Drone attacks must not be seen in isolation… There are reasons [behind them] and we have to address those, says Senior PML-N leader. PHOTO: FILE
In an effort to persuade the US to cease drone strikes on Pakistani territory, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz will offer to eliminate ‘terrorist sanctuaries’ from the tribal areas itself, The Express Tribune has learnt.
A senior PML-N leader engaged in foreign policy matters has revealed that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif will soon inform Washington that his government is ready to address US concerns pertaining to terrorist threats in Pakistan’s tribal region in return for the cessation of the CIA-piloted drone campaign. He reiterated that the government was principally opposed to unilateral strikes on Pakistani territory and hence would urge Washington to put an end to the campaign.
“But having said that drone attacks must not be seen in isolation,” said the ruling party member, who asked to remain anonymous. “There are reasons for drone attacks and we have to address those,” he added.
He explained that the newly-elected PML-N government was working on a new anti-terror strategy that not only opposes drone attacks but all elements violating the country’s sovereignty by keeping “safe havens on our territory.” The issue will come up at the maiden meeting of federal cabinet set to take place today (Monday).
Last week, in his victory speech soon after his election as the country’s Prime Minister, although Nawaz called for an immediate end to drone attacks, he made it clear that Pakistan must also address the concerns of others.
“We must learn others’ concerns about us and express our concerns about them, and find a way to resolve this issue,” the Prime Minister said in his maiden address to the National Assembly.
Pakistan and the United States will hear each others’ concerns later this month when Secretary of State John Kerry travels to Islamabad. This will be Kerry’s first trip to Pakistan after the installation of a new government in the country.
“We are confident that we will be able to resolve the issue of drones with the US,” said another official.
He said Prime Minister Nawaz, after consultations with all stakeholders, will announce a policy statement making it clear that the government would not allow its territory to be used against any other country.
However, it is not clear how the new government plans to achieve that objective.
The country’s security establishment, despite carrying out operations in other tribal agencies, has in the past remained reluctant about launching a full-scale military offensive against alleged terrorist hideouts – including those alleged to belong to the Haqqani network – in the North Waziristan Agency.
Sources said a clearer picture would emerge after a high-level civil-military huddle to discuss important national security issues.
The government, on the other hand, is quite confident that it can convince the US to stop drone attacks if its ‘genuine concerns’ are addressed.
In new policy guidelines approved recently by President Barrack Obama, the US has set certain conditions for drone use. One such condition is that US will use drones only when the host country is either incapable or lacks the will to eliminate the specific terror threat.
“This means that if we can act decisively against such specific targets then the US has no justification for drone use,” the official said.
“If the new government does bring a policy shift and act against all foreign militant groups finding refuge in tribal areas, this will have far-reaching implications,” commented international affairs analyst Dr Ishtiaq Ahmed, who is currently Jinnah fellow at the Oxford University.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 10th, 2013.
COMMENTS (9)
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ
1714024018-0/ModiLara-(1)1714024018-0-270x192.webp)
@Unbelievable: "American’s have been asking for this for many years – Pakistan has always come up with an excuse – what’s changed?"
I believe that promises made during electioneering are just that. I see hope in Nawaz Sharif, provided he can educate and keep Shabaz Sharif in control.
Probably Zardari could have done it also. But Army was against him and he had his own baggage also. Importantly, Pakistani's were not that much wiser then, being brainwashed by the media from Kerry Lugar Bill days onwards.
This is exactly what the sane minded Pakistanis, branded as "liberals"' by the Taliban apologists, saying all along i.e: Use our mighty armed forces funded by our tax money to eliminate the rodents who are a nuisance to the whole world. This will also raise the confidence of the general public in the Pakistani government. Ironically, a right wing government will take action against the miscreants. Now that is what i call cool.
Talks cheap and you don't have to negotiate with the American's to drive out militants who control large sections of Pakistan. American's have been asking for this for many years - Pakistan has always come up with an excuse - what's changed?
@Raj - USA: Wishful thinking, Raj. Have a nice day.
@Mirza: Its not about province, its about courage and WILL.
Mirza, it doesn't matter who drone attacks are targeting. They are a foreign weapon attacking our country. Anything else is just nitpicking.
This is excellent. Nawaz Sharif is showing clear thinking and maturity. I wish him complete success in his endeavors. I am sure USA, NATO, China, India, Afghanistan, Iran and the world community shall stand behind him.
Drone attacks are not targeting Pakistani civilians but foreign terrorists living and training in terrorist sanctuaries. Once we establish the writ of the state there would be no reason or excuse for any foreign intervention. People have been saying it for years but we would do the right thing after we have tried everything else. It is almost funny to see the policy and demeanor of an elected PM NS and an opposition leader NS. After heavy mandate in Punjab NS is the only leader who can force the establishment to dismember the strategic assets. No leader from any other province would not dare try that. Kudos to PML-N for a common sense policy.
This is no solution at all. Better let them keep bombing rather than risk our own personnel.