PAKISTAN MEDIA REACTION: MARCH 12, 2009

UNCLAS ISLAMABAD 000526

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KMDR KPAO OIIP OPRC PGOV PREL PK
SUBJECT: PAKISTAN MEDIA REACTION: MARCH 12, 2009

Summary: Reports of a "massive crackdown" on opposition parties and
lawyers to thwart the long march and sit-in in Islamabad dominated
headlines in all newspapers on Thursday. All newspapers
front-paged Prime Minister's statement that he would "advise
President Zardari to end Governor's Rule in Punjab and allow the
majority party in the assembly to elect a new leader of the house."
Newspapers also reported that the Army Chief Kayani expressed the
"armed forces' grave concern" over the prevailing political crisis
and "advised" PM Gilani "to play his constitutional role in defusing
the tension." State Department Spokesman's statement that "U.S.
supported freedom of speech and assembly in Pakistan" also figured
prominently.

Most major dailies ran analytical editorials on the prevailing
security situation in the region with special emphasis on the
current political conflict in the country. The centrist national
daily, "The News," noted that "it is Pakistan's tragedy that we have
once more been betrayed. The forces that claimed to stand for
judicial independence and democratic principle have turned brutally
on people." The Jihadi Urdu daily, "Islam," observed that "if the
demonstrations turn violent, there is possibility that the entire
political system may be wrapped up." Whereas, the Lahore-based
liberal daily, "Daily Times," cautioned that "given the growing
power of the terrorists in the country, violence can be contributed
even to a peaceful Long March by the terrorists through a strike
that looks like the work of President Zardari." End Summary.

--------------
News Stories
--------------

"Hundreds Held In Massive Crackdown; Houses Raided Across Punjab;
Main Leaders Go Into Hiding" "Dawn" (03/12)

"Police rounded up more than 400 opposition activists across Punjab,
200 of them in the provincial capital, on Tuesday night and
Wednesday in a bid to thwart lawyers' long march and sit-in in
Islamabad. Police also raided houses and offices of lawyers in
Lahore. However, police failed to detain any top leader of Pakistan
Muslim League-N, Jamaat-i-Islami and Tehrik-i-Insaf."

"Trusting Zardari Was A Mistake: Nawaz" "Dawn" (03/12)

"'Do you know what's my biggest political mistake,' a visibly bitter
Nawaz Sharif asked during a telephone conversation on Wednesday
morning. Then he himself went on to give the answer: 'It was my
decision to trust Asif Ali Zardari.' The surprised phone call from
the PML-N leader, while he was driving towards Abbotabad to address
yet another public rally, came as the Punjab police stepped up its
campaign of raids and arrests in an attempt to round up opposition
and right activists on the eve of the lawyers-led 'long march.'"

"PM Says He Will Advise Zardari To End Punjab Standoff" "Dawn"
(03/12)

"Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani announced on Wednesday that
he would advise President Asif Ali Zardari to end governor's rule in
Punjab and allow the majority party in the assembly to elect a new
leader of the house."

"Kayani Asks PM To Play Role As Per Constitution" "The Nation"
(03/12)

"Chief of Army Staff Gen. Ashfaq Parvez Kayani in his meeting with
Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani on Wednesday expressed the
armed forces' grave concern over the prevailing political crisis in
the country and advised Premier Gilani to play his constitutional
role in defusing the tension, which was pushing the country to major
political turmoil."

"PM Ready to Take The Bull By The Horns" "The News" (03/12)

"Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani is contemplating a series of
actions to address the growing political turmoil in the country,
according to two separate senior official sources familiar with the
developments. The Prime Minister, these sources said, was preparing
for these actions following another one-on-one meeting with Chief of
Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani at the PM House on Wednesday
where the military and the political leadership of the country
shared grave concern over the deteriorating law and order situation
in wake of the call for the long march and sit-in by the lawyers,
civil society and opposition politicians."

"Al Qaeda Plans To Target Long March" "Daily Times" (03/12)

"The Sindh government has been warned by intelligence agencies that
terrorists could attack the lawyers' long march in Sindh, with
Karachi being a prime target. There is already growing concern over
Talibanization in Karachi and adjoining areas amid reports of
possible Al Qaeda attacks during the long march."

"U.S. Wants Freedom Of Speech, Assembly" "The News" (03/12)

"The State Department on Wednesday said the U.S. supported freedom
of speech and assembly in Pakistan and everybody should act
according to the law and the Constitution without recourse to
violence."

"Patterson Calls On Shujaat, Asfandyar" "The News" (03/12)

"U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan Anne W. Patterson called on PML-Q
President Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain and ANP Chief Asfandyar Wali in
Islamabad on Wednesday separately and discussed with them the
political situation. Sources said Patterson reiterated her
country's stance of supporting the stability of democratic
institutions in Pakistan."

"Diplomats Hope For The Best" "The News" (03/12)

"Extensive behind-the-scene diplomatic efforts are afoot to cool
down political tempers in Pakistan and to sort out major irritants,
which include the issue of judges' restoration."

"NWFP Minister Survives Attempt On Life; 4 Killed" "Dawn" (03/12)

"Four people were killed when a suicide bomber blew himself up after
he had been trapped in a house in Ghauri Khan Bajauri area, Peshawar
following a failed attempt on the life of NWFP's senior Minister
Bashir Ahmad Bilour, police officer Safwath Ghayur told 'Dawn.'"

"NWFP Governor Ratifies Nizam-e-Adl" "Daily Times" (03/12)

"NWFP Governor Owais Ahmed Ghani on Wednesday signed the draft of
Nizam-e-Adl (Shariat) Regulation 2009, for forwarding it to the
president for a final approval, official sources told 'Daily
Times.'"

"12 Freed In Bajaur; 3 More Tribes Ink Peace Deal" "The Nation"
(03/12)

"After signing a 28-point agreement with three leading tribes on
Wednesday, the administration of Bajaur Agency on Wednesday made
free around one dozen arrested persons."

"Taliban Allowed To Operate Freely From Quetta: U.S." "Dawn"
(03/12)

"The central nervous system for the next major terrorist attack on
the U.S. soil lies in Pakistan, say senior U.S. officials and
lawmakers. Pakistan came under immense pressure at a U.S. Senate
hearing this week, as both officials and senators accused Islamabad
of allowing terrorists to use its soil for planning attacks on the
United States."

"Pakistan, Iran, Afghanistan Agree To Hold Regular Talks" "The News"
(03/12)

"Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran have agreed on enhancing closer
cooperation between the three countries by holding regular
interaction on regional issues and cooperation in all spheres
including the fight against terrorism. The three leaders, who had a
meeting in Tehran on the sidelines of the 10th ECO summit, agreed to
have a meeting of their Foreign Ministers every month."

"NATO Supplies Going Through Iran" "Dawn" (03/12)

"A U.S. lawmaker made a startling revelation at a recent Senate
hearing, claiming that some supplies to NATO forces in Afghanistan
were now going through Iran. Senator Jim Webb, made this revelation
at a special hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee."

"NATO Supply Truck Torched" "The News" (03/12)

"Gunmen on Tuesday torched a truck carrying supplies for NATO forces
in Afghanistan and injured its driver and a helper in Soorab, 200
kilometers from Quetta, police said."

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

"Fascism In Action," an editorial in the centrist national English
daily "The News" (cir. 55,000) (03/12)

"We spiral downwards in the direction of totalitarianism, of the
destruction of democratic process and institutions. Whatever good
we might have glimpsed in the aftermath of last year's election has
died, sacrificed on the altar of ambition and selfishness that sadly
grips the minds of those who govern. It is Pakistan's tragedy that
we have once more been betrayed. The forces that claimed to stand
for judicial independence and democratic principle have turned
brutally on people. Under its present leadership, the PPP has lost
all right to be called a party of the people."

"Game Begins," an editorial in the Karachi-based, pro Taliban Jihadi
Urdu daily "Islam" (cir. 15,000) (03/12)

"The leadership of the present political movement and the long march
must understand that if the demonstrations turn violent, there is a
possibility that the entire political system may be wrapped up, and
we cannot rule out the possibility of intervention of the external
forces.'

"Long March And Violence," an editorial in the Lahore-based liberal
English language daily "Daily Times" (cir. 10,000) (03/12)

"The last thought is so frightening that one hesitates to put it
down in writing. Given the growing power of the terrorists in the
country, violence can be contributed even to a peaceful Long March
by the terrorists through a strike that looks like the work of
President Asif Ali Zardari. The PML-N already fears attacks on its
leaders from a Karachi 'dakait' gang. The act of violence can come
from a number of sources unfortunately at large for longer than the
career of democracy in Pakistan."

"A Milestone," an editorial in the center-right national English
daily "The Nation" (cir. 20,000) (03/12)

"It is absolutely necessary that the government implement the peace
deal in letter and in spirit. Such accords have come a cropper in
the past, with both sides accusing each other of violating them, and
the Americans crying hoarse about the militants posing greater
threat as a consequence. Islamabad would, therefore, also have to
engage them to explain how crucial the deal could become in
weakening the Taliban hold on the local people. The U.S. is apt to
look askance at any peace move for fear that the militants only seek
peace to regroup and gather strength."

"Peace Deal In Bajaur Agency," an editorial in the leading mass
circulation centrist Urdu daily "Jang" (cir. 300,000) (03/12)

"It is encouraging and commendable that the NWFP government and the
Mamond tribes of Bajaur Agency have inked a peace accord following
peace deal in Swat. This accord will not only help peace and
stability, but also promote developmental programs in the area. It
is essential that both parties must stick to the peace deal, and the
government should also advance this policy of peace initiatives in
other tribal areas."

"Bajaur Deal After Swat: Don't Let Peace Procession Break," an
editorial in liberal Urdu daily "Express" (cir. 100,000) (03/12)

"Realizing the situation, AMERICA and its allies must support, not
oppose, the peace deals [in Swat and Bajaur]. In fact, the U.S.
should resolve the Afghan issue through talks and then withdraw U.S.
and NATO troops from there so that peace becomes a possibility in
the region. Following the return of peace in the affected [tribal]
areas there is a great need for development programs there. The
U.S. and other developed countries must step forward in that regard
so that the sense of deprivation prevalent there is dispelled."

"Taliban Leaders Pleasing Reaction Over Peace Agreement," an
editorial in the Lahore-based independent Urdu daily "Din"
(circ.5000)

"It is encouraging that the Taliban leaders have realized that peace
cannot be bought through guns. The government has also removed
their reservations and given them a chance to resolve their issues
peacefully. Peace deals are a source of foiling anti-state and
anti-Islam powers; their success is in everyone's interests."

"Afghanistan: The Onerous Outreach," an op-ed by I.M. Mohsin in the
center-right national English daily "The Nation" (cir. 20,000)
(03/12)

"The foreign forces face fearful odds particularly in South/East and
they are trying to shed their arrogance of power/macho tactics etc
to cultivate a soft image among the locals.... It remains to be
seen if the new U.S. President can pursue his defined option in
Afghanistan.... U.S. will need some honest brokers to reach a
settlement with the insurgents in Afghanistan and Pakistan which is
also suffering due to the spill-over of the prevailing mess."

"Will Politicians Fail Yet Again?," an editorial in the
Peshawar-based Urdu-language daily "Mashriq" (cir. 55,000) (03/12)

"Imposition of the Governor's Rule in Punjab, the attack at the Sri
Lankan Cricket team in Lahore and now the lawyers' long-march will
be decisive and detrimental to the national political scenario. The
political deadlock and the present instability will continue unless
the judges' issues are resolved."

"Unending Series Of Trials Of Pakistani People," an editorial in the
popular rightist Urdu-language daily "Ausaf" (cir. 10,000) (03/12)

"The reconciliatory mission of Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Asfandyar Wali
and Nawab Aslam Raisani is failed, and sensing the gravity of the
situation, both the U.S. and Britain have offered to mediate between
the government and the opposition in Pakistan. Though it is too
late, yet if the international forces make an effort, things can be
improved even now."

"Crackdown And After," an editorial in the Lahore-based liberal
English daily "The Post" (cir. 5,000) (03/12)

"It is in the interest of all political parties, including the
government to keep their head cool, otherwise there are chances that
the democratic edifice may crumble with the fatal loss of the fruits
of February 18 elections. It is hoped that both parties will see
reason and avoid the use of force to decide the issue at stake. A
way can yet be found to find a peaceful solution to the current
political imbroglio."

"Beginning Of The Feared Crack-Down," an editorial in the
Islamabad-based rightist English daily "Pakistan Observer" (cir.
5,000) (03/12)

"There could be calls for shutter down and wheel-jam and an unending
process of political instability and unrest would begin. Under
these circumstances, we would urge the two sides to enter into
serious negotiations and find an acceptable solution to the
political and judicial impasse. Otherwise, the country and its poor
people can no more afford tension and confrontation in the
prevailing worst economic conditions and deteriorating law and order
situation."

"Imposition Of Section 144: Both Parties Responsible," an editorial
in the Lahore-based populist center-right Urdu daily "Khabrain"
(cir. 50,000) (03/12)

"Democracy's survival and evolution lie in the spirit of
tolerance... It was a result of government intolerance that the
attitude of the lawyers and PML-N turned inflexible, and things were
said that should not have been said. Similarly, it was the lawyers'
and N League's intolerance that led to imposition of Section 144.
Hence both sides are responsible for the current situation."

"America's New Fears," an editorial in the Karachi-based center-left
independent national English daily "Dawn" (cir. 55,000) (03/12)
"Given the new fears expressed by AMERICA that many Pakistanis in
the West are being trained by Lashkar-i-Taiba (LeT),the importance
of intelligence-gathering assumes greater importance. Rather than
cracking down indiscriminately on Pakistanis fitting into a
predetermined profile, the U.S. would do better to spruce up its
cooperation with intelligence-gathering mechanisms in Pakistan as
well as other countries in the region."
Patterson