Pakistan protests US drone strike over weekend

Pakistan today condemned a US drone attack in its lawless tribal region over the weekend that killed two suspected militants, describing it as a violation of the country's sovereignty.
"These unilateral strikes are a violation of Pakistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity," Foreign Office spokesman Aizaz Chaudhry said.
Pakistan consistently maintains that US drone strikes are counter-productive, entail loss of civilian lives and have human rights and humanitarian implications.
"Such strikes also set dangerous precedents in inter-state relations," Chaudhry said. Pakistan has repeatedly "emphasised the importance of bringing an immediate end to drone strikes", he said.
"These drone strikes have a negative impact on the mutual desire of both countries to forge a cordial and cooperative relationship and to ensure peace and stability in the region."

Two suspected militants were killed on Saturday when a drone fired two missiles at a house in Mir Ali area of North Waziristan, one of seven semi-autonomous tribal districts where Taliban and Al Qaeda elements have hideouts.
The US has persisted with the drone attacks inside Pakistan despite several formal protests, as Washington believes that they help to target militants in areas out of reach of its ground troops.
The attacks are a source of tension in bilateral relations. Last month, a proposed visit to Islamabad by US Secretary of State John Kerry was postponed due to tensions over drones.