ISLAMABAD, May 24 (APP): Pakistan on Friday appreciating President Obama’s acknowledgement that “force alone cannot make us safer” reiterated its policy that drone strikes are counter-productive. Foreign Secretary Jalil Abbas Jilani, addressing a press conference here at Foreign Office said on the use of drone strikes, the Government of Pakistan has consistently maintained that the drone strikes are counter-productive, entail loss of innocent civilian lives, have human rights and humanitarian implications and violate the principles of national sovereignty, territorial integrity and international law.
Commenting on the speech of President Obama, regarding counterterrorism policy at National Defense University in Washington, the Foreign Secretary said, the government of Pakistan has taken note of the counter-terrorism strategy outlined by president Obama in his speech.
Meanwhile, Foreign Office spokesman in a statement to the reaction to President Obama’s policy said, “Pakistan appreciates President Obama’s acknowledgement that “force alone cannot make us safer”.
The spokesman said this also has been Pakistan’s longstanding stance that a comprehensive strategy was acquired to address the root causes that foster terrorism and extremism.
The spokesman said as a frontline state in the fight against terrorism, Pakistani troops have borne the brunt and given the ultimate sacrifice for it.
“We appreciate President Obama’s acknowledgement and recognition of the sacrifices made by Pakistan particularly by our law Enforcement Authorities,” the statement added.
The spokesman further said, “We welcome the resolve expressed by President Obama to continue efforts to rebuild the important bilateral relationship with Pakistan, which we believe should be based on the mutual respect and benefit.”
Source: APP
