RAWALPINDI, Pakistan: The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif on Wednesday expressed serious concerns over recent US drone strike in Balochistan, and said such acts of sovereignty violations are detrimental to Pakistan-US relations.
His remarks came in a meeting with the US ambassador to Pakistan David Hale who visited the army’s general headquarters in Rawalpindi on Wednesday, the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a press release.
The two dignitaries discussed the situation arising after the US drone strike in Balochistan on May 22, 2016 during the meeting, the ISPR said.
The army chief also called US drone strikes as counter-productive for ongoing peace process for regional stability.
“While expressing his serious concerns over the said drone strike, COAS said such acts of sovereignty violations are detrimental to relations between both countries and are counter-productive for ongoing peace process for regional stability,” the military’s media wing said.
The COAS told the US ambassador that Pakistan’s efforts, successes and sacrifices in fight against terrorism have been unparalleled.
Earlier in the day, the Afghan Taliban confirmed that Mullah Akhtar Mansour had been killed in recent US drone strike in Pakistani territory and they unanimously appointed Mullah Haibatullah Akhundzada their new Chief.
Pakistan though continued to deny confirming Mansour’s death officially yet but responded strongly against the US action, saying such strikes are unacceptable, and contrary to the country’s sovereignty and United Nations Charter.
