Pakistan protests U.S. missile strikes in tribal areas

Islamabad, June 5 PPI: Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said Thursday the government had protested to United States and NATO forces in Afghanistan over air strikes in the country's tribal regions. Over 10 people were killed and scores of others injured in a U.S. missile strike at Pakistan's tribal region of Bajaur last month. "A very strong protest has been launched at every level including the United States and NATO," Qureshi told the National Assembly (Parliament). "Even the Prime Minister took up the issue with (U.S.) President Bush during his meeting at Sharm el-Sheikh last month and expressed concern and anxiety of the people of Pakistan," Qureshi said. Pakistan is aware of international obligations regarding war on terror, but will not compromise on its national interests and sovereignty while curbing the menace, he said. "The government is determined to re-establish its writ in tribal areas through political means and socio-economic development but it would not shy away if it has to use power for this purpose," said Qureshi. He appealed opposition parties to extend help to government to deal with issue of terrorism and called for evolving a unified strategy of national consensus to deal with the menace to bring peace in the country. The government has embarked on three-pronged strategy to deal with terrorism but it needs national consensus and collective standing of the nation, he said.