N Waziristan assault: After a day, Pakistan slams drone strike

Says it considers such strikes as a violation of its territorial integrity.

ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan on Friday condemned the latest US drone strike in the tribal areas, calling it violation of the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The condemnation came a day after US carried out the strike in North Waziristan Agency, where Pakistan Army is carrying out a military offensive against militants.

On Thursday, when the foreign office spokesperson was asked to give her reaction to the strike, she had refused to confirm the attack.

However, in a statement issued here on Friday, the foreign ministry confirmed that the US had carried out drone strike the other day.“As has been made clear on earlier occasions, Pakistan considers such strikes as a violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“These strikes also have a negative impact on the government’s efforts to bring peace and stability in Pakistan and the region,” the foreign office said in a statement issued on Friday.

According to media reports, at least seven militants had died in the predator strike.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 12^th, 2014.