Pakistan seeks drones control

[Omar1984]

Pakistan seeks drones control
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Zardari, Kayani tell US senators drone hits counter-productive

| Call for winning terror war politically | US delegates say war can’t be won sans Pakistan


By Saad Saud


ISLAMABAD - President Asif Ali Zardari and Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, in their separate meetings with a delegation of US Congressmen, said the battle against militancy was multidimensional and use of military force was only one component of it.

They said the other components namely economically empowering the people of tribal areas and waging an intellectual battle against militant’s philosophy were more important in many ways.

The US congressional delegation led by Senator Mark Udall visited Aiwan-e-Sadr and the General Headquarters Wednesday. According to a military spokesman, the US delegation discussed with the COAS matters of mutual interest. The US senators lauded the sacrifices made by the Pakistani armed forces and people for elimination of terror and admitted that without Pakistan, the war on terror cannot be won.

Extensive discussions were held on Pak-US strategic relationship, cooperation in the war against terror, regional situation, talks with Taliban in Afghanistan in addition to defence and military relations between the two countries.

The US delegation also included Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, while the Pakistani side included M. Salman Farooqui, Secretary General to the President, Farahnaz Ispahani, Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir and Spokesperson to the President, Farhatullah Babar.

The President, during the meeting, said that the Pakhtoons of the tribal areas and Pakhtunkhwa are must be provided economic opportunities and their indigenous capabilities to confront militancy be bolstered. In this context, the President underscored the need for early adoption of Reconstruction and Opportunities Zones (ROZs) legislation and asked the visiting US senators to use their influence in the US Senate for removing the hurdles in the way of this legislation which he described as critical to the economic empowerment of the people.

The President also reiterated that increasing drone attacks were turning to become counter-productive because of the issue of sovereignty involved. He said that drones would be far more effective and acceptable to the people if these were flown and operated by Pakistan’s forces under the Pakistani flag. He said that there was a need to enhance trust, cooperation and coordination at the strategic, policy and operational level.

The President, appreciating the US support for security, progress and prosperity of Pakistan, said that the recent gestures of the US government and people for the flood-affected people were much appreciated and would contribute towards improving US perception of the public and mitigating trust deficit. He said that the recent devastation caused by the floods has adversely impacted economic development of the country owing to heavy expenditures on relief efforts. He said international assistance was much needed not only to support the country’s economy but also to prevent financial constraints impacting the fight against militancy.

The President appreciated US support for securing enhanced market access in the European Union and emphasised the US support for Pakistan’s case at the WTO.

Discussing the regional situation, the President said that Pakistan has deep interest in a stable, peaceful and prosperous Afghanistan and it firmly believes in neutrality and non-interference in the internal affairs of the country. “We would continue to support all efforts for promoting sustainable peace, stability and development in Afghanistan,” he said. In addition to military approach, equally important was capacity building of the Afghan institutions and forces, he said.

The US senators reiterated their government’s commitment to supporting democratic dispensation of Pakistan in its pursuit for the development and prosperity of the people of Pakistan.

They expressed their deepest sympathies over the heavy loss of lives and property in the recent floods and assured of their country’s support.

The visit of the COAS to the US for participating in the Pak-US strategic dialogue also came under discussion. Sources said that the COAS appraised the US delegation of his stance regarding the negative impact of US drone attacks and called for setting up ROZs in tribal areas at the earliest.—Agencies

 

[K^se]

I didn't mind to bother reading the article above, I just read the title. But I can possible guess what's in the article, U.S is lauding Pakistan Armed Forces for their sacrifices, that our relation is time tested, and our relationship will proceed to new heights. But there's alot of criticism happening within Pakistan Society for having Drone attacks routinely within the FATA region, and that technology should be given to the Pakistani's, so public can be at ease somewhat.

-That won't happen, the only countries I believe who are operating the MQ-9 Predator drones are Turkey and Italy outside the U.S. We haven't even given it to the Israelis -_-", but going by recent development done with Israeli Aero Space Industries their aren't far away with armed drones in the near future. So what makes you guys think will give you such sensitive technology? Stop posting nonsensical threads and go move on to critical matters.

-NOW FLAME ME..

 

[PakSher]

Pakistan needs to develop its own defence industry, they could always reference other designs and technologies, but should rely on its own. In the 1940s Pakistan used to import 100% of defence equipment, but now nuclear, ballisitc, cruise missiles, tanks, 100& small and medium arms, plus the JF-17, F22 Ship Manufacturing are all local projects. We just need to continue on that path and improve our drones.

Pakistan does not have to use its laser guided bombs to destroy illegal Afghans terrorists crossing over to Pakistan. Let US kill them, that way they will hold grudge against the US and not the Pakistani Armed Forces. US, keep the drones and clean up the border swamps, good work.

There may be peace in Afghanistan in the next 2-4 years but US will need Pakistan's logistical support for a long time. There is plenty of time for additional rounds of talks in the future.

 

[somebozo]

Kayani policy regarding Afghanistan is to trap and win..not much different than what we did with the soviets! They have already seen some muscle flexing by closing the offending border.