NEW YORK, Feb 23: The New York Times says the Pakistan army is losing war against Al Qaeda and Taliban fighters in the NWFP, as the government has moved it to Balochistan to quell insurgency there.

The paper suggests that President Bush should encourage his counterpart Musharraf to endorse, as a first step, an agreement reached last year between a Baloch tribal leader and some parliamentarians.

In an editorial “Musharraf’s Other War”, the Times on Thursday noted: “The conflict is heating up; Baloch tribal groups have attacked gas plants, electricity lines and railway tracks.”

“Last week, three Chinese engineers and their driver were killed. A Pakistani soldier was killed and five others hurt when their convoy was hit by rockets about 65 miles southeast of Quetta. All this comes just two months after Mr Musharraf sent his army into Balochistan because eight rockets were fired into the remote town of Kohlu while Mr Musharraf was visiting,” the paper observed.

It also underscored: “Clearly, the Baloch separatists are not Boy Scouts. In fact, many are warlords who have preyed on ordinary Baloch residents and restricted the movements and education of women. Many of these tribal leaders have resisted attempts by the government and local aid groups to build much-needed schools and hospitals.”

It asserted that “.. it would behoove President Bush, while preparing to visit Pakistan next month, to encourage Mr Musharraf to endorse, as a first step, an agreement reached last year between a Baloch tribal leader and some members of parliament. The pact would give Balochistan increased autonomy.”