Bullish Pakistan wants end to US drone strikes

A PAKISTANI parliamentary committee reviewing ties with the United States has demanded a halt to US drone aircraft strikes in Pakistan – a request likely to do little to help mend the frayed alliance between the countries.

A Nato attack across the border from Afghanistan on 26 November killed 24 Pakistani soldiers and created a deep crisis, prompting Pakistan to review ties with the US, which has been a source of about $20 billion in aid over the last decade.

A halt in drone strikes and an unconditional apology for the “condemnable and unprovoked” Nato attack were the national security committee’s main recommendations, its chairman Raza Rabbani, told parliament.

Pakistan’s co-operation is seen as critical to US efforts to stabilise Afghanistan before most foreign combat troops leave at the end of 2014, mainly due to traditional links with the Afghan Taleban and the Taleban-linked Haqqani network, one of the deadliest factions in Afghanistan.