In an attempt to showcase the government’s stern reaction to the NATO airstrikes in Mohmand Agency, Federal Defence Minister Ahmed Mukhtar inadvertently confirmed age-old rumours of the US using Pakistani airbases for its clandestine drone operations, saying the government would take over Shamsi airbase at all cost and “no drone would be allowed to fly from Pakistan”. Mukhtar told reporters after attending a convocation in Islamabad that no compromise would be made on the country’s sovereignty and the Defence Committee of Cabinet’s (DDC) decision to get the Shamsi airbase vacated would be implemented in it true essence.
“We will not tolerate any further violation of our border… if we feel necessary, all agreements and cooperation between Pakistan and the US would be reviewed in the coming days,” the defence minister said. He said after the expiry of the deadline on December 11, the government would take over the Shamsi Airbase, adding that “Pakistan will not back down from its eviction decision”. “We are also considering stopping NATO supplies from Shahbaz Airbase,” he added.
Gaffe or honest admission?
