An attack in Hangu district is likely to put pressure on Imran Khan’s party to take concrete action to back up their strong stance. PHOTO: FILE
Several members of the ruling coalition lashed out against the strike in Hangu. “If they attacked Hangu today, they might attack Islamabad tomorrow,” said Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) central vice president and K-P finance minister Sirajul Haq as he condemned Thursday’s attack. “If the government cannot protect its aerial and territorial integrity, it cannot rule.” The US ambassador should be expelled from the country, added Haq.
According to JI President K-P chapter Professor Muhammad Ibrahim, Thursday’s strike was the start of drone attacks in settled areas of the country.
Minister for Health Shaukat Yousafzai also expressed great concern, claiming the hit in a settled area has increased security risks for Pakistan. He argued the federal government needs to take steps against the drone campaign as the capital is not far from where Thursday’s strike occurred.
Opposition to US drone attacks inside Pakistan has shaped PTI’s rhetoric and policy. An attack in Hangu district is likely to put pressure on Imran Khan’s party to take concrete action to back up their strong stance.
If the PTI is successful in gathering over 200,000 people in Peshawar, as it aims to, on November 23, a ripple effect would see both provincial government and centre in a face off regarding the next step in the Nato/drone two-step.
Thursday’s attack has also thrown the federal government a curveball, leaving it opens to a hailstorm of criticism. Advisor to Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz had earlier made a statement claiming the US government had promised to temporarily halt drone attacks if a peace process is initiated with the Taliban.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 22nd, 2013.
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Very important step towards stronger Pakistan. Otherwise, we will loss our honor and dignity with sovereignty.
this protest is important because tomorrow there is another protest in london also. through this protest we can all can send a message to US that we as a nation is against its drone policy.