ISLAMABAD --  Two weeks into Pakistan's emergency rule, President Gen. Pervez Musharraf is intensifying his campaign against what he perceives as dual threats to his government: the free-flow of information and a growing Islamic insurgency. And he doesn't appear to have been persuaded to alter course during a two-hour visit from a senior U.S. diplomat.
| So far he's doing better against the free flow of information than he is against the growing Islamic insurgency. |
A high-ranking Pakistani military official said at a briefing some 15,000 Pakistani army troops were pushing back against Islamist fighters who have made progress in recent weeks securing new territory. "The troops are ready for a major offensive against the militants," said Major General Shuja Pasha.
 | "Really. They're gonna tear 'em up. That's why we started with the TNSM, instead of with real Talibs, like Baitullah Mehsud. We figured we'd get our boots wet slowly. But we're all fired up about it, you betcha. Just wait and see." |
Earlier Saturday, two Pakistani news channels that had held out against pressure from the government to operate under new, stricter broadcasting guidelines were taken off air.
"GEO TV. How can I help you?"
"Close down."
"Ummm... Close down?"
"Or else. [Click!]" |
Both channels, Geo News and ARY One World, had been broadcasting since the emergency from Dubai via satellite, making them available to viewers in Pakistan and abroad. But the government of the United Arab Emirates shut down their transmissions.
 "United Arab Emirates! How may I help you?"
"Close them down."
"Ummm... Close who down?"
"Or else. [Click!]" |
Gen. Musharraf, meanwhile, met Saturday with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte, who was expected to push the president to restore Pakistan's path toward democracy. No progress was reported from the meeting, however.
"Looky here, Perv. You gotta restore Pakistain's path toward democracy!"
"No." |
Mr. Negroponte, the most senior U.S. official to have met Gen. Musharraf in person since the emergency was declared, is expected to hold a press conference Sunday in Pakistan before he leaves the country.
"Marvin, call GEO TV! Schedule a press conference for this afternoon!"
"Right, chief!" |
The Associated Press reported that Mr. Negroponte met for more than two hours with Gen. Musharraf and Pakistan's deputy army commander, Gen. Ashfaq Kayani, according to an official in the president's office. The official said Gen. Musharraf told Mr. Negroponte the emergency was needed to hold a successful general election.
| "Yeah! An' I packed pork to the babe to preserve her virginity!" |
Gen. Musharraf imposed the state of emergency Nov. 3 citing the deteriorating security situation in the South Asian nation.
| "This country's so incompetently run the security situation's deteriorating rapidly! I must impose a state of emergency!" |
 Since then, however, many of the public signs of the new regime have centered on locking up opposition politicians and lawyers who demonstrated against the measures.
| "Mahmoud! Lock them away!" |
As part of its clampdown, the government also imposed a blackout on all local and foreign cable news channels.
| "This just in! We're closed now!" |
Last week, reeling from losses, many private news channels agreed to abide by the government's new laws and were allowed back on air. Under the new laws, these channels may not "ridicule" the "head of state, or members of the armed force, or executive, legislative or judicial organs of the state." But two channels, Geo News and ARY One World, had rejected the edicts and continued to broadcast from Pakistan.
 "What's on the lineup tonight, Chaudry?"
"Well, Shaheed, first we have a piece from our Islamabad correspondent with pictures of His Excellency President-General Mush wearing funny turbans and falling down a flight of stairs. Then we have some video from Swat, showing the Mighty Pak Army carrying out operations against the local rustics, and the local rustics chopping the heads off our boyz in khaki. We're going to wrap it all up with some live footage from the National Assembly, where those who haven't walked out are throwing furniture at each other."
"Righteo. And we're gonna broadcast that from Pakistain?"
"'Fraid so." |
Talk-show host Shahid Masood appeared live from Dubai on Geo News, which counted down the minutes to the shutdown. He blamed the Pakistani government for pressuring the "government of the friendly country that is hosting us" into evicting the news channel.
"You can't do that to us! We're a friendly country!"
"Well, here's some friendly advice: be real careful starting your car!" |
Pakistani officials couldn't immediately be reached for comment.
| "ISI! Whaddya want?... Sorry. We got nuttin' to say about dat!" |
On the military front, Pakistan's army is pursuing one of its largest military campaigns against Islamic militants in the troubled northern region close to the Afghan border. A curfew has been clamped in the Swat and Malakand districts as security forces backed by helicopter gunships and artillery pounded militant positions in areas that fell into militant control last week.
| "Bring up... The Helicopter!" |
Gen. Pasha said as many as 600 foreign militants, including Uzbeks, Chechens and Arabs, were part of the Islamic militia which has over run Swat and were moving towards other areas. "We have clear evidence of the presence of foreign fighters," said the major general, who is directing military operation in the area. He said the militants were receiving funds from other countries, but denied to name them. "They have strong linkages from outside elements," he said. "They are well equipped and trained." |