Pakistan bats for cessation of US drone strikes at UNSC

'Drone strikes infringe country's sovereignty, violating international law'

Pakistan has raised the issue of US drone strikes in the country at the United Nations Security Council.

The nation called for cessation of these strikes and seeking urgent talks to resolve the problem.

Ambassador Masood Khan told the 15-nation council drone strikes were infringing the country's sovereignty, violating international law, including international human rights and humanitarian law.

He said the strikes were causing civilian casualties and were detrimental to the combined efforts to fight terrorism.

According to Dawn News, Khan said Pakistan is facilitating the Afghan reconciliation process, but progress could only be achieved only if all stakeholders share the goals of the peace process.

He added they need to pursue this goal together, with unity of purpose.

US drone attacks are deeply unpopular in Pakistan, but Washington views them as a vital tool in their fight against Taliban and al Qaeda militants in Pakistan's semi-autonomous tribal areas, the report added.