Sharif meets Hagel, expresses concern over drone attacks

Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif Monday expressed deep concern over the continuing drone strikes by the US in the country's tribal regions.

Talking to US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel here, the prime minister stressed that drone strikes were counter-productive to the government's efforts to combat terrorism and extremism on an enduring basis, the Associated Press of Pakistan reported.

The US Defense Secretary held in-depth talks on an array of issues of mutual interest between the two countries.

"The two leaders agreed to work together to strengthen Pakistan-US relations and advance the shared interest of a stable, secure and prosperous Pakistan and the region," a foreign office press release said.

Sharif reaffirmed his country's support for the peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan.

Hagel also met army chief General Raheel Sharif at the general headquarters in Rawalpindi city and discussed the Pakistan-US bilateral ties and regional stability.

The US Secretary of Defense was accompanied by US Ambassador in Pakistan Richord G. Olson and US Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense Peter Lavoy.