ISLAMABAD, Nov 5: Two visiting French parliamentarians have urged the international community to respect Pakistan’s sovereignty because the country is playing a vital role in the war against terror.

Addressing a press conference at the residence of French Ambassador Daniel Jouanneau, the parliamentarians, Henri Plagnol and Jean Glavany, said that they considered the drone attacks in Pakistan as counter-productive because these could harm the struggle against terrorism.

Praising the role being played by Pakistan in the war against terror, they said the country had suffered heavy losses and was capable of taking action against militants on its side.

They stressed that there should be no violation of Pakistan’s territory because such violations could produce negative effects.

The parliamentarians, who have already visited Kabul and New Delhi, held meetings with parliamentarians belonging to different parties, government officials and representatives of civil society and exchanged views with them on the war against terror.

Replying to a question about the strategy of dialogue and development before taking military action against terrorist elements, they said it was up to Pakistan to decide how to deal with the situation.

Supporting the dialogue process initiated through various channels, including with the support of Saudi Arabia, they said: “France is always in favour of political dialogue.”

They appreciated the restoration of democratic set-up in Pakistan and assured France’s full support and cooperation to the newly elected government.—APP