PAKISTAN MEDIA REACTION: TOP STORIES, TERRORISM/MILITARY,

UNCLAS ISLAMABAD 002571

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KMDR KPAO OIIP OPRC PGOV PREL PK
SUBJECT: PAKISTAN MEDIA REACTION: TOP STORIES, TERRORISM/MILITARY,
POLITICAL, ECON/BUSINESS, MISCELLANEOUS - OCTOBER 22, 2009

Summary: Pakistan's decision to avail of the U.S. aid package
dominated the headlines, along with reports that the U.S. Congress
may approve new restrictions on military aid to Pakistan. Reports
that security forces had secured the hometown of Pakistani Taliban
Chief Hakimullah Mehsud received wide coverage. Also front-paged
were reports that twelve Arab, Pakistani and Afghan militants, were
killed in N. Waziristan. Prime Minister Gilani's assurance that Pak
nuclear assets were safe, was highlighted. Major newspapers
reported that the United States has provided $150,000 for bomb
disposal equipment to the NWFP police.

Commenting on the suicide bombing by the Tehrik-e-Taliban at the
International Islamic University, the liberal English language
newspaper, "Daily Times," called it an act of desperation. "The
News" however saw it as a more sophisticated method of business
conducted by the TTP. All news channels highlighted the shooting in
Islamabad today of two Pakistani Army personnel. End Summary.

TOP STORIES

News Story: "Cabinet Formally Accepts The Kerry-Lugar Bill" "Dawn"
(10/22)

"The federal cabinet formally accepted on Wednesday the Kerry-Lugar
Bill (Enhanced Partnership Act with Pakistan Bill of 2009).
Briefing the media after a cabinet meeting, Information Minister
Qamaruz Zaman Kaira said there were no differences of opinions about
accepting the assistance under a law which applied to the American
executive." (Story also front paged in: The News, Daily Times, Jang,
Ausaf, Nawa-i-Waqt, Express)

News Story: "U.S. To Set New Curbs On Pak Military Aid" "The Nation"
(10/220

"The U.S. Congress this week may approve tough new restrictions on
military aid to Pakistan, which has decried similar curbs on
economic assistance as undermining its sovereignty, aides said
Wednesday. The fresh limits include efforts to track where U.S.
military hardware sent to Pakistan ends up, as well as a warning
that U.S. aid to Pakistan must not upset "the balance of power in
the region" - a reference to tensions with India." (Story also front
paged in: Dawn, The News, The Nation, Jang, Express)

News Story: "Troops Advance To Clear Heights Around Hakimullah's
Hometown" "Dawn" (10/22)

"Security forces gained some ground as they advanced to clear
heights surrounding Kotkai, the home town of Tehrik-i-Taliban
Pakistan (TTP) chief Hakimullah Mehsud and his deputy Qari Hussain.
An official told Dawn that the security forces were clearing
surrounding heights and caves after securing Tor Ghundai, east of
Kotkai." (Story also front paged in: Daily Times, The News, the
Nation, Jang, Nawa-i-Waqt, Express, Khabrain)

TERRORISM/MILITARY

News Story: "12 Die As Blast Rocks North Waziristan Agency" "The
News" (10/22)

"Twelve people, including Arab, Pakistani and Afghan militants, were
killed and several others injured, some of them women and children,
in a mysterious blast in Surkot village, five kilometers east of
Miramshah, regional headquarters of North Waziristan Agency, on
Wednesday evening. Among the dead, the name of al-Qaeda operative
Abu Musa al-Misri was also circulating."

News Story: "Nation Deeply Committed To Eradicate Terrorism;
Declares Nuclear Assets Absolutely Safe: PM" "The News" (10/22)

"Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has assured the nation that
cowardly acts of terrorists will not go unpunished and we are even
more resolute in our commitment to eradicate the evil of militancy
from our country. Speaking on Wednesday at a cabinet meeting that he
chaired at the PM Secretariat, the prime minister assured the nation
and the international community that Pakistan's nuclear
infrastructure was totally safe and secure and these terrorists pose
no threat to our nuclear assets."

News Story: "U.S. Gives $150,000 Bomb Disposal Equipment To NWFP"

"Daily Times" (10/22)

"As part of its continuing collaboration with Pakistani authorities
to protect people in Pakistan from terrorist bombings, the United
States government on Wednesday provided $150,000 in bomb disposal
equipment to the NWFP police. This contribution is in addition to
the $1.6 million in ATA training and equipment furnished to the NWFP
Bomb Disposal Squad previously this year." (Story also covered in:
The News, The Nation, The Frontier Post, Jang, Express, Aaj Kal,
Jinnah)

News Story: "Army Hoists National Flag In Shingwari" "Daily Times"
(10/22)

"Fighter jets pounded Taliban hideouts in South Waziristan on
Wednesday, as the army hoisted the national flag in the Shingwari
area on the fifth day of Operation Rah-e-Nijat. Shingwari's capture
has been seen as a major success for the military, tribal analysts
said, as this would allow ground forces to advance towards the
Chalwashti, Kanniguram and Sam areas."

News Story: "Al Qaeda Operative Abu Musa Killed" "Daily Times"
(10/22)

"Top Al Qaeda leader Abu Musa al-Misri, expert at preparing suicide
vehicles, was killed in North Waziristan, a private TV channel
reported on Wednesday. According to the channel a security official
said."

News Story: "Five Foreigners Killed In North Waziristan" "Dawn"
(10/22)

"Five foreign terrorists, one of them an Arab who reportedly trained
suicide bombers, were killed and four others injured when their
explosives-laden vehicle exploded in Spilga village in North
Waziristan on Wednesday, officials said."

News Story: "Waziristan Operation Aims To Destroy Terror Source"
"Daily Times" (10/22)

"The Pakistan Army's push against the Taliban and Al Qaeda
terrorists in the Mehsud tribal stronghold of South Waziristan has
one paramount objective - to destroy the source of terror attacks in
the country, the BBC reported on Wednesday."

News Story: "Finish Off Taliban Once And For All" "Daily Times"
(10/22)

"The government needs to finish off the Taliban once and for all in
an offensive on their South Waziristan stronghold or risk them
returning stronger and in greater numbers, internally displaced
persons (IDPs) from South Waziristan say."

News Story: "UN Closes Food Centers In Northwest Pakistan" "The
News" (10/22)

"The UN World Food Program on Wednesday closed distribution centers
serving more than two million people in northwest Pakistan over
security fears, a spokesman for the agency said. 'We have closed
all our food distribution centers in Swabi, Charsadda, Mardan, Swat,
Buner, Dir and Bajaur, which are the humanitarian hubs for
internally displaced people in the region,' said Amjad Jamal, a
spokesman for WFP in Islamabad."

News Story: "India Behind Most Terror Attacks, Says Malik" "Dawn"
(10/22)

"Interior Minister Rehman Malik on Wednesday accused India of
sponsoring terrorism in Pakistan, saying Delhi itself would be
responsible for any terrorist attack if carried out in future on its
soil."

News Story: "Malik Wants U.S. Presence With High Explosives Hushed
Up; Defends U.S. Interests, Warns Durrani" "The Nation" (10/22)

"The Interior Ministry is browbeating the Commandant Police Training
College Sihala as to why he has written a letter to the Punjab,
Inspector General of Police (IGP),expressing his concerns over the
presence of U.S. security officials in the premises of the

institute, the sources told 'The Nation.' Sources privy to the
developments said that the Ministry was annoyed with Nasir Khan
Durrani, Commandant Police Training College Sihala as to why he had
written a letter to IGP seeking clarification from the Interior
Ministry and Foreign Office about the terms and conditions of U.S.
security officials' presence as well as the duration of their stay
in the college premises."

News Story: "Pak Assures Iran Of Help In Nabbing Bomb Culprits"
"Dawn" (10/22)

"Pakistan will support Iran in tracking down those responsible for a
suicide bomb attack in southeastern Iran, Pakistan's foreign
minister said on Wednesday, as calls in Iran grew for the
perpetrators to be punished.... Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah
Mehmood Qureshi declined to comment on the television report and
said an Iranian delegation was due in Pakistan for talks."

Editorial: "Striking Islamic University In Islamabad," an editorial
in the Lahore-based liberal English language daily "Daily Times"
(cir. 10,000) (10/22)

"The attack on the university reveals the changing temperament of
the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and its increasing
desperation.... The terrorists have gradually abandoned the broad
support they had among the largely conservative majority of
Pakistan's population. By doing what they did in Swat they proved
that it was a deliberate act. From a majority of those who accepted
the 'cause' of the Taliban, the country now has a minority that
would still support the so-called "Islamic enterprise" their leader
Hakimullah has announced from South Waziristan. This is the moment
when the resolve to face up to the challenge of terrorism should
become even stronger."

Editorial: "A State Of war," an editorial in the populist, often
sensational national English daily "The News" (cir. 55,000) (10/22)

"The bombers are adapting to the need of the hour and becoming ever
more sophisticated in the way they go about their business. Many are
now clean-shaven and fair-skinned, they are sometimes dressing in
modern casual clothing or the all-concealing burqa (and the most
diligent security guard is going to think twice about demanding to
search a person wearing a burqa) and have learned to blend with the
environment they seek to attack."

Editorial: "The Wrong Target?," an editorial in the populist, often
sensational national English daily "The News" (cir. 55,000) (10/22)

"If the military campaign in Waziristan succeeds this time round,
and the Taliban are genuinely defeated, the need will arise to win
back the loyalty of these [displaced] people. This will not be
easy. Militants have held sway here for years. Alongside the
secret negotiations with Mehsud tribesmen and the other efforts to
break up backing for the TTP, ordinary people too need to be
persuaded that state forces have respect for them and are willing to
help them. This can play a key role in deciding which side they
take - and their support will be a vital one in winning this war
which will not end with the destruction of militant bases."

Editorial: "A Confused Government," an editorial in the center-right
national English daily "The Nation" (cir. 20,000) (10/22)

"With an ongoing military operation and rampant terrorism across the
country, the first priority for the government should have been to
establish clarity of purpose and strategy. Unfortunately, that is
still missing and this weakness stands exposed today as never
before. A mere glance at the babble of statements coming forth from
government personnel, shows the confusion and panic gripping those
who should be allaying people's fears and providing credible
leadership."

Editorial: "Terrorism: Nation Has To Pay Price," an editorial in the
Islamabad-based rightist English daily "Pakistan Observer" (cir.
5,000) (10/22)

"Tuesday's dastardly suicide bombing of the International Islamic
University (IIU) has exposed hollowness of the claims of the
militants that they were pursuing a religious cause.... But the
development also indicates how critical the situation is and that

there is a dire need to take a decisive action against terrorists
and their backers, as this is the only way to avert a
catastrophe.... Now we have reached a stage where we have two
options - surrender before foreign-aided terrorists and let them
establish their own writ/control of the administration or fight back
with courage and determination. The second option is the only way
forward as every segment of the society is now convinced that the
menace of terrorism was playing havoc with the country and is
backing the Government and the armed forces in their bid to
reestablish the writ of the state."

Editorial: "Suicide Attacks In Islamic University And The Closure Of
Educational Institutions," an editorial in the liberal Urdu daily
"Express" (circ. 25000) (10/22)

"For the first time in the country's history, all four provinces
have closed down educational institutions due to the increasing
terrorist activities. Even before this latest wave of terrorism, the
federal and provincial governments were aware that educational
institutions could be the next target. We would not have surrendered
to terrorists like this had proper and timely security arrangements
been in place.... The terrorists will have a field day if our rulers
continue sitting idle. There is a need to give a befitting response
to the terrorists otherwise they will continue to grow in strength.
Instead of waiting for the terrorists' next act, it is important to
crush their heinous designs before they are implemented."

Editorial: "U.S. Control Of Sihala College?," an editorial in the
center-right Urdu daily "Pakistan" (cir. 10,000) (10/22)

"Sihala Police Training College Commandant's letter and subsequent
American Embassy's clarification do not bring to fore any cause for
concern. We will request the government of Punjab to hold a high
level enquiry vis-`-vis the letter. A clarification should be
sought from the U.S. Embassy if the Commandant's complaint is
correct and if the complaint is incorrect and unfounded then the
department should take disciplinary action against the officer."

Editorial: "Terrorism And Indian War Preparations: The Enemy Is At
Our Door," an editorial in the second-largest, nationalist Urdu
daily "Nawa-i-Waqt" (cir. 150,000) (10/22)

"India has started deploying more troops on the Line of Control....
While fighting the war of American interests our Army's attention is
focused on South Waziristan operation. Taking advantage of the
situation our cunning enemy, India has opened fronts against our
security.... Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said before
Indian Commanders annual meeting in New Delhi that the security
situation of our neighboring country is falling apart and is posing
a threat to the security of South Asia including India.... If the
enemy is preparing for a decisive war against our security then we
have the right to defend our security, independence and sovereignty.
We did not make nuclear bombs to put in a showcase."

Editorial: "Pak-Iran Tensions," an editorial in the Karachi-based
center-left independent national English daily "Dawn" (cir. 55,000)
(10/22)

"In the wake of Sunday's attack by Jundullah in Sistan-Baluchestan,
senior Iranian officials have issued blunt statements against
Pakistan.... For its part, the Pakistani government has strenuously
denied any link to Jundullah and promised to extend all cooperation
possible to the Iranian authorities. What are we to make of all
this? First, the issue of Jundullah and its presence inside
Pakistan. In the shadowy world of militancy very little is known for
certain, but it does seem likely that Jundullah exists in some form
in Balochistan and perhaps even FATA.... So while the state must
clamp down on such forms of militancy harder, our neighbors should
avoid falling into the militants' trap."

Opinion: "Common Pain?," an op-ed by Tanweer Qaiser Shahid in the
liberal Urdu daily "Express" (circ. 25000) (10/22)

"The snake we fed under state supervision to defeat Russian infidels
in Afghanistan has now come home to kill us. What could be more
tragic and discouraging than the fact that just when our courageous
soldiers and officers are descending into Waziristan to take on the
enemies of Islam, some amongst us are still making sympathetic
statements in favor of those who slaughter innocent human beings in

the name of jihad?... One such [phone] call - by a person who does
politics in the name of religion - was intercepted yesterday where
he was telling terrorists in Waziristan: My importance in
Islamabad will increase only when you do something, only then will
I be able to offer mediation. This is how our trust is being
betrayed. Ever since President Zardari and PM Gillani's government
took over, the Tehrik-i-Taliban have carried out 121 attacks in
different cities of Pakistan, killing 1896 innocent persons and
destroying as many families. These are the so called 'Mujahideen of
Islam' about whom Maulana Fazlur Rehman says: 'it is unfair to use
force against them.' These are the 'assets' for whom Jamaat-i-Islami
chief Munawar Hasan feels deep and abiding love and says: 'there
should be a dialogue with them." Dear sir, how can there be dialogue
with a ruthless killer who enters your home and puts a knife to your
loved one's throat?"

Opinion: "KLB (Kerry-Lugar Bill) Is Not The Issue," an editorial in
the Karachi-based center-left independent national English daily
"Dawn" (cir. 55,000) (10/22)

"Pakistan joined this war at someone else's behest and with someone
else's money. But right now, the entire country is the battleground
and the entire population a potential target as underlined by the
despicable attack on the Islamic University in Islamabad. We cannot
win it with a half-hearted anti-'Jihadi' stance that sees fit to use
'good Taliban' against 'bad Taliban' - and unless the
'establishment' (army-bureaucracy-intelligence agencies) removes its
traditional anti-India blinkers."

POLITICAL ISSUES

News Story: "Joint Session Of Parliament Summoned On 26th" "Daily
Times" 10/22)

"A joint session of parliament has been summoned on October 26.
According to official sources, Turkish Prime Minister Receb Tayyab
Erdogan, scheduled to arrive in Islamabad on a two-day visit, would
also address the joint sitting of both Houses."

News Story: "Zardari, Nawaz To Meet Next Week" "Daily Times"
(10/22)

"President Asif Ali Zardari has decided to meet Pakistan Muslim
League-Nawaz (PML-N) Chief Nawaz Sharif next week, in a bid to
strengthen relations with the country's political leadership, a
private TV channel reported on Wednesday. According to the channel,
President Zardari told a Pakistan People's Party (PPP) delegation
from Sargodha that he would meet Nawaz next week. The president will
discuss the country's political and security situation, with a focus
on the military operation in South Waziristan. He will also discuss
the government's anti-terror policy."

ECON/BUSINESS

News Story: "Peshawar Hotel Deal With U.S. In Jeopardy" "Dawn"
(10/22)

"A deal for purchase of Peshawar's sole five-star hotel, bombed in
June, by the US administration for housing its consulate in the
provincial capital is in jeopardy after reservations expressed by
different quarters, it is learnt. 'The deal seems over now because
of many ifs and buts attached to it,' a well-placed source told
'Dawn' here on Wednesday. The United States diplomatic mission in
Islamabad and Peshawar had been in contact with different parties to
purchase a new and comparatively safe place for housing its
consulate in Peshawar. The management of Pearl Continental Hotel was
one of such parties approached for the purpose, the source said.
According to the source, negotiations are still in progress for
purchasing a suitable place, including the Pearl Continental Hotel,
but no deal has been finalized."

News Story: "U.S. Refuses To Invest In Public Power Sector" ""The
News" (10/22)

"In a blunt show of its absolute absence of confidence, Washington
has declined to pump investment in public sector power projects and
has instead declared its willingness to bailout Pakistan from the
crippling energy crisis through private sector projects. 'This
impression was inferred during dialogue between the U.S. officials

and private stakeholders in energy sector of Pakistan,' 'The News'
has learned through reliable sources."

MISCELLANEOUS

News Story: "1,200 U.S. Military Officials Issued Visas" "The
Nation" (10/220

"Pakistan's embassy in United States has issued 26 diplomatic visas
to American diplomats, 1200 to U.S. army officials and 2500 to U.S.
citizens travelling for Afghanistan during last 15 months. Embassy
Spokesman told this news agency that since last June to September
this year, 12000 to 13000 Pakistani Americans were issued visas. In
response to a question regarding security background, the spokesman
said that Foreign Office approved issuance of diplomatic visas while
Defence Department issue clearance for visas to persons related to
Defence department. These visas are issued on the request of U.S.
State Department."

News Story: "University-Based 'Incubation Center' To Help Young
Agricultural Entrepreneurs Compete" "Ausaf" (10/22)

"Minister of Finance Shaukat Tarin today underscored the importance
of agriculture in strengthening Pakistan's economy at the
inauguration of a new academic facility to fast-track growth of
agricultural businesses. At a ceremony today inaugurating a new
Business Incubation Center, Minister Tarin was joined by Ambassador
Robin L. Raphel, Coordinator for Economic and Development Assistance
at the U.S. Embassy and officials from the Competitive Support Fund
(CSF),a joint initiative of the Ministry of Finance and the U.S.
Mission in Pakistan."

News Story: "U.S. Congressman Snubs PML-N Senator" "The News"
(10/22)

"A situation was created at the Capitol Hill on Tuesday afternoon
when Republican Congressman from 10th District of Virginia Frank
Wolf snubbed PML-N Senator Syed Zafar Ali Shah who had come here to
express the party's point of view over the Kerry-Lugar Bill. 'I
know why are you here, if you don't like the bill don't take the
money,' said an angry Frank Wolf when he saw Syed Zafar Ali Shah in
his chamber. However, the PML-N senator did not lose his patience
and tried to explain the situation but Frank Wolf was not in a mood
to listen to any argument."

(All circulation figures are based on estimation)
Patterson