Govt giving CIA free hand: PTI

These strikes have not reduced militancy; in fact, they are a major stimulant to terrorism, says PTI.

LAHORE: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) showed concern on Monday over the “free hand” the government had given to the US to conduct drone strikes on Pakistan’s territory.

According to a press release, PTI chief Imran Khan said, “These strikes have not reduced militancy; in fact, they are a major stimulant to terrorism.” Imran said that in the last eight years, nearly 360 strikes have been carried out, with over 300 during the tenure of US President Barack Obama.

Commenting on the surge in attacks on army troops and terrorist activities in different cities, Imran said that the reason behind this is the fact that there is a perception that Pakistan is a partner of the US in carrying these drone strikes among the masses. “Unless we get out of this partnership, militants will continue to use this [as a pretext] for preparing suicide bombers.”

Published in The Express Tribune, January 22^nd, 2013.