Posts Tagged ‘Drone Attack’

The silent treatment: PML-N boycotts Senate debate on president’s address

“We will not participate in the proceedings until Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani resigns,” said PML-N Senator Zafar Ali Shah.

Shah urged Senate Chairman Syed Nayyar Husain Bukhari to “follow the Constitution and not start a debate on the president’s address to parliament till the matter of the prime minister’s conviction was solved.”

The motion for a debate was moved by Law Minister Farooq H Naek after he expressed gratitude for President Zardari’s speech to both houses of parliament on March 17.

However, PML-N Senator Mushahidullah Khan termed the debate unconstitutional. He said the motion is moved by a minister who is a member of a “non-functional cabinet” and refused to acknowledge either him or the premier.

Harsh words were exchanged between PPP and PML-N legislators, with ANP’s Zahid Khan also pitching in. The heated exchange was, however, expunged from the record on the Senate chairman’s decision.

PML-N’s Raja Zafarul Haq accused the president of acting “illegally and according to the advice sent by Gilani. The PPP knows well that we are protesting for the right thing as Gilani stands disqualified by the Supreme Court.”

Later, PML-N legislators staged a walkout from the Upper House amid the rumpus becoming characteristic of late.

PPP Senator Raza Rabbani urged them to participate in the debate, saying, “the PML-N should follow the Constitution and express their views on the president’s speech.”

Leader of the House Jahangir Badar flayed the walkout saying the party “always seeks an opportunity to disturb the atmosphere, which is regrettable.” Badar argued that the debate over the president’s address was as important as the address itself.

Another PPP Senator Saeed Ghani, too, urged the PML-N to soften its belligerent stance saying that if the party does indeed respect the judiciary as much as it claims to, then it should respect its decision.

Senator Afrasiab Khattak from the Awami National Party, and amongst those who did take part in the debate, lauded the president’s services terming him “a man who loves democracy.”

He also raised the issue of net profit not being given by Wapda for the hydel energy projects installed in Khyber -Pakhtunkhwa. He urged that the province’s due share be paid and demanded that a local body be set up in Fata to hold elections.

JUI-F’s Maulana Ghafoor Haideri expressed his dissatisfaction over the debate saying that “nobody in the house talks about the real issues faced by the common man.”

He said that while “Lyari is on fire, Balochistan is slipping away from our hands. Drone attacks are becoming a routine, and no one except the Chief Justice of Pakistan is taking the matter seriously.” He also criticised the PML-N for not respecting democratic norms.

PML-Q’s Mushahid Hussain Syed expressed his concern over US involvement in the region. He said the “recent statements by Obama in Afghanistan are of serious concern and reflect their (US) willingness for a prolonged war.”

Earlier, senators including the chairman and deputy chairman condemned the blast in Bajaur Agency and termed it an act of cowardice.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 5^th, 2012.

Foreign office briefing: Govt ready to explore drone strike alternatives

The statement, given by foreign office (FO) spokesperson Moazzam Ali Khan at his weekly news briefing, appears to be aimed at breaking a deadlock between Pakistan and the US on the controversial campaign.

The new foreign policy recommendations approved recently by parliament have called for an immediate end to the drone strikes. But the demand has been rejected by the US, which considers the CIA-run campaign its premier asset in eliminating what it terms “remnants of top al Qaeda leadership” in Pakistan. American officials have also maintained this week that the drone attacks are legal and justified.

Khan contested American claims saying “drone attacks are illegal, counter-productive, a violation of our sovereignty and territorial integrity and therefore totally unacceptable.” He added, however, that the two sides were discussing the issue at various levels in order to come up with a mutually acceptable solution.

“We are willing to explore other possibilities… (there will be) no compromise on drone attacks,” was his response when questioned about the possibility of intelligence sharing between Pakistan and the US on the drone strikes.

However, it is unclear what alternatives Pakistan can offer the US in return for an end to the drone campaign.

In the past, Islamabad has suggested using its air force to take out al Qaeda associated high value targets in the tribal region. But the US reportedly showed little interest in the proposal fearing intelligence leaks allowing targets to escape.

No decision yet on NATO summit

The FO spokesman said Pakistan has not yet decided whether to attend the gathering of 50 heads of states from Nato countries in Chicago later this month.

He confirmed the issue did come up in discussions during the civil-military huddle on Wednesday.

Khan said the Defence Committee of the Cabinet (DCC) had started preparing a work plan for effectively implementing the recommendations approved by parliament.

“We have not finalised the next steps yet,” he pointed out, acknowledging the lack of a clear roadmap for resuming cooperation with the US.

Sources say Islamabad’s participation in the high-profile gathering on the Afghan endgame in Chicago hinges on progress to break the months-old deadlock between Pakistan and the US.

Talks between the two countries to revive cooperation have hit a roadblock over the American reluctance to offer a public apology for last year’s Nato air strikes on Pakistani soldiers and Islamabad’s strong opposition to drone attacks.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 4^th, 2012.

Pakistan nudges US to find an alternative to drones

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan Thursday said it has been sincerely working with United States at several levels to resolve all the issues including finding an alternative to the drone attacks as both the countries are partners in war against terror. Foreign Office spokesman Moazzam Ahmad Khan in his weekly briefing said: “There is need to resolve all issues with US.” He said Pakistan has a …

..
..

.. .. .. .. ..

Drone attacks: US has to respect Pakistan’s red lines, says Raza Rabbani

ISLAMABAD: Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on the National Security (PCNS) Raza Rabbani on Wednesday made it clear that the drone strikes, despite remarks of some senior US officials, were a violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty, and had to stop.

Speaking on a point of order during the Senate proceedings, Rabbani took an exception to a statement by some US officials who had tried to validate drone strikes under the international law. He said that the US would have to respect Pakistan’s sovereignty and the drone attacks have to be stopped.

“The US [administration] is giving lip service to respecting sovereignty of Pakistan. They have failed to honour the voice of our parliamentary resolution which was passed unanimously. This [resolution] is the will of our people as the Parliament represents the people of Pakistan,” Rabbani complained.

He said that when a drone attack was carried out inside Pakistani territory after the parliamentary recommendations were finalised, he had summoned a special meeting of the PCNS and condemned the attack.

“We have also convened a meeting next week. We have also summoned the Foreign Office officials for a briefing on the recent dialogue with US ambassador (Marc) Grossman and what steps they had agreed to implement the parliamentary recommendations,” he added.

Rabbani said he expected that the US administration would respect the will of the people.

“We have made abundantly clear that Pakistan considers drone attacks a violation of our sovereignty,” he asserted. He said he was taken aback when he came to know that some US officials were trying to validate drone attacks.

“Drone attacks are not only a violation of our sovereignty but also a violation of the charter of the United Nations (UN). The US should read the UN report on drones. If they have red lines, the US will also have to respect our red lines,” he maintained.

No conflict if institutions work within constitutional ambit: Gilani

Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani. – File Photo by Reuters

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani on Wednesday said if all the institutions follow the constitution, then there would be no conflict among them.

Speaking to media representatives after attending a function of Pakistan Scout Association, the prime minister said, “It is responsibility of every individual and institution to follow the constitution.”

He said he has the right of appeal against the decision of the Supreme Court in the contempt of court case against him.

Replying to a question about drone attacks, the prime minister said Pakistan has a clear stand on these attacks.

Pakistan and the United States are negotiating in accordance with the recommendations of the Parliamentary Committee on National Security (PCNS) for new rules of engagements with the Nato/Isaf and the US and these negotiations are not completed yet, therefore, it is early to jump to conclusion, he added.

He said the new terms of engagements were also discussed in a high level meeting held at the President House today which was presided over by President Asif Ali Zardari and attended by Chief of the Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani and others.

About appointment of new judges to the Supreme Court, the prime minister said the ministry of law and justice will settle the matter.

The premier said that appeal against his conviction by the Supreme Court was his right, adding the Islamabad High Court and the acting chief election commissioner have also stressed today that everyone should wait for the detailed judgment of the apex court.

About opposition’s claim that PM Gilani will not be allowed to enter the parliament, he said, “I have already attended sessions of both the houses.”

He said those sitting on opposition benches who took decisions in haste are now reconsidering their actions.

,, ,, ,, ,, ,, ,, ,,

,,
,,

,, ,, ,, ,, ,,

Via DAWN.com

PML-N disrupts parliament sessions over PM’s eligibility

,,

Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani addressing at the Senate session at Parliament House. – Online Photo

ISLAMABAD: Members of the Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N)  disrupted session of the National Assembly and  staged a walkout from the Senate when they were resumed on Wednesday, DawnNews reported.

The PML-N senators staged a walkout from the upper house over Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani’s refusal to step down from the premiership after his conviction in the contempt of court case  and ‘non-implementation’ of the recommendations of the Parliamentary Committee on National Security (PCNS) regarding the drone attacks.

Senators from the PML-N protested in the upper house causing a chaotic situation there.

PML-N’s Senator Raja Zafar ul Haq said that the senate session was unconstitutional because after the Supreme Court’s verdict against Gilani, he was no more the prime minister and hence the PML-N does not accept Gilani’s cabinet.

Haq said that despite the joint resolution passed in the parliament on national security and future rules of engagement with the United States, US drone strikes have not been stopped in the country.

Moreover, the lawmakers belonging to PML-N disrupted the National Assembly session demanding resignation of the prime minister.

The PML-N lawmakers tore the copies of the day’s agenda of the session and shouted slogans against the government.

They wore black stripes on their arms in protest and carried placards with the slogans of ‘Go Gilani Go’ printed on them.

Gilani did not show up in today’s parliament’s session to avoid any unpleasant incident.

The parliament’s session was subsequently adjourned until 10:00 am on Thursday.

,, ,, ,, ,, ,, ,, ,,

,,
,,

,, ,, ,, ,, ,,

Via DAWN.com

Pakistan records protest over US drone hit

ISLAMABAD – Foreign Office Monday summoned a senior US Embassy official and lodged a formal protest over Sunday’s US drone attack.Political Councillor of US Embassy Jonathan Pratt was summoned at the Foreign Office by Director General Americas”, a foreign office spokesman said. The govt strongly condemned the US drone attack in North Waziristan, he said, adding that such attacks are …

..
..

.. .. .. .. ..

Attacks violate sovereignty, says Pakistan

ISLAMABAD, April 30: Pakistani officials on Monday condemned the US for carrying out its first drone strike in the country since parliament demanded they end two weeks ago.

The foreign ministry issued a statement, saying the strike which killed three suspected militants in the North Waziristan tribal area on Sunday “are in total contravention of international law and established norms of interstate relations”.

“The government of Pakistan has consistently maintained that drone attacks are violative of its territorial integrity and sovereignty,” it said.

But Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani struck a moderate tone on Monday when he seemed to link the strikes to the continued ability of militants fighting the government.

He pointed out that the resolution passed by parliament also stipulated that foreign fighters must be expelled from the country and Pakistani soil should not be used to attack other countries.

“So, when we plan a strategy (with the US), all these aspects would be discussed,” he said.

A Pakistani intelligence official said the most recent strike seemed to be a message from the US.

“It’s a message that things are going to continue as usual irrespective of what we say,” said the official, speaking on condition of anonymity It’s not the first time the US has ignored Pakistan’s parliament, which has called for the drone strikes to end since 2008. President Barack Obama significantly ramped up strikes in Pakistan when he took office in 2009.

Drones are not the only issue complicating Pakistan’s decision to reopen the Nato supply lines the country closed after a US border air attack killed at least 24 Pakistani soldiers.

Pakistan’s parliament has also demanded that the US provide an ‘unconditional apology’ for the deaths of the Pakistani troops in November. The US has expressed regret, but has declined to apologise – a decision that appears to be driven by domestic political considerations. The US has said its troops fired in self-defense – a claim disputed by Pakistan – and the White House could be concerned about Republican criticism if it apologises.—AP

,, ,, ,, ,, ,, ,, ,,

,,
,,

,, ,, ,, ,, ,,

Via DAWN.com

Drone strikes legal, ethical, says US

WASHINGTON, April 30: White House counter-terrorism adviser John Brennan offered a rare public defence of drone strikes on Monday and said the attacks were legal and ethical and were directed only at “legitimate military targets”.

In an indirect reference to Pakistan, Mr Brennan said the country’s reluctance to act against certain terrorists also justified the US decision to use unmanned aircraft for targeting militant hideouts in Fata.

“There’s nothing in international law that bans the use of remotely piloted aircraft … or that prohibits us from using lethal force against our enemies outside of an active battlefield, at least when the country involved consents or is unable or unwilling to take action against the threat,” he said.

At a two-day seminar in Washington this weekend, peace activists urged the US government to immediately halt the strikes because they were “illegal and unethical” and were also killing innocent civilians.

In the first ever detailed US policy statement on drones, Mr Brennan rejected both arguments and indicated that drone attacks on terrorist targets would continue.

In a speech marking the anniversary of Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden’s elimination, Mr Brennan said the strikes were used only in cases of a “significant threat”.

He said the US Constitution empowered the president to protect his nation from any imminent threat of attack.

,, ,, ,, ,, ,, ,, ,,

,,
,,

,, ,, ,, ,, ,,

Via DAWN.com

Pakistan lodges formal complaint over N Waziristan drone attack

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Monday summoned a senior US diplomat to lodge a formal protest over Sunday’s drone attack inside the tribal belt, igniting fresh tensions between the two countries.

“US Political Councilor, Jonathan Pratt was summoned at the Foreign office by Director General America over yesterday’s drone attack,” according to an official statement issued here.

A similar protest was also lodged in Washington to convey Islamabad’s displeasure over the unilateral strikes.

The remotely piloted aircraft targeted an abandoned girls’ high school building used by militants in Miranshah, the main town in North Waziristan on Sunday, officials and witnesses said. The strike reportedly killed four militants and injured three others.

The Predator attack was the first since the Parliament approved new terms of engagements that seek an immediate halt in the CIA-piloted campaign.

During recent high-level talks, Pakistan had categorically told the US that drones are totally unacceptable.

At a joint news conference with US Special Envoy Marc Grossman last week, Foreign Secretary Jalil Abbas Jilani reiterated Pakistan’s strong opposition to the CIA-piloted drone campaign in the tribal areas.

“We consider drones as illegal, non-productive and accordingly unacceptable,” he emphasised.

Separately, President Asif Zardari told the visiting top American diplomat that the two sides should consider setting up a framework of mechanism to find mutually acceptable alternatives to drone strikes in Pakistan.

The Obama administration considers drone campaign crucial to eliminate ‘high value’ targets associated with al-Qaeda and the Taliban from the tribal areas.

But the US policy has now turned out to be one of the major sticking point hindering cooperation between the two countries.

Recently, Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar acknowledged that despite Pakistan’s repeated demands, the US was not listening to Pakistan’s demands to stop the drone attacks.

Alumnus visit: Khar gives ‘foreign policy briefing’ at LUMS

LAHORE: Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar paid a visit to her alma mater, the Lahore University of Management Sciences, on Monday, where she gave a briefing of sorts on Pakistan’s current foreign policy, as well as answering questions from students.

Khar had studied economics during her time at the Lahore based business school, and she shared with students how her studies were now helping her in the day to day life as a foreign minister. “Everything now is increasingly moving towards economic diplomacy so having a basic understanding of the subject has done me good.”

Afghanistan

But soon the mood turned to serious matters. Speaking on Afghanistan, Khar regretted that over the years Pakistan had not concentrated on a ‘prosperous neighbourhod’ and said that ties with neighboring countries including Afghanistan, was in Pakistan’s interest and that peaceful ties should be established with all its neighbors. Responding to a question about Pakistan’s role in the Afghan reconciliation process, Khar said the ‘if asked’ to be a party to the Afghan led reconciliatory process, Pakistan will assist in whatever capacity possible.

She added that a ‘spill out’ affect of the instability in neighbouring countries would adversely affect the entire region.

Offering a simplistic solution to problems of diplomatic nature, Khar said that the ‘is it in Pakistan’s interest?’ question often offered easy solutions to the issues at hand. “In pursuing its goals and objectives, Pakistan wants to be a responsible global player,” she said.

US

Talking about Pakistan-US relations, which have sunk to their lowest in the aftermath of the Nato Salala checkpost raid, the foreign minister said, “the relationship with the US is very dear to Pakistan but not at the cost of its sovereignty.”

Commenting on drone attacks, one of which blew up a school in North Waziristan on Sunday, and has been a source of anger among many Pakistanis, she termed it as a “complex problem,” and that all diplomatic means were being utilised to address the issue.

Looking at a way forward, she hoped that ties with US will be based on common interests of both the countries, “long term relations with any super power can only be assured if it is based on mutual interest and respect.”

Referring to the recent visit of US special envoy for Afghanistan and Pakistan Marc Grossman and his meeting with the Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, Khar said that there was “nothing wrong” about the nature of the meeting.

“There is a lot of ‘security element’ in our relationship with the US,” said Khar, clarifying that the meeting should not attract any undue concern, adding that every institution in Pakistan was a stakeholder, including the GHQ.

“We (the government) are in an evolutionary phase and rest assured that every institution is in its right place,” said Khar.

Siachen

The Siachen issue was also addressed in the minister’s speech, saying that there can be no unilateral withdrawal of troops from Siachen. Khar added that the emphasis lay not merely on troop withdrawal, but an environment of mutual trust between the two countries was also needed.

Kashmir

Talking about Kashmir, Khar said it still remained a core issue that posed hurdles in improving ties between India and Pakistan and that it was time to ascertain whether the issue could be resolved militarily or at the dialogue table, “if not resolved, the Kashmir issue will continue to breed hatred among the people.”

Iran-Pakistan pipeline

Speaking about the proposed Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline, Khar said that Pakistan could not afford to be selective in relations with its neighbours based on its energy demands.

GB, Balochistan

Regarding the recent spate of violence in Gilgit-Baltistan and Balochistan, she said that it remained a matter of great concern for the government.

Talking about about the role of foreign elements in Balochistan, Khar stated that the Prime Minister had raised the issue with India’s Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during a meeting between the two in Sharm el-Sheikh, adding that while Pakistan faced ‘external conspiracies’, it was necessary for it to become strong internally, to resist the external elements.

Responding to a question regarding resumption of cricketing tie between Pakistan and India, she said much was being done to address the issue diplomatically on both sides.

White House defends drone attacks despite risks to civilians

White House counterterrorism advisor John Brennan on Sunday defended the administration’s campaign of drone missile attacks against militants while acknowledging that the air strikes have sometimes killed noncombatants.
“Unfortunately, in war, there are casualties, including among the civilian population,” Brennan said on ABC News “This Week,” answering a question about the covert drone program. …

..
..

.. .. .. .. ..

Drone strikes: Pakistan may boycott Chicago summit

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan may boycott the upcoming Nato summit in Chicago and delay its decision to reopen Nato supply routes in retaliation for the latest US drone attack in North Waziristan Agency, officials said.This was the first such attack since parliament last month approved new guidelines on relations with the United States, which included a call for an end to drone strikes in Pakistani territory.

A statement issued by the Foreign Office denounced the latest strike as “a violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty”.

“Such attacks are in total contravention of international law and established norms of interstate relations,” it added. The matter would be taken up through diplomatic channels both in Islamabad and Washington.

A senior government official told The Express Tribune that Pakistan was contemplating a number of options to convey a strong message on drone strikes to the US. One such option includes pulling out of the Chicago summit scheduled for May. It was, however, not clear whether Islamabad was formally invited to the gathering of nearly 50 heads of states and governments.

US Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan Marc Grossman did request the Pakistani leadership during his recent trip to attend the summit, said the official. “The latest drone attack clearly is an attempt to discredit democracy in Pakistan,” added the official, who was part of recent negotiations between Islamabad and Washington.

Abandoned school targeted

The latest strike took place in Miranshah, the main town in North Waziristan, on Sunday.The drone fired two missiles targeting an abandoned girls’ high school building used by militants, officials said. The school which is located in Qari Masjid village was abandoned by schoolchildren due militancy in the area.

“The building had been taken over by militants,” a local resident said.  An official from the area confirmed that three people have been killed and two wounded. “However, there are reports that there might be six suspected militants killed,” he added. Another security official said the compound was used mainly by Uzbek and Tajik militants.

(With additional reporting by Zulfiqar Ali in D I Khan and agencies)

Published in The Express Tribune, April 30^th, 2012.

Drone attack follows failed Pak-US talks

PESHAWAR – At least four suspected militants were killed and two others injured when US unmanned predator fired two missiles on a deserted government school in Miranshah Bazaar, North Waziristan Agency, on Sunday. It was the first drone strike in almost a month and came after the failure of fresh round of talks between US and Pakistan. American special envoy Marc Grossman left Islamabad …

..
..

.. .. .. .. ..

US drone ‘kills three militants’ in Miramshah

Two missiles hit an abandoned girls schools in the town of Miramshah in the North Waziristan tribal region, killing three unidentified militants.– AFP (File Photo)

MIRAMSHAH: Three militants were killed and two others wounded in a US drone attack in Pakistan’s restive tribal region near the Afghan border on Sunday, security officials said.

The drone fired two missiles targeting a militant compound in Miramshah, the main town in North Waziristan, known as a stronghold of Taliban and al Qaeda-linked militants, they said.

This was the first drone strike since the parliament last month approved new guidelines on relations with the United States, which included a ban on transporting weapons through the country to Afghanistan.

“A US drone fired two missiles on a compound, killing three militants and wounding two others,” a senior security official told AFP.

He said that the compound in the market area of Miramshah was once a girls’ school that was occupied by the militants.

Another security official, who confirmed the toll, said the compound was used mainly by Uzbek and Tajik militants.

,, ,, ,, ,, ,, ,, ,,

,,
,,

,, ,, ,, ,, ,,

Via DAWN.com

Pakistan reiterates drone opposition as US envoy visits

ISLAMABAD: Islamabad on Thursday reiterated its opposition to US drone attacks in its territory as Washington’s point man on Pakistan and Afghanistan arrived amid efforts to mend fractured relations.

Relations between Pakistan and the United States plunged last year over the US raid that killed Osama bin Laden inside Pakistan and a Nato air strike near the border with Afghanistan that killed 24 Pakistani soldiers.

Marc Grossman, the US special representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, held talks with officials Thursday during his first visit to the country since a parliamentary review ordered in the wake of the air strike.

While drone attacks appear to be in a lull, the United States has been enthusiastic about such unmanned attacks on militants deep in Pakistani territory. Pakistan says the strikes kill civilians and fuel resentment.

In guidelines approved by parliament earlier this month, Pakistan called for an unconditional US apology over the air raid deaths, a ban on transporting weapons through the country and an end to drone strikes.

“We consider drones as illegal, non-productive and accordingly unacceptable,” Pakistan’s foreign secretary Jalil Abbas Jilani said at a joint news conference with Grossman.

“This is an issue which also has been discussed at the highest civilian and military leadership.”

He said that Pakistan expected talks with US officials to lead to a solution under the guidelines set by parliament.

Grossman offered condolences for the air raid deaths but not an apology, and on the drone issue said both Pakistan and the US faced threats from al Qaeda and other extremist groups.

Pakistan closed its borders to convoys supplying Nato troops in Afghanistan in the wake of the November air strikes, and Jilani said a new arrangement would need to be worked out.

Grossman said the US was ready for talks on re-opening the supply lines and clearing outstanding payments to Pakistan to meet the expenses of military operations in its tribal areas to fight Taliban and al Qaeda militants.

“We are ready to get to the work. We want to work to reopen the ground lines of communication. We want to discuss several outstanding claims for the coalition support fund (CSF),” Grossman said.

Grossman said the United Stated wanted to increase market access and economic opportunity and wanted a stable Pakistan and Afghanistan.

US may not yield on all fronts

ISLAMABAD – US Ambassador to Pakistan Cameron Munter on Thursday said that America might not agree to all the recommendations proposed by Pakistan’s Parliamentary Committee on National Security, reported a private TV channel.
Stressing the need for mending fences before it was too late, Munter said the US was ready to hammer out all the bones of contention including drone attacks. Hoping …

..
..

.. .. .. .. ..