Pakistan Media

Pak Urdu Media Digest -Dec 12

There is multi-speak from Taliban and the government on talking to each other. Denials and confirmations are coming up in equal measure leading to the inevitable conclusion that there are differences within Taliban and the so called talks, the government is said to be having, may indeed be taking place with some splinter groups. If this prognosis holds good, then question marks are bound to come up on the very exercise and it may all end up as a repeat of Musharraf era pacts with the militants. Another major development that finds place in the media today is the conference of envoys convened by Pakistan government which is taking place against the back drop of spat between Zardari-Gilani combine and the army ( this dispatch includes Dec 10 & 11)

AFGHANISTAN
Al Qalam says in its edit that the Bonn Conference on Afghanistan was just a facade; it was a conspiracy to continue the agenda of imperialist forces. Taliban and its commander Mullah Omer are the main parties in the Afghan dispute and their decisions will play a role for deciding the future of Afghanistan. The foreign forces should abandon Afghanistan and allow the Afghan people to decide their own future. (Al Qalam Edit, 9 December to 15 December)

SRI LANKA
1. Ausaf’s editorial on protests against the US in Sri Lanka notes that the protests were staged by Sri Lankan Muslims. It says: Muslims are in minority in Sri Lanka but they had come out in support of Pakistan. Sri Lankan Muslims had condemned NATO and had demanded stopping of supplies to NATO permanently. Edit thanks Sri Lankan government for its moral support to Pakistan. (Ausaf Edit, 11 December)

UNITED STATES
1.It is possible that the investigation into NATO attacks on Pakistani check-posts will be completed by 23rd December. (Jinnah)

2.Former chief of ISI Gen (Retd) Hamid Gul said that the government would have released 145 Taliban captives as claimed by their commander Maulvi Faqir. Pakistan should ask the US its final date of departure from Afghanistan and the US should accept Pakistan’s nuclear status. He said that though US President Obama had wanted to withdraw from Afghanistan, American Generals, along with the Indian and Israeli lobbies were against ending this war in their vested interests. Gul said that Pakistan should pressurise the US to resolve the Kashmir issue as per the UN resolution before its departure, which would not be possible without Pakistan’s help. (Ummat)

3.Interior Minister Rehman Malik said that the Shamsi airbase has been got vacated on popular demand. He said none of Pakistan’s airbases is now under any foreign country’s control. He also said that a list of Americans in Pakistan had already been released. Referring to the Benazir Bhutto assassination case, he said that 7 arrests had been made in the case so far. (Ibrat)

4.American Ambassador Cameron Munter has delivered a letter from the Pentagon to Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani. The letter’s tone was threatening saying that if Pakistan did not resume supplies to NATO forces in Afghanistan, it would have to face dire consequences. Hina Rabbani consulted with the military and political leadership and then, rejected the American ultimatum. Meanwhile, a session of the Corps Commanders has been called at the GHQ this week to discuss the security situation at Pakistan’s western borders, the NATO supplies and other important issues. (Jasarat, Urdupoint)

5. Jinnah’s edit has demanded that not only Shamsi airbase, all bases under US control should be vacated. It argues that Pakistan’s tribals had been taken as unpaid soldiers, but now, due to killing of innocents in drone attacks, they have become anti-Pakistan. (Jinnah Edit)

6. Former DG ISI Gen Zia-ud-din said that ‘Memogate’ was a sting operation of the CIA. Speaking to a private TV channel, he said the US could not protect any government in Pakistan and if the Army realizes that democracy has failed, it can still take over.  Gen. Zia-ud-din said that during Benazir Bhutto’s second term, North Korea had given USD 5 lakh for support of the missile programme, but on orders from the then Army chief, Gen. Waheed Kakar, this amount was returned. He went on to say that USA had prepared 90 commandos in Pakistan to arrest Osama but Gen. Mehmood abolished the programme, whereas Musharraf sheltered Osama. (Urdupoint, Kawish, Nawa-i-Waqt)

7.Chairman of Joints Chiefs of Staff Committee Martin Dempsey has alleged that Pakistan was providing safe haven to terrorists; the increasing interference of Pakistan in Afghanistan needed to be stopped. Speaking at an American think-tank, Dempsey said that they were trying to end Pakistan’s interference in Afghanistan.  (Jasarat)

TALIBAN TALKS
1.TTP commander Maulana Dadullah contacted BBC from an undisclosed location along the Pak-Afghan border and denied peace talks between TTP and the Pakistan government as claimed by Maulvi Faqir Mohammad. Dadullah said that Faqir Mohammad was talking to the government in his personal capacity; he asserted that TTP will not hold any dialogue with Pakistan until Sharia laws are imposed in the country. (Daily Pak, Jang)

2. Chief of TTP Mohmand Agency Amir Khalid said that they have stopped fighting as per a particular strategy. In a video message released from the Afghan district Kunar, he said that they have decided to fight a guerrilla war in Mohmand Agency and other tribal areas, a TV report said. (Urdupoint, Jasarat)

3.Nawa-i-Waqt in an editorial says banned TTP has acknowledged its dialogue with the government and refers in this connection Maulvi Faqir Mohammed’s interview to BBC, wherein he said that if the talks in Bajaur are a success, Taliban from Swat, Mohmand, Orakzai and South Waziristan will also make peace agreements with the government. He also stressed upon good relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan.  Edit says that peace talks between the government and Taliban had been indicated by Rahman Malik, when he thanked Taliban on the day of Ashura and even by the PM at a TV function. Edit criticizes the US for its hypocritical attitude as it accuses Pakistan of sheltering terrorists whenever it starts dialogue with Taliban but the US itself holds talks with the Taliban in Afghanistan. Edit says that without Pakistan’s support, the US would not have any success in Afghanistan. Edit says that Pakistan should sever its support to the war and should force NATO to quit Afghanistan as soon as possible as their presence would destroy Pakistan. (Nawa-i-Waqt Edit)

4.JUI-S chief Maulana Samiul Haq has claimed that a top US official met and asked him to help the US in conducting negotiations with the Taliban. He told this official that he was ready for such a role but put forward stringent conditions like that the US needed to stop drone attacks.  But another report said officials of the American Embassy met Maulana Samiul Haq to seek JUI-S’ help for a respectful exit from Afghanistan  but Maulana told them that Taliban did not have faith in President Hamid Karzai and in Pakistan; hence, the US should have direct talks with the main party of the dispute for establishing peace. (Jasarat, Urdupoint, Nawa-i-Waqt)

5. Ummat edit says that even though Pakistan has denied talks with Taliban, one thing is certain – Taliban were interested in meaningful talks and Interior Minister Rahman Malik’s gratitude expressed towards Taliban for maintaining peace during Muharram and the release of 145 Taliban captives were  the signs of some mutual understanding. Edit writes that the Maulvi Faqir group had shown interest in talks with the government but there could be many other groups nurtured by India, Israel or the US which would not support this idea. Edit further says that Maulvi Faqir wanted an alliance between Afghanistan and Pakistan to counter all anti-Islamic forces and thus, Pakistan’s patch up with Taliban groups would be big setback for the US. (Ummat Edit)

TERRORISM & EXTREMISM
1. Addressing people in Hajjipura in Sialkot, JuD chief Hafiz Saeed urged the Muslim community to unite and combat the conspiracies being hatched against them. He accused that the US, Israel and India were busy in ending the existence of Islam. (Jinnah)

2. JuD leader Amir Hamza said that all religious madrassas have declared support to Dafa-e-Pakistan Conference on Dec 18 and have instructed their students to attend the meet. Besides Muslims, Sikh, Christians and followers of other religions will attend the conference alongside political and religious leaders, military experts and leaders of student bodies, lawyers and traders. (Daily Pak)

3.Al Qalam’s editorial refers to the revolutions in Islamic countries and says: the situation in Pakistan is also ripe for revolution; leaders will have to think that the foundation of revolution in Pakistan should be based on Islam, with the intention to root out Western influence from Pakistan’s society.(Al Qalam Weekly, 9 December to 15 December)

POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS
1. Dr. Arjumand Hashmi came down from US for President Zardari’s heart treatment in Dubai, sources said. Dr. Hashmi is a close person to Zardari and is also former US President Bush’s neighbour. It is learnt that Hashmi was elected as Mayor under Bush’s influence. Sources say that he could act as a mediator between US and Pakistan for rebuilding relationships. (Jinnah)

2. PM Gilani said that they will not write to Swiss authorities for re-opening of the Swiss Accounts case against Asif Ali Zardari. (Ibrat)

3. Former federal ministers, Khurshid Kasuri, Sardar Asif Ali Ahmed, Jehangir Khan Tareen, Azam Khan Swati and the Leghari brothers have decided to join PTI.  (Baad-e-Shimal)

4. In his telephonic address to the Thatta press club, Musharraf demanded immediate polls under the Army. He said that his party will contest polls under the banner of All Pakistan Muslim League. He said that the conditions in the country were grim and that he had decided to return to Pakistan before March 23 next. Musharraf said that it isn’t clear who runs the Pakistan government at present.  He also said that Imran Khan is now a well-known political personality in Pakistani politics. (Ibrat, Khabrain, Jang)

5. Addressing a Sukkur meeting, JUI-F’s Fazlur Rehman said that a dangerous political game was being played in name of the ‘Memogate’ scandal and that there was no truth in the document in question.  He said that decisions regarding vacating of the Shamsi airbase and stopping of supplies to NATO forces in Afghanistan needed to be permanent. He said that Pakistan did not want ‘democracy’ that was being advocated by Asif Ali Zardari, Asfandyar Wali Khan or Imran Khan; the country wanted a democracy of ‘people’s aspirations’. Rehman also said that the US was bent on acting against the Haqqani Network. He also said that action should be taken against beneficiaries of NRO. (Kawish, Ibrat)

6. Addressing a huge rally in Rawalpindi, JI chief Syed Munawar Hassan said that PPP should acknowledge its defeat and announce fresh elections; He claimed that JI would surprise all by winning elections. Hassan said that once JI won the elections, they would establish an Islamic state. He said that slavery of US was the biggest issue facing the country; he also said that Pakistan did not need music at this time; it needed the right emotions for jihad. He demanded that the government and the military discontinue their relations with the US. He said that post -‘Memogate’ scandal, Zardari had become unfit to carry on as the President of the country. JI has declared Chief Munawar Hassan as their Presidential candidate. (Jasarat, Jinnah, Jang)

7 Various religious and political leaders including JUI’s Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri, PML-N’s Mushahidullah Khan, and PML-Z’s Aijazul Haq have said just getting the Shamsi Airbase vacated was not enough, and that the government should take more steps and review its support to the so-called war on terror. Haideri said that the present situation indicated that elections might be held before term; he said that the establishment has a new pawn by the name of Imran Khan. He was also of the opinion that Zardari wouldn’t return to Pakistan due to the ‘Memogate’ scandal. (Nawa-i-Waqt, Jinnah)

8. In his telephonic address to PPP rally, Babbar Awan said that the days when just one phone call from the US used to influence decisions in Pakistan, have gone. He said that the present government had taken bold decisions based to people’s demands in the aftermath of NATO attacks on Pakistani check-posts. (Ibrat)

9. Tehrik Suba Hazara chief Baba Haider Zaman has decided to participate in the next elections. He said that elected members would strive for a separate state through the parliament. (Ummat)

10. Jasarat editorial commenting on PML-N rally in Larkana said in the current situation, the political parties should have united against the US but all political parties may tilt gradually towards America. (Jasarat Edit)

11. In his column, Irfan Siddiqui criticizes AML chief Sheikh Rashid for talking against democracy and for asking the Army to intervene to resolve Pakistan’s problems. It is true that the government failed miserably on all fronts and that President Zardari has proved to be a selfish man who changed all PPP principles for vested interests. Pakistan definitely needs a change, but it should not be according to the opinions of people like Sheikh Rashid who were pro-dictatorship and were opportunists of the first order. (Jang)

12. In his column, Hamid Mir writes about the ups and downs in his relations with President Zardari and says that he was not a person who would run away from difficulties. Mir writes that Zardari will return soon to address the joint session of the Parliament and a rally in Garhi Khuda Bux on 27th December. (Jang)

13. In his column, Saadi writes that Mansoor Ijaz was under the impression that he could destroy Pakistan through his conspiracies, but his dream will not be fulfilled. Mansoor Ijaz was part of the Qadiyanis and they were enemies of Pakistan. Saadi writes that the former Ambassador to US Hussain Haqqani was an opportunist and an enemy of Jihad as well as of the Mujahideen. He urges the people to become true Muslims, pray daily and feel affection for jihad. (Al Qalam Weekly, 9 December to 15 December)

ECONOMY-WATER- ENERGY

1.Water expert Idris Rajput writes that water systems set up in accordance with World Bank’s designs like SIDA at Nawabshah, Sanghar, Mirpur Khas, Omar, Badeen and other places in Sindh, have failed.  Yet, these systems will remain in force as long as the World Bank gives funds. All formalities with regards to the Diamir Bhasha Dam have been fulfilled but funds have not been disbursed. Friends of Pakistan Task Force keep making recommendations (for funds) but nothing happens. (Kawish)

2. Qurban Baloch writes: ADB and Pakistani authorities would sign the minutes of understanding on Diamir Bhasha Dam next week. ADB agreed to give an additional USD 4 billion, apart from the technical assistance for the dam. Total estimated cost for the dam has gone up to USD 15 billion. In his briefing to ADB officials, WAPDA chairman Shakeel Durrani said that the estimated cost for the dam increased due to increased diesel prices. (Kawish, 10 December)

3. Ausaf editorial has voiced concern over economy.  It says: electricity rates are different for night and day time. CNG is available neither for domestic use nor for industrial use. Foreign exchange reserves have come down; industrial production is down; petrol prices have gone up; energy crisis has hit the supply-side of the economy. During Musharraf’s times, 1 USD was equal to Rs. 60; at present, it is equal to Rs. 90. Foreign Investment will remain a mirage when gas and electricity are not available. Pakistan’s economy will witness an implosion in these circumstances. (Ausaf Edit, 11 December)

KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWAH (NWFP/FATA)

1. TTP has claimed the responsibility for attacking Rangers in Karachi. (Jinnah)

SINDH
1. PPP Karachi division Chief Faisal Raza Abdi said PPP was not a part of any gang war and that no one would be allowed to have control over Karachi. Abdi said that Karachi remained PPP’s stronghold and would remain so. He demanded that the court should look into the history of Mansoor Ijaz from 1955 as he is the same person who had conspired against the Benazir Bhutto government. (Kawish)

2. In his article, Wahid Paras writes about Nawaz Sharif’s meeting in Larkana and comments that it was not successful as it was not well attended. Sharif should realize that times have changed and that the electorate is interested in action rather than speeches. Sharif needs to make it clear before the people whether he wants to be seen as a provincial leader or a national leader; if he wants to be seen as a national leader, he must widen his outlook and be generous. (Ibrat)

BALOCHISTAN
1. Senator Abdul Malik Baloch said that Balochistan was the worst-hit by human rights violations as incidents of throwing tortured bodies continued and authorities have no intentions to punish the guilty elements… (Daily Intekhab)

2. Corps Commander Maj. Gen. Alam Khatak said that Balochistan tribes had always fought for Pakistan alongside the Pakistan Army during difficult times and they would continue to support the Pakistan Army in future. (Daily Intekhab)

3. Daily Intekhab editorially ticked off the Balochistan government for not giving attention to basic necessities of people like healthcare. It writes that only speeches will not change the people’s fate and that consolidated efforts are needed to restore normalcy in the province. (Daily Intekhab Edit)

POK NEWS

1. Pakistan’s envoy in China, Masood Khan has met AJK president, Sardar Yaqoob Khan, in Rawalpindi and briefed him of China’s firm stance on Kashmir. The two discussed Kashmir-Pak-China relations. (Baad-e-Shimal)

2.AJK president Sardar Yaqoob Khan has demanded that the students of AJK should also be given a reserve quota in federal educational institutions on the lines of the facility given to G-B. (Baad-e-Shimal)

3.On the call of All J&K Muslim Conference, a ‘Solidarity with the Pakistan Army’ Day was observed all over AJK. Muslim Conference activists pledged to sacrifice alongside Pakistani forces for the defence of the country. (Ausaf, 11 December)

4.Secretary Parliamentary Affairs and AJK lawmaker Sadaf Sheikh said women of Kashmir would standby Pakistan Army whenever required. (Daily Dharti)

G-B NEWS
1. Gilgit-Baltistan CM Mehdi Shah said that work on Muzaffarabad – Gilgit road is under way as a part of G-B’s tourism promotion drive. He said he would talk to PM Gilani soon for a special fund for this project. (Ausaf, 11 December)

2. Various development projects taken up in Gilgit city by earlier government have remained incomplete for want of funds and due to lack of interest of authorities. (Ausaf, 11 December)

3. Baad-e-Shimal edit is on people’s anger in Ashkuman due to load-shedding. It says: angry people came on roads; the protestors thrashed the tehsildar who reached the spot for talks and set the DSP’s vehicle on fire. People are angry because electricity generated in their area on land and water they had provided was being supplied to other places and they are made to suffer load-shedding. (Baad-e-Shimal Edit)

4. Baad-e-Shimal editorially voiced grave concern over mounting corruption in G-B. The daily said tentacles of corruption are spreading every day and added that the corrupt officers are more dangerous than Taliban. (Baad-e-Shimal-Edit)

5. Talking to ‘Baad-e-Shimal’ chief Editor, G-B CM Mehdi Shah said that he will announce the formation of 2 more divisions in March 2012, the first consisting of Diamir and Astore divisions and the second consisting of Gilgit, Hunza and Ghizer divisions. He said that G-B will then have 3 divisions which would create more jobs. He said that 16 CCTV cameras have already been installed and more cameras will be installed to check crimes. (Baad-e-Shimal)

6. Commissioner of Gilgit district Asad Zamin has instructed SP Wasil Khan to arrest people who display flags of defunct organizations or write slogans. He also ordered that the wrong use of loudspeakers and wall graffiti be stopped immediately. (Ausaf, 11 December)

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