LAHORE: Federal Minister for Defence Chaudhry Ahmad Mukhtar said on Sunday that Pakistan might face sanctions if it did not allow Nato supplies as it would be a violation of international conventions.

Pakistan suspended Nato supplies after a US attack on its Salala post along the Afghan border in November killed at least 24 soldiers.

“Pakistan has signed international conventions under which it will not be easy for it to keep Nato supplies suspended as it may lead to sanctions,” the defence minister said while talking to reporters at a luncheon hosted by PPP leader Munir Ahmed Khan.

In reply to a question, he said Pakistan had proposed joint and coordinated drone attacks in tribal areas but the US did not agree to the suggestion.

About the Siachen issue, Mr Mukhtar said: “Under the current circumstances it is difficult to resolve the Siachen issue. India is sitting on high altitude and it considers itself in a better position. If we pulled out from Siachen, families of martyrs will raise questions.”

Pakistan, he said, would not reduce its defence budget.

About the government’s policy on Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani’s conviction in a contempt case, he said the PPP would adopt a strategy after the Supreme Court released its detailed judgment. If the Supreme Court rejected the review petition, then the prime minister would have to resign, he added.