Pakistan parliament hails UN resolution against drone attacks

Pakistan's parliament Friday hailed a resolution adopted by the UN General Assembly against American drone strikes.

The General Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution Thursday which called for measures, including the use of remotely piloted aircraft, to comply with international law.

Pakistan's UN mission said it had successfully coordinated with like-minded states to include references to the use of drones in the resolution. This was the first instance of a reference to the issue of drones in a UN resolution.

The National Assembly or Lower House of Pakistan's parliament unanimously passed a resolution appreciating the efforts of the Pakistani government which resulted in the adoption of a resolution by the UN General Assembly against the use of drones, Xinhua reported.

The resolution, moved by cabinet minister Chaudhry Birjees Tahir, called upon the US to immediately end drone attacks on Pakistani territory which are against international law.

Pakistan's foreign ministry also welcomed the UN General Assembly resolution terming it a big step forward.

Foreign office spokesperson Tasnim Aslam said that the resolution reflects international public opinion and also speaks of legality and illegality of the use of drones.

Speaking at weekly briefing in Islamabad, she reiterated Pakistan's position on drone attacks saying these strikes violate the sovereignty of a country and cause collateral damage.

The spokesperson said the next move is to approach the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva against drone attacks. She said Pakistan would continue to build international opinion against drone attacks.

Despite Pakistan's protests, the US has refused to change its stance on the drone attacks in the Pakistani tribal regions, insisting the operation is effective to target Taliban militants.