The government on Thursday summoned the US ambassador to Pakistan, Anne W Patterson, to the foreign office and lodged a strong protest against the fresh drone strikes by the Nato forces in Bannu district of NWFP.
At a weekly press briefing, foreign office spokesman Mohammad Sadiq said that US ambassador Anne W Patterson was called to the foreign office and a strong protest was lodged over the two missiles fired by US drones in the settled area (Bannu) of NWFP on Wednesday. The drone attacks, the spokesman said, are not only a sheer violation of the sanctity of the Pakistani territory, but it is also against the international law.
The spokesman further added that the US not only ignores the Nato allies while undertaking such strikes, but the concerned institutions within the United States are also not taken onboard about such actions. To a question, the spokesman said that at present the issue has been taken up at the bilateral level and there is no immediate plan to take the issue at the forum of United Nations.
He said that the foreign secretary, Salman Bashir conveyed the strong condemnation on behalf of the Pakistani government against the missile attack and the loss of lives and property. It was underscored to the ambassador that such attacks were a violation of Pakistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity, the spokesman said, adding the foreign secretary also emphasised that continued drone attacks undermine public support for government's counter-terrorism efforts.
The spokesman opined that the ambassador assured that Pakistan's concern would be conveyed to the US government. To a question, he opined that the government of United Kingdom is in favour of negotiation in Afghanistan and settling the issues within the tribal areas of Pakistan through jirga system.
About Dr Afia Siddiqui, he said that after the report and the US court's statement, the government has asked the US authorities to repatriate her to Pakistan as now she is not competent enough to face the trial and her repatriation would be helpful in her quick recovery. To another question, the spokesman said that the Friends of Pakistan group is not a donor forum and they would identify the necessary areas and would provide assistance for the ongoing projects.
He informed that President Zardari will soon visit Iran but the exact date has not been fixed yet, adding the government has asked Iran to provide oil on differed payment but there is no significant development so far. When he was asked about the whereabouts of Iranian diplomat kidnapped from Peshawar few weeks back, he said the government will leave no stone unturned in recovering the diplomat.
About the latest development of UN probe into the assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, the spokesman said that the government is in constant touch with the UN authority and an additional secretary is in New York to peruse the case. He added that there are high possibilities the inquiry would start within two weeks.
The spokesman said that Pakistan would request Indian government to share the information about the arrest of the culprits behind the Samjhauta Express blasts including a Lieutenant Colonel of Indian army. Foreign office spokesman informed the media that President Asif Ali Zardari will leave on a two-day official visit to UAE on November 24. During the visit, the foreign spokesman said, the President will hold talks as well as one-on-one meeting with UAE President.
Other engagement of the President, he said, included meetings with the Vice President/Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of the Dubai, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhubi and other important dignitaries. The President will also be meeting with the executives of major Abu Dhabi based companies. The visit of the President is aimed at a comprehensive up-gradation of Pakistan's relations with the UAE with a focus on establishing a strategic and economic partnership between the two countries.
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