PKonweb Monitor
New York: Army Chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani has urged the United States to stop the drone strikes, saying it was proving counter productive and creating a negative impact on the global ‘war on terror’.
The new Afghan policy envisages expansion of drone strikes inside Pakistan including Balochistan, but the Washington administration and the Pentagon are indecisive on this matter.
During his meeting with CENTCOM (US Central Command) Chief Gen David Petraeus, who is currently on a visit to Islamabad, Kayani also raised the issue of India’s alleged involvement in destabilization Pakistan through Afghanistan.
Several issues such as the Pak-US defense and Army relations, the security scenario in the whole region, war against terrorism, US policy concerning drone attacks in the country, US’ new Afghan Policy came under discussions during the meeting.
General Petraeus also assuaged Pakistan’s concerns over the Obama administration’s plans of expanding drone strikes in the country.
He added that the US strategy for Afghanistan would not affect Pakistan.
In a separate meeting with Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, Petraeus briefed the former regarding the revamped Afghan strategy.
During the meeting Gilani welcomed Obama’s affirmation of strong ties between the two countries and said Pakistan and the US share the common strategic objectives for a peaceful and stable Afghanistan as well as combating terrorism.
