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Pakistan summons US envoy, protests Bannu missile strike

by hussain | November 20, 2008 at 04:16 am

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The Pakistan Foreign Office on Thursday summoned US Ambassador in Islambad Anne W Peterson and lodged protest over missile strike in Bannu district of the country’s North West Frontier Province (NWFP) on Wednesday that left at least five people dead. It was the first such outside the country’s tribal region bordering Afghanistan, as American drones have struck for at least 24 times since January 29 this year in different tribal areas of the country, especially in North and South Waziristan agencies, killing around 344 people. Missiles have also been fired by the US-led Nato forces from across the border on a number of occasions.

Foreign Office on Thursday summoned American Ambassador in Islamabad, Anne W. Patterson and lodged a strong protest over missile strikes inside Pakistan.
The protest came a day after missile fired by the U.S. drone killed six people in Bannu. It was emphasized that the government of Pakistan strongly condemns such attacks that are a violation of Pakistan's sovereignty and should be stopped immediately."

Meanwhile, addressing the National Assembly Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani said that there is no understanding between Washington and Islamabad over drone attacks in the tribal region of the country.

The first-ever attack in any settled district of the country came three days after The Washington Post disclosed about a tacit agreement between the Pakistani and US governments, under which the latter would continue striking its targets within the Pakistani territory, while the former would continue to register protest with the Americans over these attacks.

The Pakistan government, however, has rejected the report of the American newspaper as baseless. Pakistan has been continuously protesting against attacks carried out by the remotely piloted vehicles (RPVs) for the past many months, but the US authorities are paying no heed.

The parliament of the country has passed a unanimous resolution against drone attacks, asking the government to stop the practice in future. However, the attacks are continuing with almost one attack in every 12 days.

Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that there is no understanding with U.S. over drones’ attacks in tribal areas along Afghan border.
Speaking at the National Assembly session here on Thursday, Prime Minister said that army would not take any step against the government and the democracy.
Premier Gilani said that government would take the opposition along on the issue of country’s sovereignty. He told the house that National Security Adviser was in regular touch with him over situation arising after predators’ strikes in tribal areas.
In US, the process of transfer of power is in process, he said, adding that solution of this issue could face some delay.