ISLAMABAD – Calling drone strikes an assault on Pakistan’s sovereignty, parliamentarians from both the treasury and opposition benches on Tuesday asked the government to call an all-parties’ conference (APC) over the issue.
Speaking on a point of order, PPP-Sherpao President Aftab Ahmed Sherpao said the drone attacks were fueling militancy and terrorism across the country. “In 2010, a record number of drone attacks were carried out inside Pakistan. The government should clarify its position on drone attacks,” he said.
Sherpao said the government had not only failed to implement the unanimous resolution of parliament regarding the war on terror, but had also trashed recommendations of the parliamentary committee on national security. “Earlier, US drones used to hit South and North Waziristan only, but now they are advancing towards settled areas and have even struck in Khyber Agency,” he said, asking parliament to take notice of the development.
He asked the government to convene an APC to review government’s policy on the war on terror. “The top brass of security institutions should also take part in the proposed APC and the meeting should assess damages caused by the drone attacks,” he suggested. Attaur Rehman of the JUI-F said the presence of US and NATO forces in Afghanistan was the main factor behind terrorism in the country.
“The government totally neglected the resolution unanimously passed by the joint session of parliament in 2008,” he said, adding that it was an insult hurled at parliament. PML-N MNA Haneef Abbasi said drone attacks were against Pakistan’s integrity and security, while asking the government to arrest Benazir Bhutto’s killers immediately. “The PML-N will unearth the conspiracy behind Benazir’s assassination within a week of it gaining power,” he claimed.
Waseem Akhtar of the MQM also supported Sherpao’s demand of convening an APC on drone attacks. Fauzia Wahab of the PPP also supported Sherpao and Wasim Akhtar’s demand of a debate on drone attacks in parliament, but opposed the convention of an APC. “Drone attacks and suicide attacks are correlated.
The parliament is the supreme forum to debate the issue of drone attacks and growing militancy in the country,” she added. Sheikh Aftab of the PML-N said drone attacks were a strike on Pakistan’s integrity. Mian Riaz Pirzada of the PML-Q said drone attacks could not be stopped until a complete ban on the activities of US intelligence agencies inside Pakistan.
PML-N lawmakers staged a token walkout with parliamentarian Dr Darshan, who said members of minority groups were being abducted for ransom in Sindh. On a demand by female parliamentarians, NA Deputy Speaker Faisal Karim Kundi deferred the Pakistan Penal Code (Amendment) Bill 2010.
The Bill was moved by Justice (r) Fakharun Nisa Khokher to further amend the Pakistan Penal Code 1860 (The Pakistan Penal Code (Amendment) Bill, 2010. She said the bill had a provision for imposing life imprisonment or penalty of Rs 0.5 million on a person, whether man or woman, found guilty of attacking someone with acid or a weapon.
PESHAWAR – At least 15 people were killed and several others injured when three US drones fired missiles at two different places near Ghulam Khan area of North Waziristan on Tuesday. According to details, in the first attack, a US drone fired missiles at a house and a vehicle in Shera Kiley.
Local tribesmen and officials in Miranshah said four men were killed and several others injured in the attack. Later, when militants from surrounding area gathered for rescue activities, the US drone fired two more missiles killing three.
Two houses caught fire during the attack. In the third attack, a vehicle belonging to suspected militants was targeted by a US drone at Nawab Camp. Officials said the three men on board were killed. Staff Report
