"Despite the ISI-CIA chiefs' meeting in Washington for a reduction in US intelligence operatives in Pakistan, the United States has once again resumed its drone attacks revealing its lack of confidence in us," said Syed Jawaid Iqbal, Chairman Moderates, a private sector Think Tank strengthening tolerance, interfaith harmony and democracy.
Jawaid commented that the US government was being unreasonable by continuing the attacks, and criticising Pakistan's counter-terrorism campaign and its capacity to fight. "Pakistan has been an ally in the war on terror for the past decade. We have lost so many innocent lives, first fighting against extremist elements, then during US drone attacks and consequently during bomb blasts occurring in different parts of Pakistan. And it is Pakistan that still continues to face the music," he said.
While lauding the efforts of ISI Chief Lieutenant-General Shuja Pasha to reduce CIA presence and protect the sovereignty of Pakistan, Jawaid pointed out that the drone attacks were mostly counter-productive as innocent civilians were killed, leaving behind vulnerable orphans who were then easily recruited by the militants. Chairman Moderates urged the government in Pakistan to put a stop to drone attacks by making the Obama administration realise that through its strategy it was both losing the war against militancy and fuelling anti-Americanism in Pakistan.-PR