World | Pakistan
US drone attacks draw strong criticism from prime minister
Pakistan's Prime Minister and Army Chief have resolved not to allow territorial violation of the country's borders under the pretext of the 'war on terror'.
- By Fasihur Rehman Khan, Correspondent
- Published: 23:27 November 22, 2008
Islamabad: Pakistan's Prime Minister and Army Chief have resolved not to allow territorial violation of the country's borders under the pretext of the 'war on terror'.
"US drone attacks are against the integrity and solidarity of Pakistan. The United States must honour and respect the National Assembly of Pakistan which is representative of 160 million people," Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani told a meeting attended by Army Chief General Ashfaq Pervez Kiani and other officials.
Pakistan's parliament through a resolution a few days back, urged the US not to violate Pakistan's territorial integrity through such attacks.
This was one of the strongest criticisms on such strikes from the prime minister against the spate of US drone strikes in Pakistani territory.
The Pakistan People's Party (PPP) led government in Pakistan is under severe pressure from opposition parties and the public to end such strikes.
The latest statement by the Pakistani prime minister, however, coincided with yet another drone attack in the north Waziristan tribal area, yesterday.
Gilani warned that "if the US did not end such attacks immediately then it might have dangerous results".
Warning
"Pakistan is a responsible atomic power and the government is not ignorant about its defence," he said.
A newly formed high-powered parliamentary committee has asked the Pakistani army chief and the Inter Services Intelligence chief to brief it on the overall security situation in the country.
Pakistani defence forces have also conducted exercises to shoot down US drones or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles.
"The elements of Army Air Defence demonstrated their shooting skills by targeting the drones at different altitude levels," a statement from the army spokesman's office said.
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