ISLAMABAD: The adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs and National Security Sartaj Aziz said on Thursday that Pakistan called for a complete halt to US drone strikes as these are in violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty and have been proved counter-productive in war against terror.
Talking to media representatives in Islamabad on Thursday, the advisor said that Pakistan wants complete stoppage of drone strikes instead of any decrease in them.
Aziz said that although a significant decrease has been noted in drone strikes this year but Pakistan has a stance to stop them completely.
The advisor said that Pakistan has been actively raising the issue at every international forum.
In reply to a question, the advisor said that Pakistan has not received any information from India to construct a wall on the Line of Control (LoC) like Berlin wall.
However, he said, that any unilateral action in this regard by India cannot declare the LoC as permanent border.
Talking about the Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline project‚ the advisor said that both countries are negotiating on three technical issues which include extension in deadline for laying of gas pipeline‚ financing of the project and determination of gas prices.
Aziz said that ministerial level talks will be held on the issue after the completion of these technical talks.
To a question regarding GSP Plus status to Pakistan by the European Parliament, the premier’s advisor said that voting on it will be held today and hoped for positive outcome.
It may be mentioned here that voting will be held in European Parliament today on granting GPS Plus status to Pakistan. If approved implementation of GPS Plus status will come into effect from January 1.
The International trading community of European Parliament has already approved an act to give greater trade access to Pakistan.
Moreover, the advisor said that Pakistan clarified the European Union that in the prevailing social condition of Pakistan‚ death penalty could not be abolished‚ however‚ moratorium on this still exists.
