Zardari Demands Halt To US Drone Attacks

It is interesting to note that both Pakistan and United States are allies in war on terror. The US has been paying handsome amount to Pakistan for its role in war on terrorism, but still there is a lot confusion. There is still doubts between the two countries. Lack of clarity is the main cause of failure in war on terror. Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari during his meeting with NATO Secretary General demanded a halt to drones attacks in tribal areas situated on Pak-Afghan border.

President Asif Zardari said US drone attacks in FATA creating negative impact on the locals about NATO supplies from Pakistan and damaging efforts of curbing extremism.

According to presidency, during half an hour meeting, NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer and President Asif Ali Zardari discussed the regional situation, Pak-India tension, NATO supplies and security along the Afghan border.

Sources said NATO secretary general demanded more security for NATO supplies whereas President Zardari briefed him about the problems surfacing after US drones attacks in the area.

Hoop Scheffer also met Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Army Chief General Ashfaq Pervaiz Kayani and Defence Minister Ahmed Mukhtar.

Source: thenews.com.pk

The NATO Secretary General also addressed a press conference after his meeting with Pakistani foreign minister.

NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer held talks with Foreign Minister, Makhdoom Shah Mehmood Qureshi here on Thursday on the regional situation, Indo-Pak tension and security along the Afghan border.

The talks were focused on "border security, NATO supplies, (and the) general regional situation," Jaap de Hoop Scheffer said in a joint press conference with his Pakistani counterpart.

“A secure and stable Afghanistan is vital to Pakistan," NATO secretary general said.
Scheffer lauded Pakistan’s role in war against terror and said Pakistan army has sacrificed tremendously in fight against extremism. He said Indo-Pak tension; extremism and terrorism pose big threat to regional security.

Jaap de Hoop Scheffer said that allied forces would never violate Pakistan’s territorial integrity and military cooperation would be enhanced between Pakistan army and NATO to tackle the challenge of extremism and terrorism.

Responding to various questions on the occasion, foreign minister Qureshi said that NATO secretary general was briefed on measures that Pakistan took after Mumbai carnage. He said Pakistan wanted peace with India. Qureshi also hailed US president Obama’s statement on Muslim world. He, however, expressed concerns over the humanitarian situation in Gaza

Source: thenews.com.pk