November 04, 2008	Tuesday	Ziqa'ad 5, 1429

MIRAMSHAH, Nov 3: Frustrated by the frequent guided missile attacks, the tribal elders here on Monday asked the government to give a tit-for-tat response to stop US spy planes’ intrusions into Pakistani territory.

Speaking at a joint press conference in Miramshah, elders representing major clans of North Waziristan Agency demanded of the government to implement parliament’s unanimously passed resolution in letter and sprit and halt incursion of the Nato planes.

Tribal elder Malik Mohammad Afzal Khan told journalists, “Innocent people including women and children are being killed in drone attacks and (in response) Pakistan government merely lodges protest with the US government.” He said that the government should take practical steps for blocking US and Nato forces’ invasions rather than lodging verbal protests and appeals. Expressing concern over military operation, Malik Afzal Khan said that army troops should stop operation in Fata and start negotiations with the stakeholders.

On the occasion, another elder Malik Abdul Qadir said that four million tribesmen were losing patience and could not tolerate spy planes violating tribal airspace. The government, he said should withdraw troops from the border and allow tribesmen to protect their territory and sovereignty.

Malik Qadir said that the government should not provide logistics facility and stop supply to allied forces through Fata. He also demanded of the government to expel US forces from military bases.