Foreign Office says Pakistan still has a policy that drone strikes are counter productive. PHOTO: FILE
“In order to register our concerns, the US Ambassador was called to the Foreign Office by the Foreign Secretary to register our protest over the recent drone attacks,” a statement from the foreign office read.
The statement added that the government has condemned drone strikes whenever they have taken place per their publicly stated policy whereby drones strikes violate Pakistan’s sovereignty, violative of international humanitarian laws, besides being counter-productive to Pakistan’s efforts to bring peace and stability in Pakistan and the region.
“In accordance with our publicly stated, consistent policy, Pakistan has condemned drone strikes whenever they have taken place, including the two recent drone attacks that took place on Thursday and Friday.”
The statement added that the latest strikes, which reportedly killed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) chief Hakimullah Mehsud, will have a negative impact on the government’s initiative to undertake a dialogue with the Taliban.
“The government, however, is determined to continue with these efforts to engage with the TTP, to bring an end to the ongoing violence and make them a part of mainstream politics within the parameters of our constitution.”
The statement followed a press briefing by Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar where he said that the US Ambassador would be served a demarche over “ambushing peace talks” with the Taliban.
The statement dilated on the government’s decision to instruct Pakistan ambassadors in the capitals of the P-5 member states to call at an appropriate level to brief the host governments on Pakistan’s concerns, with specific reference to the setback caused to the peace process initiative by the latest drone attack.
COMMENTS (36)
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Great Winning Strategy. Congratulation to the Strategists of Pakistan, the United States can definitely learn from Pakistan winnings. Its going to be a long stay for America in the region definitely Pakistan clearly wants.
They want to collect $5M bounty from USA.
Next time a drone enters Pakistani air space it should be showered with rose petals ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ In fine Paksitani tradition.
Shame on pakistan......indian media is remembering the famous pakistani singer Reshma but not a single news about her pasing away in any pakistani news paper......
Where is the Foreign Minister when u need him the most ? +++++++++++++++++++++ Oh he is masquerading as the Prime Minister !
Pakistan must register its protest ++++++++++++++++++++++++++ by refusing any US assistance under KLB or the CSF! Give it back to the yankees.
@unbelievable: No doubt the Ambassador advised the Pakistan Government that the US has destroyed several Islamic countries over the last 13 years for no good reason, and one more will not make any difference.
It seems that most of the ppl here have US visa stamped or dying to get it stamped. Joote Chaato......
All party leaders including IK, Chaudary Nisar they all know about Planned target of Hakim Mehsud. Mehsud is killed near his house and vehicle, which is in Main Bazar a military Cantt.
Lately Mehsud started to play double game, once loyalty is compromise, they will kill him. As Latif Mehsud was sent to plan double tricks with Pakistan. Thanks to US for informing it.
New TTP is further illietrate guy, Hakim was at least 8th grade studied vegetable seller, before becoming Amir.
New Amir and his sharia version will be propagated by our institutions and politicians for their own gains.
Don't be so ridiculous Ch. Sahib. Stop moaning.
US Ambassador was only called in FO to say '' Thank You Sir and please accept Rs. 50 million which was announced as head money for this Dracula ''. Interior Minister's other tall claims are only for the consumption of fools which we happily accept as honor and reward.
One would have thought that the Pakistani government would be thankful to the US government for killing the leader of an organization that has proudly killed thousands of Pakistanis.
Just look at recent history: Pakistan gives shelter to, hides and protects Osama. US kills him. Pakistan reacts by protesting this action and jailing the doctor who helped the US. The Taliban shoot a young girl, Malala, in the head for standing up for girls' right to education - the whole world is in awe of her and lavishes awards and invites her to talk at the UN, Presidents of various countries etc. Pakistanis on the other hand scorn her. A bodyguard kills a Minister, Salman Taseer, for being Christian and promoting religuous freedom - the whole world condemns this action, but the bodyguard is hailed as a hero, even by Pakistani lawyers (so called educated people). In Pakistan, Hindus are massacred, Christians are massacred, Ahmadis are massacred, Shias are massacred. And to some extend Sunnis are also massacred. Pakistan does not keep its word on any type of international agreements - whether it is bringing to trial the suspects of Mumbai 26/11, granting India MFN status, and more.
What is wrong with you guys? You separated from India in the name of religion and called your self "Pakistan" - as in land of the pure. Where is the purity? In actuality, PAKISTANI stands for: Pakistanis are Konfused Indians Swearing They Are Not Indians
@Sami Ullah: In favor of India? But wasn't TTP supposedly funded by RAW? How then is killing of Hakimullah a pro- Indian thing? At least try to be consistent in what you say.
I don't understand why the politicians and government are up in arms over the death of Hakimullah Mehsud who was responsible for the deaths of hundreds / thousands of innocents who, just like him, never saw death coming …
Good riddance of bad rubbish. The government should tell the TTP that if they don't change their ways, more of the same's in store for them. Disarm, TTP, and then negotiate.
If remote controlled drones can defeat Pakistan Army I am wondering what it would be like if the mighty Indian Army would attack Pakistan for the purpose of removing all terrorists be like. I sometimes ask myself whether Pakistan has a future. I now understand why the westerners joke that we all know where Pakistan is but nobody wants to go there.
with the way imran khan and others are frothing at the mouth it is clear that these animals called taliban have suppprt at official levels. their hands are tainted with the blood of innocents. usa pls help the normal citizens of pakistan.
No doubt the USA Ambassador informed them that Mehsud had admitted to killing 8 American's and the USA wasn't going to wait until the number reached 40,000.
Thank you US, from a Pakistani. You have done a service which Pakistan government does not have the guts to do, or the will, or any intentions....good riddance of a strategic asset. I for one pray these drones are extended to other MAIN cities as well, and let's get rid of them all.