PAKISTAN MEDIA REACTION: TOP STORIES, TERRORISM/MILITARY,

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.) �0A; 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