US drone attacks on Pakistani territory were "counterproductive" : Pak PM

Davos, Jan. 29 (ANI): Pakistan's Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has said the US drone attacks on Pakistani territory were "counterproductive" and called for a new approach by Washington.

He explained that each drone attack undermined Pakistan's policy of trying to build relations with tribes in restive areas and separate them from militants.

Addressing a panel discussion in the World Economic Forum (WEF) here on Thursday, he said that the world community should work for the economic stability in Pakistan. He added that stable Pakistan and Afghanistan are in world's interest.

The Pakistan Prime Minister reiterated that no one would be allowed to challenge the writ of the state. Responding to a question, Gilani said that drone attacks were undermining the efforts of Pakistani government that it took to bring normalcy in tribal areas.

"To win the war on terror, it is essential to win the hearts and support of the people, without the support of the people, no policy could be successful", The News quoted Gilani as saying

"When there is a drone attack that unites them again, the tribes and the militants," he told delegates here during a discussion about Pakistan and Afghanistan.

"This thing is counterproductive for Pakistan and the Pakistan military," he said.

He said, "Army action is not the only solution. We have to have a new strategy because in the US and in Pakistan, the people have voted for a change."(ANI)