Pakistan lodges strong protest with US over missile attacks

Islamabad, Oct 29 (UNI) US Ambassador Anne Petterson was called to the Foreign Office today and a strong protest was lodged on the continued missile attacks by the US drones inside Pakistani territory.

Dozens of people have been killed in at least 16 missile strikes since August by the US drones on Pakistani tribal regions including South and North Waziristan, which the US and Afghan officials say are being used by Taliban and Al-Qaeda fugitives to launch attacks on foreign troops deployed in Afghanistan.

''It was underscored to the Ambassador that the Government of Pakistan strongly condemns the missile attacks which resulted in the loss of precious lives and property,'' a foreign ministry statement said.

It was emphasised that such attacks were a violation of Pakistan's sovereignty and should be stopped immediately.

''The attacks also undermine public support for the Government's counter-terrorism efforts,'' the statement added.

A copy of the Senate Resolution adopted on Monday was also handed over to the Ambassador, which also condemned the attacks and termed them against Pakistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

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