PAKISTAN MEDIA REACTION: FEBRUARY 25, 2009

UNCLAS ISLAMABAD 000413

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KMDR KPAO OIIP OPRC PGOV PREL PK
SUBJECT: PAKISTAN MEDIA REACTION: FEBRUARY 25, 2009

Summary: Reports of the Taliban's declaration of "indefinite
ceasefire in Swat valley" and order to militants to "stop attacks on
security forces" dominated all front pages on Wednesday and
overshadowed reports of Prime Minister Gilani's announcement to
"wind up the National Security Council (NSC)." U.S. Special Envoy
Holbrooke's remarks that the "review consultation meetings between
the top diplomats of the three allies would help build mutual trust"
received prominent coverage in several major dailies. Foreign
Minister Qureshi and Army Chief Kiyani's visit to Washington and
their meetings with the U.S. officials continued to garner extensive
media coverage.

Most major newspapers continued to run editorials on the recent
peace accord in Swat, and its impact on other parts of the country.
The centrist national English daily, "The News," noted that "there
is nothing in the peace plan about punishment for those who
committed all kinds of atrocities for months in Swat." The
Lahore-based liberal daily, "Daily Times," observed that the
"developments in Swat will remain uncertain until all ambiguities
are removed." However, the Peshawar-based Urdu daily, "Mashriq,"
described the peace deal in Swat as "pragmatic approach" of the NWFP
administration. End Summary.

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News Stories
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"Militants Declare Indefinite Swat Ceasefire" "Dawn" (02/25)

"The Taliban announced on Tuesday an unconditional ceasefire for an
indefinite period and ordered militants to stop attacks on security
forces. They also asked all NGOs to leave Swat. After the
ceasefire announcement, the militants released seven police and FC
personnel."

"Bajaur Calm As Government Responds To Taliban Ceasefire" "The News"
(02/25)

"Almost seven months after a military operation was launched in
Bajaur, calm and peace prevailed in the militancy-torn tribal region
on Tuesday where the government announced a four-day ceasefire to
reciprocate the unspecified armistice of Maulvi Faqir Mohammad-led
Taliban militants."

"Four-Day Truce Sparks Jubilation In Bajaur" "Dawn" (02/25)

"There was widespread jubilation in Bajaur as security forces
announced on Tuesday that they were suspending military operation
against militants in the agency for four days in response to a
ceasefire announced by Taliban, Political Agent Shafeerullah Khan
told journalists."

"Militants Reshape Future Strategy" "The Nation" (02/25)

"Taliban and Al Qaeda have started preparations for what they
anticipate a major spring offensive of U.S. and NATO forces in
Afghanistan, and the decision to silence guns in Swat and Bajaur is
a part of their new strategy."

"Swat Deal Not Enough: Holbrooke" "The Nation" (02/25)

"U.S. special envoy for Pakistan and Afghanistan Richard Holbrooke
underlined on Tuesday that the U.S. would always stand by the people
of Pakistan through thick and thin. Holbrooke met Foreign Minister
Shah Mehmood Qureshi in Washington and noted that the government of
Pakistan must do more on Swat agreement. Terming it the so-called
accord, Holbrooke said the agreement is not enough."

"Trilateral Talks On U.S. Policy Review Tomorrow" "The News"
(02/25)

"U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will meet with both her
Pakistani and Afghan counterparts on Thursday to discuss the
situation in Afghanistan. 'We obviously want to hear from a wide
variety of voices about the situation with regard to Afghanistan and
Pakistan,' State Department sp0okesman Robert Wood told reporters."

"U.S. Will Not Quit Region, Says Holbrooke" "Dawn" (02/25)

"Richard Holbrooke, the U.S. special envoy for Pakistan and
Afghanistan, has said that the United States will not quit the
region and will stay as long as it takes to eradicate terrorism from
there. Holbrooke said in an interview to PBS television."

"NSC To Be Abolished Soon, Says Gilani" "Dawn" (02/25)

"Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani said on Tuesday that the
government had decided to wind up the National Security Council
(NSC). Talking to journalists in Islamabad, the Prime Minister said
'a bill will soon be tabled in the National Assembly and the law
Minister has been asked to prepare the bill.'"

"Review To Help Build Trust, Says Holbrooke" "The News" (02/25)

"U.S. Special Representative for Pakistan and Afghanistan Richard
Holbrooke has expressed the hope that the review consultation
meetings between the top diplomats of the three allies would help
build mutual trust for effective cooperation for security in the
region, the diplomat told newsmen in brief remarks at the Pakistani
Embassy on Monday."

"Swat Deal A Local Solution To Local Problem: Qureshi" "Dawn"
(02/25)

"Foreign Minister Mahmood Qureshi said on Tuesday that the Swat
peace deal was only a 'local solution to a local problem,' which is
quite dispensation of justice. It is not any appeasement towards
the militants, he said to the media in Washington."

"Army Chief Attracts Washington's Elite" "Dawn" (02/25)

"Pakistan's Army Chief is the most sought after man in Washington,
although both the Pakistani and U.S. defense establishments are
being very secretive about his engagements in the U.S. capital....
Washington's elite queued up outside the Pakistan Embassy on Monday
evening when Ambassador Husain Haqqani hosted a dinner for him and
Foreign Minister Shah Mehamood Qureshi."

"Kayani Meets CIA, NI Chiefs" "The News" (02/25)

"Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani on
Monday called on CIA Director Leone Panetto, National Intelligence
Director Admiral Dennis C. Balir and Commander Special Operations
Command (SOCOM) Admiral Eric T. Olson. During the separate
meetings, matters of mutual interest and cooperation were
discussed."

"COAS Visits U.S. National Defence University" "The News" (02/25)

"Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani who is
currently on an official visit to the U.S., on Monday visited the
National Defence University, Washington. According to a statement
of the Inter-Services Public Relations, the Army Chief gave a talk
on 'strategic stability in South Asia, Challenges and Way Forward.'
Besides, faculty and students, selected intellectuals from local
think tanks were also invited to the talk."

"Pakistan, U.S. Need Strategic Ties Based On Shared Worldview:
Haqqani" "Daily Times" (02/25)

"Political transitions in the administrations of both Pakistan and
the U.S. are likely to shape the foreign policies adopted by both
nations, Pakistan's Ambassador to the U.S. Hussain Haqqani told a
conference sponsored by the Heinz College and the Centre for
International Politics and Innovation. 'The U.S. and Pakistan need
to establish a strategic relationship based on a shared worldview,
and President Obama and Vice President Biden understand that."

"Pakistan Needs The Kiss Of Life" "The News" (02/25)

"The United States and Europe must give Pakistan 4-5 billion dollars
in urgent aid or risk seeing the nuclear-armed country slip into
chaos, two leading U.S. foreign policy voices warned on Tuesday.
Democratic Senator John Kerry and Republican former senator Chuck
Hagel, now chair of the Atlantic Council think tank, were to release
a formal report on Wednesday appealing for international help to
stabilize Pakistan."

"U.S. Senators Urge Major Rethink On Pakistan" "The News" (02/25)
"U.S. Senators on Monday urged a rethink on aid to Pakistan after a
watchdog said more than 12 billion dollars in U.S. spending had
failed to eliminate the country's militant haven. The call came as
the Foreign Ministers of Pakistan and neighboring Afghanistan start
a week of talks in Washington with President Barack Obama's
administration on how to combat extremism."

"American Military Aid For Pakistan Short Of Money" "Daily Times"
(02/25)

"The U.S. Defence Department effort to help Pakistan secure its
border with Afghanistan and root out Taliban fighters is underfunded
by as much as 73 percent - a budget shortfall so severe that it
could slow down operations next month, according to a report
released on Monday."

"Government Urged To Ensure End To Drone Attacks" "The News" (02/25)


"The parliamentary committee on national security on Tuesday urged
the government to use all options to stop the drone attacks on
Pakistani territory."

"FBI Team Due On 27th To Question Mumbai Suspects" "The Nation"
(02/25)

"A seven-member FBI team is likely to visit Pakistan on February 27
to quiz a few suspect masterminds of 26/11 Mumbai attacks who have
been arrested by Pakistani authorities."

"China Willing To Improve Strategic Ties With Pakistan" "Daily
Times" (02/25)

"Chinese President Hu Jintao told Pakistani President Asif Ali
Zardari in a telephone conversation on Tuesday that his visit to the
Chinese cities of Wuhan and Shanghai was conducive to promoting
pragmatic cooperation between the two countries."

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Editorials/Op-eds
--------------

"Scot-Free In Swat?," an editorial in the centrist national English
daily "The News" (cir. 55,000) (02/25)

"There is nothing in the peace plan about punishment for those who
committed all kinds of atrocities for months in Swat. The extent of
the depravity of these people is almost unparalleled.... Is there
to be no accountability in Swat? Will those who carried out these
atrocities walk away scot-free? Will the rapists of women walk
gaily past their families in the streets of Mingora? Will the
murderers of young men scoff at the parents of victims? The message
such a situation would send out could have grave repercussions.
These must be considered by the authorities."

"Debate Over Swat 'Peace Deal'," an editorial in the Lahore-based
liberal English language daily "Daily Times" (cir. 10,000) (02/25)

"The evenly poised debate over the ANP government's 'peace deal' in
Swat will heat up further with Sufi Muhammad's announcement of
conditions applicable to both the state troops and the Taliban....
Interpreting these demands will once again divide the political
analysts. Developments in Swat will remain uncertain until all
ambiguities are removed. There are things to be said in favor of
the two opposed positions. Until the situation becomes clearer it
is advisable to let the debate be academic and eschew bitterness."

"Positive Attitude Of Sufi Mohammad," an editorial in the
Peshawar-based Urdu-language daily "Mashriq" (cir. 55,000) (02/25)

"The fundamental principle of democracy is to honor the wishes and
aspirations of people, therefore it will be wrong to say that the
government has retreated against a handful extremists. In fact, the
government has shown pragmatic approach that it is against any such
move that exacerbate the security situation and cause any further
bloodshed in the otherwise a calm area."

"Mullah Mohammad Omar's Censure To Tribal Militants - A Creditable
Step," an editorial in the popular rightist Urdu-language daily
"Ausaf" (cir. 10,000) (02/25)

"Mullah Mohammad Omar has sent a letter to the newly formed alliance
of Taliban to refrain from targeting the Pakistan Army
contingents... It is a praiseworthy idea that the Jihad cannot be
declared against the security forces of our own country. It is hard
reality that all the infidel forces are united, but Muslims are
divided in different groups and factions. India is supporting
Israel, and the vice versa. Likewise, the U.S. helps Israel and the
latter killed hundreds of Muslims in Gaza Stripe with the U.S.
backing. It is surprising that fourteen thousands American Jewish
people have joined the Israeli Army. If non-Muslim forces can unite
together, why can't Muslims across the world stand united? Fighting
between the Pakistan Army and the militants in FATA are not in the
interest of Pakistan as a Muslim country, as both are Muslims."

"Enemy Spy Agencies' Role In The Unrest In Swat And Tribal Areas,"
an editorial in the Lahore-based independent Urdu daily "Din" (circ.
5000) (02/25)

"Now that it is clear that enemy spy agencies are involved in the
unrest in Swat and Tribal areas, the Pakistan armed forces would
have hundred percent support from the local populace if it [the
army] engages in jihad against these elements. The need is to
target the real enemy."

"The Political Cost," an editorial in the center-right national
English daily "The Nation" (cir. 20,000) (02/25)

"Director General ISPR Maj. Gen. Athar Abbas could not get it more
right when he said that the government had to stop the military
operation in the restive Swat valley in view of the rising political
cost but it was impolitic on his part to say that the option of the
use of force remained open. Coming as it did, the comment could
militate against the peace process initiated by the NWFP government
and Tehrik-i-Nifaz-i-Shariat-i-Muhammadi."

"Peace In Swat And Maulana Soofi Muhammad," an editorial in the
center-right Urdu daily "Pakistan" (cir. 10,000) (02/25)

"A careful review of the situation shows that the unrest, terrorism
and bloodshed in Pakistan are a result of U.S. interference... We
can say with certainty that the Army is an institution that holds
the nation's welfare paramount, and does not want to aim its guns at
compatriots. Militants and citizens should also not put the Army to
test. Restoration of peace in Swat and Malakand is a source of
great joy for us. May this peace be permanent?"

"The Deal Starts Paying," an editorial in the Islamabad-based
rightist English daily "Pakistan Observer" (cir. 5,000) (02/25)

"The successful talks between the Provincial Government and TNSM
have proved that beyond any doubt. Though some circles are trying
to portray the agreement with TNSM as a sort of surrender to
militants, in fact this is a major achievement of the authorities in
which the Government has moved closer to its object of securing
peace in the troubled region.... And a report about a similar deal
in Bajaur is another measure of the success and hopefully it will be
replicated in the rest of the troubled areas as well."

"Swat: Education In Disarray," an editorial in the Karachi-based
center-left independent national English daily "Dawn" (cir. 55,000)
(02/25)

"The reopening of schools in Swat is encouraging, particularly given
the controversy over the government's decision to task Maulana Sufi
Mohammad of the banned Tehrik Nifaz-i-Shariat Muhammadi with
brokering a peace deal with the Taliban. However, this is merely an
initial step on the long road to enforcing the writ of the state in
Swat."

"Sufi's Peace Agenda," an editorial in the Lahore-based liberal
English daily "The Post" (cir. 5,000) (02/25)

"It is encouraging that the TNSM has taken the initiative to bring
normalcy in the troubled valley. However more steps are needed to be
taken by both sides for permanent peace in the region. The basic
step to bring normalcy is Swat is that all schools should be opened
immediately. At present there are 350,000 students registered in
Swat, 250,000 are enrolled at government schools and 100,000 at
private schools. Militants have destroyed 191 schools, including
122 girls' schools, leaving 62,000 pupils without schools. It is
the foremost responsibility of both sides to take such measures
which are helpful in bringing atmosphere conducive for educational
activities."

"Malakand Agreement: Necessary But Insufficient," an op-ed by Nasim
Zehra in the centrist national English daily "The News" (cir.
55,000) (02/25)

"There are three objectives the government will seek to achieve to
actually demonstrate that the Malakand peace agreement has actually
'delivered.' One to not allow the TTP-Swat to implement its own
interpretation of Shariah, within and beyond the public space in
Swat. Two, the government should debilitate organizationally and
resource-wise, through establishment of check-posts, terror and
public trials etc of organized and armed militias in Swat and
beyond. Three, to prevent the TTP from functioning as a deadly and
armed militia which pursues the objective of forcing its own version
of Shariah through terror. The only viable effort to re-establish
the writ of the state requires that the government does not
compromise on these three objectives."

"Peace, But On Whose Terms?," an op-ed by Naveed Ashraf in the
Karachi-based center-left independent national English daily "Dawn"
(cir. 55,000) (02/25)

"It is perhaps pragmatic to end the violence with a peace deal. But
such a deal should be on the government's terms, not on the
militants'. The truce should be viewed as a short-to mid-term
tactic, and not a permanent settlement, giving the government time
and space to maneuver."

"How Much Sovereignty Has Pakistan Conceded?," an op-ed by Shireen

M. Mazari in the centrist national English daily "The News" (cir.
55,000) (02/25)

"The issue of the Pakistani state's deception of its own people, the
net result is that there is no credibility left. That is why
interlocutors like Sufi Mohammed become necessary. If the
credibility of the government and the establishment is to be
re-established, they must first come clean on the extent of the
sovereignty already surrendered to the U.S. Then they must delink
from the U.S. and claim back the lost sovereignty before it is too
late. Whether one likes it or not, unless Pakistan creates space
between itself and the U.S., there will be no peace and security and
the space for moderates will continue to shrink."

"The Imperative Of Peace In Swat," an op-ed by Mazhar Qayyum Khan in
the center-right national English daily "The Nation" (cir. 20,000)
(02/25)

"The return to normal life, already partly in evidence, like the
resumption of female education that suffered most at the hands of
militants should be unequivocally greeted with satisfaction.
Somehow, the U.S. whose policies of force laced with unfulfilled
promises of socio-economic development have been responsible for
causing outrage in the country."

"More Revelations By U.S. Military Officials," an editorial note in
the center-right Urdu daily "Pakistan" (cir. 10,000) (02/25)

"Pentagon spokesman has confirmed the report [about the presence of
70 U.S. experts in Pakistan] and said that the presence of war
experts in Pakistan is no secret.... The government is constantly
insisting that drone attacks are initiated outside the country while
Google Earth has revealed otherwise. There is now no doubt about
the fact that drones take off from Shamsi airbase, Balochistan, and
land there safely on return.... Offering a Pakistani airbase to
carry out attacks inside the country under the pretext of pursuing
terrorists is extremely shameful. The government must also inform
the nation about the latest revelation about the presence of a team
of U.S. experts and advisers training Pak Army."

"Mumbai And Terrorism," an editorial in the Karachi-based
center-left independent national English daily "Dawn" (cir. 55,000)
(02/25)

"One of the unfortunate consequences of the Mumbai attacks is that
India fell back on its old 'Pakistan the terrorist, India the
victim' framework, which eschews nuances of transnational religious
extremists bent on causing mayhem in both countries. India must
avoid the knee-jerk reaction of dismissing Pakistan's concerns on
that front."
GFeierstein