World | Pakistan
US drone raids raising tensions, says Gilani
Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani told the National Assembly here on Tuesday that the whole nation was deeply concerned over attacks by US drones on targets inside Pakistani territory along the Afghan border.
- By Shahid Hussain, Correspondent
- Published: 00:01 November 12, 2008
Islamabad: Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani told the National Assembly here on Tuesday that the whole nation was deeply concerned over attacks by US drones on targets inside Pakistani territory along the Afghan border.
Pakistan had been raising the issue of incursions at all forums, he said, adding that he personally conveyed the concerns to the US ambassador and intelligence officials when they met on Tuesday.
Remotely piloted US spy aircraft have made around 20 missile strikes inside Pakistani tribal belt since September despite strong protest by the government, killing local and foreign militants mainly in Waziristan region.
Gilani said President Asif Ali Zardari, who has left for US to attend a UN General Assembly special session on interfaith harmony, would take up the issue with the US administration.
Promises
He vowed that Pakistani soil would not be allowed to be used for ground or aerial attacks on any other country. At the same time Pakistan's sovereignty and integrity would be safeguarded at all costs, he asserted.
He informed the assembly that he also conveyed to the American ambassador to Islamabad concern over the continuous detention of Pakistani doctor Afia Seddiqi.
Gilani said he told the ambassador that the doctor, who is facing trial in a US court on charges of assaulting American soldiers during interrogation in Afghanistan, should be repatriated on medical grounds.
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