Pakistan PM urges end to US drone strikes

[Punch]

Pakistan's new Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has called for an end to United States drone strikes in his first address since being re-elected to the post.

"We respect the sovereignty of others and they should respect our sovereignty and independence. This campaign must come to an end," he told Members of Parliament.

Sharif, who was ousted in a 1999 coup, was later in the day sworn in for an unprecedented third term as PM, BBC reports.

He faces numerous challenges, including Taliban attacks and a crippled economy.

In his speech to parliament after 244 MPs approved him in the 342-seat chamber, Sharif also pledged to tackle corruption and reduce unemployment and power cuts.

He told MPs that it was necessary to work out a joint strategy to stop drone strikes.

"We must learn others' [American] concerns about us, and express our concerns about them, and find a way to resolve this issue," he said.

"These drone strikes that rain in every day have to stop."

According to BBC, the underlying message was that US concerns about militancy need to be addressed.

But the prime minister gave few details on how he might bring about an end to drone strikes, which many in Pakistan see an affront to Pakistani sovereignty. Washington regards the drone attacks as a vital weapon against militants fighting US-led forces in Afghanistan.

Sharif also appealed for unity, while stressing that improving the economy will be his top priority.

But to do that he may need a bailout from the International Monetary Fund.

Our correspondent says Sharif's desire to rejuvenate the economy and improve security are both areas that require some speedy but difficult decision-making in a geo-strategic environment which is shaped and controlled by the military.

While the new prime minister favours talks with the Pakistani Taliban, many expect that now he is in power he will accept the army's view that all past negotiations have failed and the only option is to fight the jihadis who attack domestic targets.

He becomes prime minister at a critical time in the battle against the Taliban – as Nato forces begin the process of withdrawing from Afghanistan.



The Punch