At least 19 people, including 14 security officials, were killed
and 41 others sustained injuries in three separate terror attacks in
Lahore on Thursday. All nine attackers were also shot dead by
security personnel, officials said. The attacks were carried out at
the FIA building on the Temple Road, the Manawan Police Training
Centre and the Elite Police Academy on the Bedian Road. The
Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan's (TTP) Amjad Farooqi group has claimed
responsibility for the terror attacks in Lahore."

News Story: "11 Killed In Kohat Car-Bombing" "The News" (10/16)

"Eleven people, including three policemen, were killed and 22 others
sustained injuries when an explosives-laden vehicle hit the building
of Saddar police station located in the military area on Thursday.
The Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed responsibility for the
attack."

News Story: "Child Dies, 12 Hurt In Peshawar Car-Bombing" "The News"
(10/16)

"A Seven-year-old child died and 12 other people, including two
women, were injured in a powerful blast in Gulshan-e-Rahman Colony
in Peshawar on Thursday. The explosion rocked the city at around
5:00 pm. It destroyed a complete block of the residential colony for
government employees situated on the Kohat Road."

News Story: Terror Attacks Underscore Threats From Extremists: U.S."
"Dawn" (10/16)

"U.S. President Barack Obama is concerned over the loss of life in
new militant attacks in Pakistan, the White House said on Thursday,
adding the strikes underscored the threat from extremists, said
White House deputy spokesman Bill Burton as Obama flew to New
Orleans on AIR FORCE One. 'This shows once again that the militants
in Pakistan threaten both Pakistan and the United States,' Burton
said, adding that Obama had been encouraged by recent actions by the
Pakistani military to tackle extremists."

News Story: "Malik Fears More Terror Attacks" "The News" (10/16)

"Interior Minister Rehman Malik has said that "brave security
forces" were alert to secure the country and they would handle the
terrorists with iron hands. Talking to reporters during his visit
to the Headquarters of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA),
Lahore on Thursday evening, the Minister said that there might be
some more terrorists attacks in the country as some top aides of the
Taliban Shura, who were arrested recently, had disclosed that they
had sent terrorists before Eid-ul-Fitr to carry out the attacks in
various parts of the country."

News Story: "Media To Be Next Target Of Terrorists: Report" "The
News" (10/16)

"Top intelligence sources have said the offices of private TV
channels, National Press Club Islamabad, press clubs across country
and offices of print media organizations will be the next target of
terrorists. A senior security official said Thursday telephonic
conversation of a commander of Baitullah Mehsud network had been
intercepted wherein he was issuing directives to his subordinate
commanders to target offices of security forces in all major cities
of Pakistan besides attacking media offices all-over the country."

News Story: "PERMA Asks TV Channels To Avoid Security Risk Footages"
"The News" (10/16)

"Chairman Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA)
Mushtaque Malik has asked television channels to avoid broadcasting
footages of terrorism and gory scenes. Such footages and news are
security risk, cause panic and harassment in the society and also
damage the economy, he said, while talking to media-persons on
Thursday."

"News Story: No Answers For Escalating Guerrilla War" "Daily Times"
(10/16)

"A recent avalanche of attacks killing more than 160 people has
opened the floodgates to a widening guerrilla war in Pakistan that
the government has no strategy to counter, analysts say."

News Story: "Battle-Inoculated Militants' Last Stand? "Dawn"
(10/16)

"The militants' brazen attack on the heavily-guarded General
Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi and almost simultaneous multiple
and spectacular attacks in Kohat, Lahore and Peshawar have belied
all assessments of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan breathing its last
after the death of its leader Baitullah Mehsud. The TTP has bounced
back - and with a vengeance. Indeed, those who had written off the
TTP and were waiting for it to unravel are now gearing up for what
they believe is the militant umbrella organization's last attempt to
forestall an imminent military assault on their bastion in South
Waziristan."

News Story: "Reject U.S. And Attacks Will Stop, Hakimullah Mehsud
Tells Army" "Daily Times" (10/16)

"Hakimullah Mehsud, new leader of the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan
(TTP),on Thursday said his group was ready to stop its attacks if
the government stopped 'following American orders,' Sky News
reported."


News Story: "32 Killed In South Waziristan AIR Strikes" "Dawn"
(10/16)

"Military planes bombed suspected militant positions in Laddah,
Nawazkot, Khaisora, Saam, Sararogha and Tiarza areas of South
Waziristan on Thursday. At least 32 militants and non-combatants
were killed in the AIR strikes."

News Story: "U.S. Drone Kills 4 Afghan Refugees In North Waziristan
Agency" "The News" (10/16)

"Four Afghan refugees were killed in a U.S. drone attack near Darga
Mandi on Ghulam Khan Road in North Waziristan Agency early on
Thursday."

News Story: "Critical Briefing To Leaders By COAS" "The News"
(10/16)


"Chief of the Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani is giving an
important briefing to the leaders belonging to the ruling alliance
and opposition parties at the prime Minister House today (Friday),
'The News' learned late on Thursday evening. According to a source,
the Army Chief will brief political leaders on the planned military
operation in South Waziristan Agency, aborted attempt by terrorists
to attack the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi and overall
security situation in the country."

News Story: "Hoti Terms South Waziristan Action 'Mother Of All
Battles'" "The News" (10/16)

"Chief Minister Ameer Haider Hoti has said that 'mother of all
battles' is likely to be launched soon in South Waziristan to rout
militants and help restore peace in the province, while talking to
journalists in Peshawar."

News Story: "Security Forces Kill Five Taliban In Swat" "Daily
Times" (10/16)

"Security forces killed at least five Taliban in Swat on Thursday
during a search operation in Delai, an ISPR statement said. It said
five more Taliban surrendered to the forces in Miandam, Barshaur and
Tilligram."

News Story: Now Orakzai Taliban Enforce 'Shariah'" "The Nation"
(10/16)

"After Swat now Tehrik Taliban Orakzai Agency chapter has enforced
their self-made Islamic Shariah and ordered strict punishment for
those who would violate Islamic injunctions. The announcement was
made by Aslam Farooqi, Amir Tehrik Taliban Orakzai Agency chapter."


News Story: "Militants Flown In To Negotiate With GHQ Attackers"
"The News" (10/16)

"Some key leaders of several Jihadi and sectarian organizations,
including a jailed militant, were flown from Lahore, Bahawalpur and
Rahim Yar Khan to the garrison town of Rawalpindi on special flights
to hold talks with the hostage takers who had stormed the GHQ
building on October 10, 2009, according to well-informed officials
in Islamabad."

Editorial: "Bloody Thursday," in the Karachi-based center-left
independent national English daily "Dawn" (cir. 55,000) (10/16)

"After Thursday's spate of attacks, little proof is needed to show
how intricately the violence in Punjab is linked to terror in the
Frontier.... Given the complex perspective on the militants' goals,
it is difficult at the moment to gauge the extent of the success or
failure of the latest bout of terror. If the terrorists believe
they are fighting American imperialism then their assaults on
innocent people make little sense. They are suspected of
intensifying their violent campaign to stall or pre-empt an army
operation in South Waziristan. But in that case the only effect
these terror hits can have is to hasten the army's march and
strengthen its resolve against the terrorists. Perhaps such a
debate can be postponed - for what is clear is that the country is
up against brainwashed elements controlled by commanders bent on
death and destruction.... With the country in turmoil, there is no
room for rhetoric and finger-pointing. Action is needed - urgently.
The country is up against an enemy that is showing no signs of
receding."

Editorial: "Terror Unrelenting," in the populist, often sensational
national English daily "The News" (cir. 55,000) (10/16)

"The Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan has quickly claimed responsibility
and the Lahore attack may have been a part of its bid to warn
against an operation in South Waziristan. Police believe
Punjab-based groups may have aided the TTP. The same partnership
could be used again to stage more coordinated attacks. We do not
yet know if a suicide bombing in Kohat that killed at least ten
people was linked to the Lahore incidents. But the mere thought of
strikes at the same time in different cities is terrifying. The war
in our tribal areas has once more forced its way into our cities....
We must find out why it has occurred and come up with ways to stop

the other bombers who even now may be chalking up their plans and
detecting security weaknesses they can exploit."

Editorial: "Terrorism At Full Blast," in the center-right national
English daily "The Nation" (cir. 20,000) (10/16)

"The militants' repeated target has been the security agencies.
Though their readiness to meet the deadly challenge has improved and
prospective suicide bids have been foiled with arrests, there is a
dire need to tone up the intelligence gathering system. No doubt,
in the times and circumstances we live in, it is impossible to rule
out danger to life. But there is also no doubt that the kind of
security consciousness that the situation demands we continue to
lack. It is time to focus our efforts on this aspect. And, not the
least, watch out for alien spoilers of peace who could be trying to
force us to launch an untimely operation in South Waziristan."

Editorial: "Pakistan Is Not Cambodia," in the Peshawar-based
Urdu-language daily "Mashriq" (cir. 55,000) (10/16)

"A statement of the U.S. Consul General in Karachi, Stephen Fakan,
in which he had termed Quetta, the provincial capital of
Balochistan, as a safe haven for Al Qaeda and Taliban operatives, is
a stark violation of diplomatic norms. If he has any substantial
evidence to prove his claim, then he should provide it to the U.S.
Ambassador in Islamabad. The language used by Mr. Fakan shows that
the U.S. want to turn Pakistan into another Cambodia."

News Analysis: "Tall Claims Come Crashing Down," Ansar Abbasi in the
populist, often sensational national English daily "The News" (cir.
55,000) (10/16)

"The latest wave of terrorist attacks after the government's recent
tall claims that it has successfully curbed the menace, nails the
policy of solving the problem with the barrel of gun based on
terribly failed Bush-Mush doctrine.... Options are limited for us
but without giving a serious thought and taking into consideration
the consequences of what we have been doing since 9/11 just to
please the Americans and what we receive at the end, no improvement
is expected. Military solution does not normally work against your
own people. So far it has been United States' war and our blood."

Editorial: "Triple Terror Attacks In Lahore," in the liberal Urdu
daily "Express" (cir.25,000) (10/16)

"It is very encouraging for the nation that despite the repeated
terror attacks, the government has not lost heart and aims to uproot
terrorism.... The interior minister is right when he says that the
nation should boycott terror outfits and that terrorists will be
completely defeated when the public, the security agencies and the
government join hands against this scourge."

Editorials: "Terrorism Against The Security Forces In Lahore And
Kohat; Remain Vigilant About The Enemy's Motives," in the
second-largest, nationalist Urdu daily "Nawa-i-Waqt" (cir. 150,000)
(10/16)

"Indian involvement in recent terrorism incidents cannot be ruled
out. The attacks methodology resembles with Indian activities. It
is also very much possible that America is involved in this
terrorism in order to have Waziristan operation started immediately;
Black Water's activities are not a secret. The terrorists used
latest weapons in the recent incidents and our security agencies
should see if these weapons resemble the weapons recovered from
American diplomats and Black Water operatives."

--------------
Kerry-Lugar Bill
--------------

News Story: "Kerry-Lugar Bill Not Acceptable In Present Form, Says
Nawaz" "The News" (10/16)

"Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Quaid and former Prime
Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif said on Thursday made it clear that
the PML-N would accept only that version of the Kerry-Lugar Bill
whose conditions did not clash with the national interests."

News Story: U.S. Congressional Statement Answers Kerry-Lugar Bill

Concerns: Qureshi" "The News" (10/16)

"Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi flew back to Islamabad on
Wednesday evening with the hope that the U.S. Congressional
explanatory statement on the intent of Kerry-Lugar Bill answers
Pakistani people's concerns over some provisions of the $7.5 billion
aid measure."

News Story: "Obama Signs Kerry-Lugar Bill Into Law" "Dawn" (10/16)

"U.S. President Barack Obama on Thursday signed into law a bill that
triples non-military aid to Pakistan to about $7.5 billion over the
next five years, the White House said. 'This law is the tangible
manifestation of broad support for Pakistan in the U.S., as
evidenced by its bipartisan, bicameral, unanimous passage in
Congress,' White House spokesman Robert Gates said."

News Story: "The Changes Made By The Explanatory Note In Kerry-Lugar
Bill" "Dawn" (10/16)

"The United States has interpreted the Kerry-Lugar Bill in an
ambiguous way as new words have been added while explaining the Bill
and a few tricky portions have been omitted in the explanatory
note."

News Story: "U.S. Says Joint Statement Not Part of Kerry-Lugar Bill"
"The News" (10/16)

"Spokespersons for Senator John Kerry and Congressman Howard Berman
have minced no words in saying that the joint explanatory statement
signed by the two movers of the Kerry-Lugar-Berman Bill No: S-1707
and also Chairmen of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the House and
the Senate, has been made part of the U.S. Congressional record.
But they also stressed that this explanatory note is only a document
of intent by the two movers of the Bill."

News Story: "Holbrooke, Kerry To Arrive Next Week" "Daily Times"
(10/16)

"Richard Holbrooke, U.S. special representative to Afghanistan and
Pakistan, and the chief author of the Kerry-Lugar Bill, Senator John
Kerry, are expected to visit Pakistan early next week. Diplomatic
sources said, they will assure the Pakistani leadership about the
long-term U.S. commitment to Pakistan and its people and try to
dispel the impression the U.S. is trying to micromanage the
country."

News Story: "Senate Divided Over Explanatory Note" "Dawn" (10/16)

"The Senate witnessed on Thursday a unique division within the
ruling PPP over the introduction of an amendment to a bill which was
tabled for approval by the government."

News Story: "Govt., Opposition Remain Far Apart On Kerry-Lugar"
"Dawn" (10/16)

"The government and opposition seemed still far apart in the
National Assembly on Thursday on the Kerry-Lugar Bill of U.S. Aid to
Pakistan as President Obama signed the draft into law, with a
leading member of the ruling Pakistan people's Party accusing
unspecified 'strong powers' of seeking to deny people the stipulated
benefits of American funds."

News Story: "Kerry-Lugar Bill A Gift For Nation, Says Fauzia" "The
Nation" (10/16)

"Terming Kerry-Lugar Bill (KLB) as a gift for Pakistan, member
National Assembly and Secretary Information of Pakistan People's
Party Fauzia Wahab Thursday said that the most discussed and
criticized clauses of the bill were in conformity with the
constitution of Pakistan. 'The bill poses no threat to the national
security and dignity,' Fauzia Wahab while participating in the
debate (in National Assembly) on the situation arising after the
passage of Kerry-Lugar Bill."

News Story: "Ayaz Amir Terms Explanatory Statement Latest U.S.
Charade" "The News" (10/16)

"The opposition in the National Assembly Thursday described the

Kerry-Lugar Bill as a zero-sum game while rejecting the explanatory
statement from the United States. Ayaz Amir described the
explanatory statement attached with the Kerry-Lugar Bill as the
'latest Charade' that was termed by the Foreign Minister 'Historic.'

The legislators started to lose interest in the debate on the
Kerry-Lugar Bill as it continued for a week in the National Assembly
and they found it was aimless practice for them."

News Story: "Senators Reject U.S. Aid Bill 'Explanatory Note'"
"Daily Times" (10/16)

"The Senate on Thursday rejected the 'explanatory note' attached to
the Kerry-Lugar bill, terming it 'old wine in a new bottle', adding
that it clearly indicated Washington's intent remained unchanged."

News Story: "Explanatory Note Is Mere Fluff: Analysts" "The News"
(10/16)

"A fairly lengthy explanatory note attached to the Kerry-Lugar Bill
has no legal value for not being part of the U.S. legislation,
senior officials and legal experts say. 'At best, the note that is
gloss over the Bill can be described as guidelines for the
executive, but it doesn't affect the basic legislation,' noted
constitutional expert Senator Wasim Sajjad while talking to 'The
News.'"

News Story: 52 Per Cent Pakistanis Oppose Kerry-Lugar Bill" "The
Nation" (10/16)

"A recent poll conducted during the period September 27 - October 5
by Gallup Pakistan shows that Pakistani public's views and
perceptions are highly critical of the latest Kerry-Lugar Bill,
according to which the American aid to Pakistan is going to be
triple."

Editorial: "A Clearer Message?," in the populist, often sensational
national English daily "The News" (cir. 55,000) (10/16)

"The explanatory note attached to the Kerry-Lugar Bill following the
Pakistani Foreign Minister's talks in Washington does not change the
contents of the legislation.... But it does help to soften the
impact of the Bill and makes it distinctly more palatable, like a
dose of cod liver oil followed by a heaped spoon of sugar....
Possibly to assess how far the new note has helped calm the army,
Senator John Kerry, one of the principal authors of the bill and
Richard Holbrooke, the U.S. Special Representative for Pakistan and
Afghanistan, are also expected to visit Pakistan in the near future.
Their action to try and salvage the situation for the Pakistan
government indicates a desire to ensure stability in the country....
However, the main challenge now for the government is to see how
strongly it can present the bill as an aid package that has the
potential to significantly better the plight of Pakistan's people.
All will, however, depend on how the Bill is implemented as it
continues to provide the U.S. administration a lever which can be
used at any stage to cut off our aid. The continued criticism of
the legislation would subside only when what is practiced matches
the promises made."

Editorial: "U.S. Decision To Incorporate Explanatory Note In
Kerry-Lugar Bill," in the popular rightist Urdu-language daily
"Ausaf" (cir. 10,000) (10/16)

"Forcing the U.S. to retreat on the Kerry-Lugar Bill, and issue an
explanatory note, is a big success for the Pakistani masses, army
and the opposition parties. Now it would not be so easy for
Washington to meddle into our internal affairs. But its past record
shows that the U.S. does not give up its agenda so easily, rather it
retreats under expediency but attacks again from some unexpected
direction. Hence, the Pakistan Army and the people will have to
remain more vigilant in future to foil any conspiracy of the United
States."

Editorial: "Kerry-Lugar Bill: Who Will Be The Real Beneficiary?," in
the Karachi-based, pro-Taliban Jihadi Urdu daily "Islam" (cir.
15,000) (10/16)

Editorial: "Kerry-Lugar Bill: Who Will Be The Real Beneficiary?," in
the Karachi-based, pro-Taliban Jihadi Urdu daily "Islam" (cir.

15,000) (10/16)

"The U.S. wants Pakistan's help to promote its own agenda in
exchange of its financial assistance. Our rulers need dollars, and
it seems that they have assured Washington of the success of this
goal. The U.S. has therefore, promised to quench their thirst for
money in the form of Kerry-Lugar Bill. Question arises here that
why our friends like Saudi Arabia and China are not helping us in
this hour of dire need? And why the U.S. want to provide assistance
to Pakistan only by attaching conditionalities with the Kerry-Lugar
Bill? Who will be the real beneficiary of this aid? Pakistan or
the United States?"

Editorial: "'Explaining' Kerry-Lugar," in the Karachi-based
center-left independent national English daily "Dawn" (cir. 55,000)
(10/16)

"Yet, the fiasco over the Kerry-Lugar aid and 'conditionalities' has
exposed problems in the domestic sphere that will take a lot of
savvy to resolve. For one, the decision-making process of the state
appears to be in tatters. Parliament was kept out of the loop and
potentially influential bodies such as the cabinet committee on
defence were not involved. For another, the army has publicly
intervened and contradicted the government, which bodes ill for
civil-military relations. If history is any guide, more than a
handful of such controversies and the democratic order itself can
come under attack. On the strategic side, the uproar over the
Kerry-Lugar bill has exposed continuing differences in both the U.S.
and Pakistani establishments."

Editorial: "Kerry-Lugar Bill: After U.S. Explanations," in the
leading mass circulation populist, often sensational Urdu daily
"Jang" (cir. 300,000) (10/16)

"The issuance of an explanatory note on the Kerry-Lugar Bill from
the U.S. Congress demonstrates that Washington has realized the
concerns of the Pakistanis regarding certain clauses of this
legislation. Perhaps nothing more could be done at this stage.
Nonetheless, this explanatory note has a moral value which the U.S.
administration should honor. We should also keep it in mind that
while extending our begging bowl, we cannot expect respect from
those who give us charity. A country provides assistance to others
only to safeguard it long-term or short-term interests. Our
government should reduce its non-developmental expenditures and
formulate policies to achieve the goal of self-reliance which is the
only way to get rid of foreign aid."

Editorial: "A Total Sell-Out," in the center-right national English
daily "The Nation" (cir. 20,000) (10/16)

"Perhaps it was too much to expect the Foreign Minister to assert
Pakistan's interests before the U.S. decision-makers....
Additionally, the U.S. is now trying to dupe the Pakistani nation by
declaring its intent of publishing a so-called 'Joint Explanatory
Statement' which will be appended to the Law but will have no impact
on the KLBL (Kerry-Lugar Bill Law) in legal terms.... So,
effectively, the explanatory statement will be worthless for all but
the political researchers who may find it in the Library of Congress
along with the Law! For the Pakistani nation this merely reflects
one more way in which the U.S. is seeking to make a fool out of
them, abetted by a compliant leadership.... Valid Pakistani
concerns about Kerry-Lugar Bill have been summarily dismissed thanks
to American political arrogance, subservient ruling elite in
Islamabad and a controversial Pakistani Ambassador in Washington,
the KLBL will always remain as a major factor in the rising trust
deficit between the U.S. and Pakistan."

Editorial: "PPP And The Kerry-Lugar Bill," in the Lahore-based
liberal English language daily "Daily Times" (cir. 10,000) (10/16)

"The argument that the U.S. grant to the civilian sector is
'peanuts' must be effectively countered by linking it to the
'endorsement' of Pakistan's economy by the U.S. and the Friends of
Pakistan.... Finance Minister Shaukat Tarin says that, failing the
U.S. assistance, Pakistan might go to the IMF for additional money.
That is easier said than done. He might find the going rough. He
also talks of floating international bonds to rake in the foreign
exchange Pakistan needs; but here too he might find that the world
is less sure about Pakistan after the break with the U.S.... The

PPP needs to appear on the TV channels with more knowledge about the
implications of rejecting the Bill. It needs to earmark members who
are articulate and leave aside people who are inexpressive. This
way it will stem the tide that threatens to turn inside the party
too leaders, some of whom still adhere to the old Left
"anti-imperialist" line."

Editorial: "Kerry-Lugar's New Clothes To Subside Furore?," in the
country's premier business newspaper, "Business Recorder" (cir.
25,000) (10/16)

"Washington has travelled more than halfway to see that Pakistan's
commitment to fight international terrorism remains intact.
Confronted with Islamabad's take-it-or-leave-it kind of challenge on
the Kerry-Lugar Bill (KLB),the Obama administration saved the day
by securing a joint 'explanatory statement' of the U.S. Congress
which tends to reduce the toxic impact of the reporting conditions
outlined in the legislation.... Of course, they don't want to be
seen working to undermine Pakistan's status as a sovereign entity,
and one would not look askance on Senator Kerry's repeated
assurances that the legislation 'does not seek in any way to
compromise Pakistan's sovereignty.'"

Editorial: "Window-Dressing Of Kerry-Lugar Bill," in the
Islamabad-based rightist English daily "Pakistan Observer" (cir.
5,000) (10/16)

"IN a bid to pacify injured sentiments of people of Pakistan, the
U.S. Congress has issued a five-page explanatory note on the
controversial Kerry-Lugar Bill.... It is good of the U.S.
leadership and the Congress that they have tried to allay fears of
Pakistan about the Kerry-Lugar Bill... we believe, the objective of
'enhanced partnership' would remain an elusive dream and the bill
would instead breed more misunderstanding and confusion. No doubt,
revision of the entire aid bill would not be advisable and feasible
in view of the time factor but what the US administration might do
is to seek from the Congress early amendments in the controversial
clauses of the bill."

Editorial: "Kerry-Lugar Bill Clarification," in the Lahore-based
liberal English daily "The Post" (cir. 5,000) (10/16)

"Now that the parliament has discussed the Bill (Kerry-Lugar Bill)
and the U.S. administration has assured that there is no such thing
as targeting Pakistan's sovereignty, the dissenters of the Bill at
home should realize that listening to the world on this issue is in
our own interest. There are issues before us today that need our
immediate and focused attention. Our focus should now be shifted to
timely and judicious distribution of the aid money."

Editorial: "Kerry-Lugar Bill: Explanatory Note" in the center-right
Urdu daily "Pakistan" (cir. 10,000) (10/16)

"One can say about the U.S. Congress's explanatory note that it made
ineffective some clauses of Kerry-Lugar Bill and American objectives
were explained. However, people will be waiting for Parliament's
decision about the U.S. assistance."

Editorial: "Kerry-Lugar Bill And The Congress' Explanatory Note" in
the Lahore-based Urdu daily "Waqt" (10/16)

"There is a need to fully review the details of the explanatory
notes regarding Kerry-Lugar bill, and focus on the facts, rather
than criticism for criticism's sake. This is necessary because some
people are also saying that the conditions over which there has been
much hue and cry in Pakistan do not even exist in the bill.... We
hope that instead of going for a solo flight, our leadership will
remove any reservations regarding the bill and will take all
concerned parties into confidence in its final decision."

Opinion: "The Kerry-Lugar Distraction," Ahmad Rafay Alam in the
populist, often sensational national English daily "The News" (cir.
55,000) (10/16)

"The Kerry-Lugar Bill has become the black-hole of Pakistani
political debate. Its din of conflicting rhetoric and opinion
drowns out everything else - even good sense. Sovereignty, which
reference to any nearby encyclopedia will tell you, is a quality
possessed by a sovereign, of having supreme and complete control

over a territory. In light of the KLB (it's even got its own
acronym),we seem to have got this concept mixed with ghairat.
While all this is most amusing, it is no substitute for meaningful
debate about the future of this country.... While the bill debate
goes on consuming all the AIR in the room, the real challenges this
country faces remain unaddressed. We are a country of nearly 170
million mostly poor and illiterate people that is facing an energy
crisis, a population explosion and potential water scarcity.... And
here we are, with this Kerry-Lugar Bill debate, talking of nothing
but whether or not it is acceptable for Pakistan to be a beggar and
a chooser. I would think that saner counsel ('get whatever you can
get and be thankful') should prevail."

Opinion: "Democracy Under A Cloud," Ayaz Amir in the populist, often
sensational national English daily "The News" (cir. 55,000) (10/16)

"Pakistan's American relationship will surely survive the
Kerry-Lugar Bill (KLB) but Pakistani democracy - the post Feb 2008
phase of it - may not. One of the stated, indeed touted, aims of
this bill is to strengthen democratic institutions. The way it is
turning out, the KLB - or rather the manner of its handling by our
diplomatic and political wizards - may well be the demolition
explosive which brings the house of democracy (our perennial house
of cards) down. Think again of the law of unintended consequences.
To be fair to the KLB, it isn't the sole or primary cause of
tensions between the Presidency and General Headquarters (GHQ).
These tensions predate this controversy and centre on a growing
level of mistrust between these two centers of power. But the KLB
has brought this mistrust into the open."

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Miscellaneous
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News Story: USAID Projects To Continue, Says Director - Agency Not
Suspending Current Program Portfolio" "Business Recorder" (10/16)

"The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is exploring
innovative ways to channel development funds through Pakistani
government agencies and public, private, and nongovernmental
institutions, but has no plans to suspend any existing projects,
Mission Director Bob Wilson said on Thursday."

(All circulation figures are based on estimation)
Patterson