KARACHI: Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatemi said Pakistani military leadership was 'unaware' of the United States (US) drone attack in Balochistan which killed Afghan Taliban chief Mullah Mansour, but also rejected the possibility of an intelligence failure in this regard.

“Pakistan does not have the technological means to detect drones,” the special assistant argued in an interview with DawnNews on Friday.

"There are certain domestic and international elements involved,” he claimed, “But some matters cannot be disclosed.”

Know more: Gen Raheel 'seriously concerned' over violation of sovereignty by US

“Pakistan may protest against drone strikes, but cannot strike back decisively... Such attacks will never be permitted in Pakistan," he said.

Fatemi was of the opinion that US drone policy would adversely affect the western power in addition to negatively affecting the region where they are carried out.

When asked why aid is sought from the US despite its violations of Pakistan's territorial sovereignty, Fatemi replied: “Ideally, it is our goal to not seek any aid from them, but Pakistan’s economic conditions make it so. We do not actively seek aid from anyone.”

Regarding the American demand to act against the Haqqani Network, Fatemi adamantly emphasised that Pakistan is already “in action” against various terrorist groups, including the Taliban and the Haqqani Network.

“We are trying to keep dialogue and negotiations going with the [Afghan] Taliban.”

Peace talks with the Afghan Taliban

“Negotiations with the Taliban have reached a rather unique junction. Our agencies will contact the new leadership. Whatever decisions and progress we had made in the QCG is now nil, thanks to the drone strike.”

Fatemi also revealed that Pakistan is not the only country in contact with the Taliban, as “talks are the only way forward”.

“Pakistan alone cannot bring peace to Afghanistan, it is a collective international responsibility,” he said.