Pakistani Print Media Brief Today

Friday, December 23, 2011

President:

·         President Asif Ali Zardari held meeting with Finance Minister Dr. Abdul Hafeez Sheikh at the Presidency; directed to formulate strategy to meet the challenge of gas and power shortages that continue to haunt people of the country; stressed the need for early completion of Pak-Iran gas pipeline project. (Majority of papers)

·         Ambassadors designate of France, Iran and Sweden to Pakistan presented their credentials to President Asif Ali Zardari at the Presidency; the President felicitated the newly appointed Ambassador to Pakistan; express the hope that they will work for further strengthening the existing ties of their respective countries with Pakistan. (Majority of papers)

·         Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani held meeting with President Asif Ali Zardari; the President fully endorsed Prime Minister Gilani’s stance of not allowing any one to create a state within the state; both leaders decided to create broad political consensus on strengthening the democratic system; agreed that there will be no compromise on democracy and vowed to protect and fight for the rights of the people. (Majority of papers)

·         President Asif Ali Zardari signs two land mark bills seeking punishment for several offenses against women. (Majority of papers)

Prime Minister:

•              Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani while addressing the gathering at the launch of exhibition of rare photographs of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Pakistan movement at the PNCA and addressing at the floor of NA said, intrigues were being hatched against the democratic setup for its pack up; whether we remain in the government or in opposition, we will continue to protect and fight for the rights of the people; all institutions answerable to parliament; rejected state within the state. (Majority of papers)            Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani while chairing a meeting on LNG and gas import at the PM House directed the Petroleum Ministry to take immediate steps to resolve the issue of gas supply to both domestic and industrial sectors. (Majority of papers)

•              Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani has regretted the mistake of giving wrong information about government spending on the treatment of PML-N leader Makhdoom Javed Hashmi. (Majority of papers)

•              Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani has directed all the Ministers and MPs to remain within the country due to fast changing political situation. (Khabrain)

•             Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar called on Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani at the Prime Minister House. (Majority of papers)

•              Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani endorses two-month ban on gas supply to CNG stations in Punjab. (Express Tribune)

Parliament:

•              MPs have strongly condemned threats to Hamid Mir; MPs body will probe into threats. (Majority of papers)

•             A meeting of treasury and opposition MPs agreed to uphold sanctity of Parliament. (News)

•              Senate Standing Committee on Kashmir Affairs has demanded a detailed briefing from Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Commerce over granting MFN status to India; questioned why cabinet approved such step when majority in the country does not like granting MFN status to India. (Daily Times)

•              Parliamentary Committee on National Security mulls summoning of COAS and DG, ISI for Memogate probe. (Jang)

Government:

•              Information Minister Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan said, country cannot afford any unconstitutional step; reconciliation policy will continue; democratic forces in the country wishes to see strengthening of democratic process and supremacy of constitution in the country; Prime Minister’s address represented peoples aspirations. (Jang, Nawa-e-Waqt, Ausaf)

•             Foreign Office Spokesman has termed the statement of US vice President Joe Biden that Taliban are not the enemy of the US important; said, Pak reaction to NATO findings on Salala incidents after detailed report; parliament will decide about NATO supplies. (Majority of papers)

•              Law Minister Maula Bux Chandio said, government was facing no threat; would complete constitutional tenure. (Business Recorder)

•             Preparing error free voter list by February 23 may not be possible: Election Commission of Pakistan. (Majority of papers)

•              All telephone lines of Pakistan Railways Headquarter have been disconnected by PTCL for non-payment of bills amounting to Rs. 1 million. (Daily Times, others)

•              Petroleum Ministry has accelerated the efforts to impose complete ban on use of CNG in public transport. (Daily Times)

•              ECC approves appointment of financial consultant for IP gas pipeline. (Daily Times, others)

•              Power sector reforms facing big snags due to political interference, regulation issues and law and order situation. (Business Recorder, others)

Political:

•              PML-N Chief Nawaz Sharif said, country had been pushed into poverty; people were struggling to make their ends meet but authorities were unmoved; it is time for rulers’ ouster. (Majority of papers)

•              PML-N has demanded the resignation of Defence Minister Ahmad Mukhtar after admission that he has no control over Pakistan Army and ISI. (Nation)

•             PTI Chief Imran Khan has charged the government with blackmailing the SC on Memo issue; said, rulers also staged a drama when the SC took up the NRO issue; called for President Zardari’s medical checkup. (Majority of papers)

•              PPP dissidents in Khyber-Pakhtoonkhwa oppose future alliance with ANP. (News)

•              MQM-H Chief Afaq Ahmad said, Altaf Hussain’s Jinnahpur creation plan was a reality; files contempt plea against DG Rangers. (News)

•              Senior politicians and lawyers blast Prime Minister Gilani for defaming the army. (News)

             JI Chief Syed Munawar Hassan said, democracy is facing a real threat from the sitting government’s attitude; warned it to avoid making institutional clash to harm the country and the nation. (Dawn)

•              PPP summons applications for Senate election till January 10. (Nawa-e-Waqt)

•             Opposition leader Ch. Nisar Ali Khan said, there is no chance of martial law in the country; PML-N will not support any undemocratic setup. (Majority of papers)

•              JUI-F has demanded of the government to ask US to vacate remaining airbases. (Dawn)

Judiciary:

•             CJP Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry has observed that in order to get immunity the court has to be asked for; says, judicial commission could be assigned for Memo probe if all parties agreed. (Majority of papers)

•              Respondents submitted rejoinders in the SC in Memo case; DG, ISI demands probe as deemed fit by court; Interior Secretary said, Memo not proper subject of proceedings under Article-148; Cabinet Secretary said, Memo probe does not fall within scope of Article-184; Foreign Secretary said, let parliamentary committee probe Memogate; Hussain Haqqani wants record of DG, ISI’s meeting with Mansoor Ijaz. (Pakistan Today, others)

•              LHC bars government from fuel adjustment surcharge on power bills; domestic consumers of less than 350 units a month will benefit; vacates stay orders in favour of industrial, commercial users. (Majority of papers)

•              SC moved to put President Asif Ali Zardari’s name on ECL. (Majority of papers)

•              Attorney General submits Prime Minister’s stance in SC over December 1 press conference of PPP leaders. (Majority of papers)

News Analysis:

•              After dismal failure, Prime Minister says, come and get us; Army, ISI guilty of submitting to court, report by Ansar Abbasi. (News, Jang)

            Who will blink first, report by Farrukh Saleem. (News)

             PML-N’s help sought to down government, report by Irfan Ghauri. (Express Tribune)

             Army Chief and ISI have no lawyer in SC; Attorney General did not represent them, report by Ahmad Noorani. (News)

             List of conspiracies against PPP, report by Usman Manzoor. (News)

             New fight at wrong time, report by Ashraf Mumtaz. (Nation)

             Crisis deepening by the day needs tactful handling, report by Salauddin Haider. (News)

•              Prime Minister Gilani sets the tone for President Asif Ali Zardari’s Naudero address; Bilawal Bhutto Zardari may read the speech of his father, report by Tariq Butt. (News)

•              Situation heading towards endgame; battle lines drawn; country plunged into panic again, report by Liaqat Toor. (Pak. Observer)

•             Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani feels dodged by COAS on Memo issue, report by Mubashir Hasan. (Nation)

Foreign:

•              NATO investigation into the Salala checkpost incident has concluded that both NATO alliance and Pakistani forces made mistakes in the incident; voiced its sincerest, heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. (Majority of papers)

•              US Ambassador to Kabul Ryan C. Crocker has clarified the statement of US vice President Joe Biden who had stated that Taliban are not the enemy of the US; said, what the vice President said, was that the Taliban is not necessarily our enemy if they lay down arms and renounce violence, break ties with Al-Qaeda and accept Afghanistan’s constitution, specially concerning women and minorities. (News)

•              US State Department Spokesman Mark Toner said, US has offered to send a team to Pakistan to brief the military on the findings of NATO investigation into Salala incident; US prepared to offer compensation to the families of troops who lost their lives. (Dawn)

•              Memo adds pressure to US ties; doubts in Washington about Pak democracy; Bruce Riedel recalls Shahbaz’s request to US against coupe: Reuters report. (News)

•              Pak Army wants President Asif Ali Zardari out but not a coup; Saudis anxious over government – Army tensions; speculations indicate President Zardari may quit: Reuters report. (Majority of papers)

•              India will indict David Headly and two ISI officers in Mumbai attacks case. (Nation)

Economic:

•              APTMA concerned over fall in textile exports; criticized proposed gas tariff raise. (Dawn, News)

General:

•              Women political activists and representatives of the civil society organizations have sought 50 percent representation for women in the parliament and 30 percent in the central executive committees of the parties. (News, others)

Defence/Terrorism:

•              ISPR rejects NATO inquiry report into the Salala checkpost incident; said, proper reply about the same would be given after issuance of detailed report. (News, others)

•              Security forces operation and jet-fighters blitzed militant hideouts in Orakzai Agency; 21 militants killed. (Majority of papers)

•              Three people gunned down in Mastung. (News)

Province:

•              FATA Secretariat has imposed ban on corporal punishment in all educational institutions of the tribal areas. (News)

•              CM Punjab Shahbaz Sharif announces another Rs. 0.5 million each for Kalar Kahar victim families. (News)

•              Independent MPAs in Khyber-Pakhtoonkhwa Assembly reposed full confidence in President Asif Ali Zardari and announced full support for the PPP. (Frontier Post)

Actionable:

•              FBR: IT glitches cause billion of rupees refunds jam. (News)

•              ANP Senator Zahid Khan has alleged that President Asif Ali Zardari has been violating provincial quota while nominating the syndicates of universities. (Dawn) page 17

EDITORIAL ETC

•              Dawn: The question that has never been answered is: are the security agencies truly under an elected government or, as indicated by the Prime Minister, are they a state within a state? Whatever the truth may be, we hope that better sense prevails as unconstitutional moves in this context can have devastating consequences for the country.

•              Dawn: There is also a need for the government as well as the airline in question to speed up the process of compensation air blue incident. Even though it has been early a year and a half since the incident, a significant number of families have yet to be compensated. Assistance to the heirs in getting succession certificates from the court should help speed up the process.

             News: The specter of a clash between the army and the government that threatens to turn fatal. On the army side, it needs to keep in mind that allowing a political crisis to snowball will actually lead to the opposite of what it desires: a stable and better managed Pakistan. At this point in time, any deviation from the constitution, by any party involved, will have extremely threatening implications for the future of democratic processes. 

•              News: The warning by the Minister – who had blamed the crisis on poor planning in the past that CNG and natural gas prices would rise in January offered little cheer either. He had fewer answers to opposition queries about what had been done over the past four years to stave off the crisis or why new licences were issued to CNG  stations after 2008. All the statistics offered up, or the efforts to deflect blame, cannot change the fact that we are facing a crisis that is already affecting the lives of millions. The situation now threatens to become even worse, and this promises a grim start to 2012 which now lies only days away.

•              Nation, Nawa-e-Waqt: The unmistakable clash between the government and the army as well as the government and the judiciary is not a good omen for the smooth functioning of the government. One wonders why the PPP-led government is reluctant to let the Supreme court investigate a scandal that has created such strain between these institutions. It is time that saner counsels prevailed in the high echelons of the ruling political setup and accepted the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court, the highest judicial authority of the country, on the case before the situation becomes irreconcilable.

             Nation, Nawa-e-Waqt: The government, even now, by speeding up work on the gas line from Iran, and on gas deposits in Pakistan, could help end the crisis for domestic consumers and those using CNG fueled transport.

•              Nation, Nawa-e-Waqt: There has been much talk in the national media and international institutions monitoring electoral process, saying that if elections were held on the basis of bogus voters lists, the democratic process would be subject to grave doubts and would lead to derailment of the democratic system. The EC Secretary must realize that it a question of his own credibility to maintain transparency in preparing the electoral lists.

•              Daily Times: No one can disagree with the principle civilian supremacy but Pakistan’s history is witness to the military holds it in utter contempt and considers itself not to be subservient to the elected representatives. This is something that needs to be changed. The PPP might have asserted itself a bit late but it is good to finally see the government taking the high moral ground. Something is definitely rotten in the state.

•              Daily Times: Taking account of the gravity of the situation, the government must wake up and formulate a legal framework with the objective of regulating the quality and safety of CNG cylinders and ensure their regular maintenance for the prevention of the tragic loss of lives in the future. Expired cylinders and kits must be replaced and regularly monitored. Last but not the least, stern action must be taken against all those whose carelessness and disregard for human lives causes tragic accidents.

•             Pak. Observer: The matter of Memo is before the Supreme court and it would give its judgment and the Prime Minister’s stance should have been that he government would follow and implement the apex court’s verdict. We are of the considered opinion that the larger bench of the Supreme court under Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry would thoroughly examine all aspects of the Memogate scam and come up with its judgment in the national interests so that in future no one had the courage to dent national security and lower the morale of the armed forces.

•              Pak. Observer: If the NATO supply lines are opened from Chaman and Khyber, they must be charged for transit facilities according to international standards. At the same time there should be strict inspections of the containers because according to our information, Indian arms are being smuggled into Afghanistan for anti Pakistan elements through these containers.

•              Business Recorder: There is no reason why transparent, effective and non-discriminatory laws cannot be enacted or the relevant tax machinery cannot be properly trained and utilized to collect AIT in order to reduce the dependence of the provinces on the federal government and ensure equity in taxation. The only missing link appears to be the selfish attitude of vested interests and lack of commitment at the highest level of the provincial governments. Unfortunately, such characteristics are not amendable to change easily.

•              Business Recorder: Things have arrived at the cusp and the PPP leadership has to choose between a conceivable extra-constitutional outcome of the ongoing political crisis, or snap elections, and thus help continuity of the democratic process. Nawaz Sharif is for the former and wants the PPP to do the same. No doubt that the next government would not be able to overcome the multifaceted crisis on the spot but it would certainly get people’s acquiescence for some more time. Does the government agree with the PML-N chief’s suggestion? Only time will tell.

•              Frontier Post: Buses now operating are more or less designed for gas cylinders but wagons are remodeled by semi-skilled workers at workshops to make room for them; three cylinders are provided to avert non-availability of gas and are made moving bombs on highways. This has been proved so given frequent accidents in wagons. What is required is that similar safety steps are also taken in the case of wagons so that life of passengers is protected to the optimum.

•              Express Tribune: Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani needs to be thoroughly commended for his very timely and brave speech on the floor of the National assembly on December 22. In this context, Prime Minister Gilani’s remarks make eminent sense and should be welcomed by all those who want to see the country as state that operates as a fully functional democracy and not one where the military dominates all other institutions, and where policies formulated by the establishment guide the nation.

•              Express Tribune: The value of the State Bank report on the national economy therefore, is not the data but the analysis, which serves as a useful internal check on the government’s own claims about its economic management. We hope that, as the Senate considers the State bank Act of 2010, it will preserve this important check on the government.

•              Pakistan Today: Prime Minister’s Defense Ministry submitted to the Supreme court during the memo case hearings that it has no control over the operations of the army or the ISI. What possible interpretation of the constitution can have a state of affairs like that is for the court to decide. What exactly is the mood of the court on the constitutionally stipulated principle of civil supremacy over the military?

•              Pakistan Today: Had the court acted with similar alacrity four years back, requiring the ECP to submit fortnightly reports on the progress of the preparation of new electoral rolls, the task would have been completed by now. Taking note of the fact that the ECP lacked financial autonomy and short of funds, the court could have ordered the government to provide it special funds for the purpose.

•              Pakistan Today: The present environment of low growth and high unemployment in much of the economic north has triggered a fresh rush towards human resource diversification. If the government is serious about making people the country’s most precious asset, then there is still hope. Otherwise, considering mounting liabilities, not to mention international isolation and political paralysis, each with its own negative spillover, the breakdown point will come sooner rather than later.

•              Jang: Month’s would  be required to finalize the arrangement for general elections in the light of the orders of the Supreme Court to Election commission of Pakistan and NADRA wherein they have been asked to complete the electoral rolls by February 2012 at any cost. Political forces should devise a strategy for holding transparent general elections and peaceful transfer of power in the country.

•              Nawa-e-Waqt: The government should take action against those factories who manufacture and sell faulty and substandard CNG kits to the public transport which leads to loss of human life in the wake of gas leakage and blasts.

•              Express, Khabrain: The Supreme Court of Pakistan has directed the Election Commission of Pakistan to compile new voters lists for upcoming elections. In order to sustain and improve democratic process in the country, the new voter lists must be completed on proper and transparent lines. 

•              Express: The business of CNG cylinders of inferior quality is on rise. The vans having CNG fitted cylinders of inferior quality often results in tragic human losses which is a matter of grave concern. Concerned authorities must take immediate notice to stop further human loss.

•              Khabrain: It is much ridiculous that the government has again decided to increase the price of gas, which is tantamount to adding salt to the injuries of the poor masses already suffering under unlimited difficulties. On the other hand, the load shedding of Sui Gas continues without any hindrance. However Dr. Samar Mubarak has stated that the Thar Coal Project has started the work on production of gas, which is a commendable development.

•              Ausaf:It is much absurd decision that the government has decided to increase the price of gas, which is tantamount to adding salt to the injuries of the poor masses already suffering under unlimited difficulties. On the other hand, the load shedding of Sui Gas continues without any hindrance.

•              Ausaf: Chief of the Army Staff Gen. Ashfaq Pervez Kayani has filed his rejoinder to Supreme Court, insisting that the Memo is a reality and an attempt to lower the moral of Pakistan’s armed forces. The rejoinder submitted by the COAS has rendered the issue towards much seriousness. On the other hand, Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani has repeatedly remarked that the Memo issue has been much politicized and also considered the issue as futile. However, the matter is sub judice in Supreme Court and it is positively hoped that the decision will be taken on merit. 

ARTICLES / COLUMNS:

             S. Akbar Zaidi (Dawn): Democracy cannot function in an environment in which civilian governments fear the military. A political party or a political leader is supported by the establishment or is seen favourably by the military undermines the basic foundations of democracy.  This can only happen once the core contradiction between civilian and military institutions is resolved, and the responsibility of doing this rests unambiguously on civilian actors. Only then will Pakistan be a free democracy.

             Cyril Almedia (Dawn): It was Zardari who gave Kayani a second term and it was Zardari who made no effort to take advantage of Kayani’s vulnerability immediately after May 2. Besides, the Memo saga has now switched the narrative and it’s Zardari who’s on the defensive. But as the threats and shuts intensify, as fear and anxiety grow and panic begins to take hold, someone could prematurely pull the trigger. Who survives that bloodbath will only be known after the dust settle. Suffice to say, it’s not looking good for the civilians.

            Khalid Aziz (Dawn): The recent declaration of jihad by the Defence of Pakistan Council, a forum for hard-line Islamist parties, indicates the need for caution and the lowering of institutional tension, otherwise larger social unrest may follow soon.

             Sabina Khan (Dawn): Perhaps a recognition of the sacrifices borne by Pakistan is too much to ask for. Nevertheless, the US needs to understand that American troops will return to their homes, but that the Pakistani nation has been shaken and transformed forever with death and destruction becoming a daily reality.

             Mohammad Malick (News): The government would love to provoke the military establishment into retaliating out of the deliberately created fear of its own survival and thus unwittingly transform a highly unpopular government into a popular democratic victim of undemocratic forces. Let the prime minister fume and thunder, let him roll a head or two but whatever happens, the PM must not be helped to transform his dirty brigade into gallant democratic martyrs. What this country needs is a memo investigation, not memo martyrs.

            Harris Khalique (News): It is time to reiterate that there is no other way to run a federation except democracy. Democracy is not just about service delivery and fixing lanes and drains, emphatically referred to as ‘good governance’ these days. It is more about negotiating competing interests between diverse peoples living in a state and creating stakes for all and sundry in the functioning of that state. Governments come and go. State itself becomes efficient and sustainable through a long drawn democratic process. Democracy is non-negotiable.

             Ayaz Amir (News): If the establishment has made its choice in the form of Imran Khan, there is little sense in playing the establishment’s game by getting so worked up about the Memo affair...and beating the drums of national security to justify one’s short-sightedness. The great organ-meister is Gen Pasha. The political class should have imagination enough to think of something else instead of dancing to his tune.

             Mehreen Zahra-Malik (News): And then, say the optimists, Nawaz Sharif and PM Gilani are finally in touch again now, the army chief has gone off to the battle areas to show he’s not playing politics and the government is safer today than yesterday. Why be so glum? But even if it may not be time for despair just yet, the army has to remember this: a real patriot is the fellow who gets a parking ticket and rejoices that the system works.

             Dr. Muzaffar Iqbal (News): Pakistan cannot wait for the United States to glide its way toward a sustainable presence in Afghanistan; even the two years between now and 2014, when NATO is supposed to pull out its troops, is longer than anyone can afford to wait. Pakistan is at the crossroads and it can no more afford to remain a willing ally in this equation at the cost of its own existence. But will its military leadership wake up to the new realities or will it be business as usual?

             Mohammad Akram Sheikh (Nation): The rule of law guarantees a stable democracy and offers a solution to multiple problems that a government may face, particularly when confronting threats of militancy and terrorism. The citizens need to have unshakeable confidence at the end of the day - that the State is protecting their rights and that no matter what eventuality arises their rights will be protected. It is high time that the rulers, particularly those voted to power should resolve to give up their political gimmicks and start putting their house in order. As the saying goes: “Nations can survive on infidelity, but not without justice.”

            M.A. Niazi (Nation): At the moment, it seems that the Supreme Court is showing more dedication to the task, even than the Parliamentary Committee on National Security. In that case, it deserves all the help it can get from the federal government, which should accept that this will be the primary means of determining the truth, something which is short in this affair so far.

             Dr. A. H. Khayal (Nation): Pakistan has been an amphitheatre of democratic pantomimes and martial law forces. The only difference between the traditional theatre and our democratic-cum-martial law theatre is that whereas, in the traditional theatre the performers perform exclusively for the entertainment of the audience, in the democratic-cum-martial law theatre the performers perform exclusively for themselves. Our latest tragedy is the memogate tragedy. So far, this tragedy has been different from our previous tragedies. This tragedy is shrouded in mysteries. Because of these mysteries, the masses are finding it difficult to breathe normally.

             Gulmina Bilal Ahmad (Daily Times): At least we should decide whether the security and defence of Pakistan is to be delegated to private armies or not. If the decision making echelons want to go down this lane, then they will have to be honest with the people and become answerable to them.

             Malik Muhammad Ashraf (Daily Times): There is no truth in the claims made by Mansoor Ijaz either about President Zardari and Haqqani or the ISI chief. President Zardari and Prime Minister Gilani extended unqualified support to the ISI and the army in warding off the American pressure and the army leadership also exhibited its subservience to the civilian leadership. Pakistan is confronted with challenges of enormous magnitude that require an impregnable unity among all segments of society and state institutions. Our politicians owe it to the nation to exhibit greater responsibility and shun their propensity to prefer their narrow political gains over the national interest. The media also needs to act responsibly. Now that the case is in the Supreme Court and the parliamentary committee is also seized of the matter, it should avoid speculative and unsubstantiated stories about the episode.

             Dr. Raja Muhammad Khan (Pak. Observer): ISI is the eyes and ears of the country and acts a the first line of defence. Its efficiency indeed, bothers Pakistan’s enemies. No Indian has ever talked bad about RAW, despite its regional and global ills. Indeed, as a nation we must respect our institutions rather accusing them on the desires of enemies. We should also realize the we should not become tool of foreign conspiracies and start thinking logically keeping in view the element of national interest. For how long we should we allow others to degrade and exploit our national institutions.

             Sultan M. Hali (Pak. Observer): Since the Memo case is being examined by the Supreme Court , it would be prudent to let the legal proceedings take their course rather than muddying the waters and causing a clash of the institutions.

             Huzaima Bukhari and Dr. Ikramul Haq (Business Recorder): Benazir became victim of this Great Game in which her own party stalwarts betrayed her. Hers has been a legacy of continuous struggle. Pakistanis need to continue her legacy of resisting the ongoing Great Game of US Late Neo-colonialism - controlling South Asian region through the bogey of Islamic militants and Hindu extremism with the ultimate aim of containing China and getting hold of Pakistan's nuclear arsenals.

             Prof. Ali Sukkhanver (Frontier Post): Blaming the Pakistan Army for supporting the extremists, framing the ISI in every act of terrorism, portraying the Taliban as the ever worst enemies of Pakistan and defaming the democratic government of Pakistan; all tare the components of a fruitless and futile struggle. Our American friends must reconsider their state of mind.

             Alam Rind (Frontier Post): Terrorist want to deprive our children of education and at the other end want to create commotion in the society by inducing intolerance and prejudice amongst its different segments. If this situation is allowed to continue, it will push our nation back to Stone Age. As a nation we must understand their sinister designs and put up a cohesive response to combat this evil.

             Ejaz Haider (Pakistan Today):  So fed up are the civilians with the army – if this Memo happened the way it’s said to have – that they are prepared to compromise the country’s  security, if required, to put the army down. That is the biggest security threat to Pakistan. The army claims to defend Pakistan. The question is: can it defend this country from itself? Attacking reporters, who do an honest job, or hanging someone or getting rid of this or that government will solve absolutely nothing.

             Agha Akbar (Pakistan Today):  There are no constitutional means to chuck the government or President Zardari out, but when has the letter or spirit of that cursed document ever been a concern for the powers-that-be. Asif Ali Zardari and the PPP are in a spot, this time for real. Even if they survived by the skin of their teeth, the hold on the scruff of their necks will remain relentless, to borrow a most succinct expression from a celebrated analyst’s narration on his late night show.

             Umair Javed (Pakistan Today):  Bilawal inheriting the PPP after his mother’s death is, unfortunately, not in line with principles of substantive democracy. But it does make sense when you consider the amount of social capital the Bhutto family has in this country. It makes perfect sense why the PPP would want a Bhutto to lead the party. Does that mean we’re stuck in the 15th century, when people would just be anointed as leaders? No, of course it doesn’t. Cults develop in modern contexts as well. At the same time, it should also be remembered that on whatever principle: class, religion, ethnicity), some people will command a following purely based on their group association. It is concluded with a small remark on impersonal political rationality: it doesn’t exist. 

             Zafar Hilaly (Express Tribune): US-Pakistan relations, one suspects, has a lot to do with our inability to present even a notional nuclear threat to America as we do not have the means of taking a potshot at the American mainland. India on the other hand, is developing such a capability. That should be food for thought. It may also be the reason why The New York Times is so obsessed with Pakistan’s leaders.

             Irfan Siddiqui (Jang): It is highly encouraging for the President and Prime Minister that the entire nation is defending the democratic system. Then why the government is perplexed and why it is not facing the situation with accommodation, dignity and tolerance? Why it has changed the Memogate into a major crisis? Why the government did not register a case against Hussain Haqqani, Mansoor Ejaz and the Financial Times so far?

             Dr. Isharat Hussain (Jang): The Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani and Party leadership should consider the proposals and suggestions of the economic managers and experts. Purchasing the loyalties of the Parliamentarians to win general elections at the cost of public exchequer will have to be stopped. 

             Majid Asghar (Jang): People of Balochistan want the Federation of Pakistan that their due grievances should be addressed. Only concrete measures and change in the mindset of the ruling elite can solve the Balochistan issue. People of Balochistan want an effective decision making empowerment in political and economic matters.  A meaningful dialogue will have to be held with all political parties, tribal chieftains and resistance groups in Balochistan for national solidarity.

             Lt. Gen. (R) Abdul Qayyum (Nawa-e-Waqt): Pakistan gained nothing in return for the war against terrorism where in 40 thousand Pakistanis lost their lives. What the innocent Pakistani leadership were going if the incredible and unreliable US betrayed Pakistan? We were too late to show our muscles to the US.

             Nazir Ahmad Ghazi (Nawa-e-Waqt): Pakistan army is the spirit of the country which is always safeguarding the national security. Pakistan army is the representative of the state. It is not only the army of Pakistan but is also the army of Islamic world.

             Syed Nasir Raza Kazmi (Nawa-e-Waqt): Is it proper to doubt the senior leadership of the Pakistan army? Certainly no Patriotic Pakistani can think so. However, RAW, Mossad, CIA and RAM can resort to such cheap tactics. What did go wrong with Asian Human Right Commission to file an immediate appeal on December 19, 2011 at such critical juncture?

             Tayyab Zia Cheema (Nawa-e-Waqt): The US which has withheld two billion US dollars aid for fight against war wants to get her demands accepted by Pakistan. Pak-US relations can improve only when the US gives-up its dirty policy of attacking Pakistan.

             Javed Chaudhry (Express): The newly emerging leadership of PTI is getting much popularity in the country. However, many turncoats are swarming under the ideology of PTI.

             Asadullah Ghalib (Express): There seems apprehensions of collision among the state institutions. The Prime Minister is discussing a new agenda for Pak-US relations. All the stakeholders in Pakistan must play their role to extricate Pakistan from prevalent crisis. 

            Shaukat Janjua (Khabrain): Certain media persons indulge in objectionable discussion regarding our endeared ideological personalities and national ideals. Such persons must exercise responsibility in respect of our national ideology and values.

             Ahmed Riaz Sheikh (Khabrain): Pakistan is undergoing many serious crises including the issue of our fragile national economy. There is a serious need of national reconciliation to end these crises. All the stakeholders of the country must cooperate to extricate the country from complex circumstances.

             Khursheed Nadeem (Ausaf): Democracy in Pakistan always seems to be besieged in certain undemocratic dangers. We need a durable and long-living democracy which may travel on the safe track without challenging the concept of Security State. 

             Memona Jalal (Ausaf): The Memogate scandal is a foreign conspiracy to defame and collide the state institutions of Pakistan.  Those who are sponsoring negative propaganda based on this Memogate are neither the well wisher of Pakistan nor bears any positive credibility. In post NATO attack scenario, vacating of Shamsi Airbase, boycott of Bonn conference and Suspension of NATO supply line are the commendable and courageous decisions on the part of the government.

             Jehanzeb Butt (Ausaf): Democracy in Pakistan always seems to be besieged in many seen and unseen apprehensions. The present government is facing certain core issues with great courage and wisdom. The democratic government must be appreciated for taking commendable and courageous decisions as a protest against NATO attack on our security forces. Further the credit of maintaining law and order situation in the Holy Month of Moharram goes to the present democratic government.  The solution of national and international issues only lies in democracy. Therefore, the ongoing democratic process in the country must be supported to sustain and should not derailed at any cost.

             Dr. Safdar Ali Butt (Ausaf): There is a serious need of an impartial and transparent investigation into the Memogate scandal because it is directly linked with our sovereignty and is a conspiracy plotted to take our state institution towards collision.