Prime Minister-elect Nawaz Sharif today expressed "serios concern" at a US drone strike that killed the Pakistani Taliban's deputy chief and described it as a violation of the country's sovereignty.
Sharif, set to take oath as premier on June 5, expressed his "serious concern and deep disappointment" at the drone strike carried out in North Waziristan on Wednesday that killed Waliur Rehman, the second-in-command of the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan.
"The drone attack was not only a violation of the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity, but also an action that has been declared as a violation of International Law and the UN Charter," Sharif was quoted as saying in a statement issued by the PLM-N.
Sharif's sentiments were conveyed to the US Charge d'Affaires Richard Hoagland by one of his close aides.
The aide stressed in his conversation with Hoagland that the drone attack, "coming days after President Barack Obama's 'crossroads' speech, was highly regrettable, particularly as the President had spoken of initiating a new policy that would ensure greater exercise of care and caution in the use of this technology".
Sharif's aide pointed out to Hoagland that meaningful consultations and close cooperation between Pakistan and the US should be the "desired course of action, rather than unilateral measures".
The PML-N has been feeling pressure to issue a strong statement against drone attacks after Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf chief Imran Khan yesterday demanded Sharif should "stop drone attacks either through negotiations with the US or by force".
Khan said his party's government in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province could not act on its own to end strike drones.
The PML-N is also not happy with the US for launching a drone attack in the trial areas at a time when it is making efforts to start peace talks with the Taliban. PML-N circles described the latest drone attack as a "conspiracy" against their incoming government.
Sharif has also announced that he intends to hold talks with the Taliban.
