President Awami National Party (ANP) Asfandyar Wali Khan has said that drone attacks in Balochistan will be a step away from peace and stability rather eliminating the scourge of terrorism from the region. Talking to reporters after meeting with US ambassador to Pakistan Anne W Patterson here on Friday, he said that drone attacks are unacceptable whether it is tribal areas or Balochistan.
He said that the international community should use its resources to resolve the issues through talks as peace can not be achieved on gunpoint. "These attacks are clear violation of geographical integrity of the state and the silence of the international community with regard to these is tarnishing its image and credibility," he remarked.
He termed these attacks as the worst form of brutality against humanity adding that according to International Human Rights conventions the people of tribal areas have the same rights as the citizens of any other country of the world. Whatever America was doing is in sheer violation of International Human Rights Commission charter and the Geneva Convention, he remarked.
He termed these attacks as ignoring the sovereignty of the country. America should learn a lesson from history and stop the bloodshed of innocent people, he added. The US drone attacks would be counter-productive, he said, adding that we are angry at the loss of innocent lives and destruction inflicted on us to satisfy their appetite for the policies which they think would change the complexion of the region.
"US drone attacks have transformed the entire tribal belt into a theatre of carnage. Civilian lives and property being the prime casualty", he added. Replying to a question, he said that after reinstatement of sacked judges, the situation is improving but rectifying the mistakes of ten-twelve years within a short span of time is not possible.