The deaths of 10 Pakistani soldiers in a gunfight with al-Qaeda suspects has led many Pakistani newspapers to question the country's efforts in the "war on terror".

One daily, The News, was quick to point out in its editorial that the casualties were the first Pakistan had suffered since joining the US-led campaign.

The wild goose chase... could lead to all hell being let loose

The Nation

"This incident, tragic as it is for the loss of precious lives, might now compel the government to adopt a new policy in respect of the search operations in the areas to prevent a recurrence," the paper suggested.

The Nation daily said Wednesday's killings near the Afghan border had brought the nature of the conflict closer to home for many Pakistanis.

"While some will see the logic that anyone willing to shoot at our troops must be eliminated at all costs, many will be more ambivalent, wondering why Pakistani soldiers should die in what they perceive as America's war, not Pakistan's," its editorial said.

Long-term fall-out

The paper described operations in Pakistan's lawless tribal regions as a "wild goose chase" which could lead to "all hell being let loose".

"After failing to nab or eliminate [Al-Qaeda leader Osama] Bin Laden in Afghanistan, US intelligence agencies are desperately looking for the most wanted man in all directions.

More and more politicians are stealing the thunder of the religious parties opposed to General Musharraf's policy of collaborating with the US

Daily Times

"While the US forces would go back after achieving their limited objective, Pakistan will have to cope with the highly serious after-effects of the actions for years," the paper said.

One of its political commentators accused Washington of failing to contain the al-Qaeda threat in Afghanistan.

Instead, US policy "had spread out the terrorists, thus endangering the security of a number of countries, Pakistan being the foremost among them".

'Determined threat'

The Daily Times said pressure was bound to mount on Islamabad following the soldiers' deaths.

"Ominously, as the general elections approach, more and more politicians are stealing the thunder of the religious parties opposed to General Musharraf's policy of collaborating with the United States."

The News said there was every reason to believe that al-Qaeda and Taleban elements were receiving protection from tribal elders.

"A point that needs to be realised is that Pakistan is facing a much more dangerous and determined threat than that which may have hitherto been considered."