Pakistan condemns latest US drone strike

Pakistan on Monday strongly condemned the latest U.S. drone strike in North Waziristan tribal region, which killed at least six people. 

The American spy aircraft fired missiles on a compound of suspected militants in the Shawal area of North Waziristan, one of Pakistan’s seven tribal regions, late Sunday.

“These unilateral strikes are a violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the Foreign Ministry said. 

A Foreign ministry statement said Pakistan has repeatedly emphasized the importance of bringing an immediate end to drone strikes.

“The Government of Pakistan has consistently maintained that drone strikes are counter-productive, entail loss of innocent civilian lives and have human rights and humanitarian implications,” the statement said.

The Foreign Ministry said the U.S. drone strikes also set dangerous precedents in the inter-state relations.

“These drone strikes have a negative impact on the mutual desire of both countries to forge a cordial and cooperative relationship and to ensure peace and stability in the region,” the statement said.

The Sunday’s strike was fourth US drone strike since Nawaz Sharif assumed office as Prime Minister last month.

Earlier this month, a drone had fired missiles on a house located in North Waziristan killing 17. It was the biggest launched this year.

Another drone strike which took place on July 13 killed two people in Mir Ali Tehsil, North Waziristan.

Despite Pakistan’s strong opposition the U.S. has ruled out any change in the CIA-controlled drone campaign, insisting that it is an effective programme to eliminate militants.

Short URL: https://www.newspakistan.pk/?p=41052

Posted by Tahir Khan on Jul 29 2013. Filed under Latest News, National, Pakistan. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.