Foreign Secretary Jalil Abbas Jilani. – File Photo by AFP

ISLAMABAD: Foreign Secretary Jalil Abbas Jilani on Friday said that US drone attacks are unacceptable as these are violating sovereignty of Pakistan.

Briefing the Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, the secretary said dialogue with the United States is the only way forward to resolve the issue of drone attacks.

However, he said, around 80 per cent of total 3000 people killed in drone attacks were terrorists.

The statement came the same day when in a similar attack at least seven alleged militants were killed by the US spy planes in Babar Ghar area of restive Waziristan.

The secretary said international community is supporting Pakistan on the issue. He said some Afghani Taliban prisoners have also been released on the demand of the Afghan government.

US drone strikes last month killed a prominent warlord, who had sent insurgents to fight Nato troops in neighbouring Afghanistan.

Mullah Nazir, one of the highest-profile drone victims in recent years, was the main militant commander in South Waziristan, part of the tribal zone where militants linked to the Taliban and al Qaeda have bases on the Afghan border.

The covert US drone strikes are publicly criticised by the Pakistani government as a violation of sovereignty but American officials believe they are a vital weapon in the war against militants.

Legal lobby group Reprieve estimates that up to nearly 900 civilians were among the 2,621 to 3,442 people killed by drones in Pakistan since 2004— APP/DawnNews

Opinion

Editorial

China security ties
Updated 14 Nov, 2024

China security ties

If China's security concerns aren't addressed satisfactorily, it may affect bilateral ties. CT cooperation should be pursued instead of having foreign forces here.
Steep price
14 Nov, 2024

Steep price

THE Hindu Kush-Himalayan region is in big trouble. A new study unveiled at the ongoing COP29 reveals that if high...
A high-cost plan
14 Nov, 2024

A high-cost plan

THE government has approved an expensive plan for FBR in the hope of tackling its deep-seated inefficiencies. The...
United stance
Updated 13 Nov, 2024

United stance

It would've been better if the OIC-Arab League summit had announced practical measures to punish Israel.
Unscheduled visit
13 Nov, 2024

Unscheduled visit

Unusual IMF visit shows the lender will closely watch implementation of programme goals to prevent it from derailing.
Bara’s businesswomen
13 Nov, 2024

Bara’s businesswomen

Bara’s brave women have proven that with the right support, societal barriers can be overcome.