US drone strikes not answer to terrorism: PM Sharif

Pakistan is determined to root out terrorism and extremism but US drone strikes are not the answer as they are counterproductive, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said today.
"You are fully aware of the counterproductive impact of the continuing drone strikes," he said while addressing a luncheon he hosted for ambassadors of European countries.
"We are fully engaged in sensitising the international community about the impact of these attacks and persuading it to find ways and means to curb terrorism that are not counter-productive."
Sharif said his government is determined to rid Pakistan of terrorism and extremism, according to a statement issued by his office. The problem of terrorism is complex and rooted in the events of the past three decades, "having global, regional and local dimensions", he said.

"We believe that the best way to deal with these challenges is through national consensus, which we are generating through various forums including the All-Parties Conference and parliamentary resolutions," Sharif said.
The CIA-operated drone campaign, which has eliminated several top Taliban and Al Qaeda commanders, has emerged as a key irritant in Pakistan-US relations. Islamabad has opposed the use of the pilotless spy planes, saying they have killed innocent people.
Sharif said one of Pakistan's foremost foreign policy priorities is to have good neighbourly, friendly and cooperative relations "with all our neighbours including India, based on mutual respect and esteem".