Gilani asks Holbrooke to provide drone technology to Pak

Lahore, Jun.6 (ANI): Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has reiterated that the United States should provide drone technology to Pakistan, so that it can carry out missile hits on extremists on its own.

Talking to media persons on the sidelines of a foundation laying ceremony at the Aiwan-e-Quaid-e-Azam here, Gilani said Pakistan has clarified its stance on drone attacks to the United States during his recent meeting with US Special Envoy for Pakistan and Afghanistan Richard Holbrooke.

"Pakistan told US if the drone attacks are necessary, so this technology should be given to Pakistan, as these attacks by US forces are harming the war against terrorists," The News quoted Gilani, as saying.

Earlier, addressing a press conference here at the end of his three day visit to Pakistan, Holbrooke said American forces would not enter Pakistan and would respect its sovereignty and integrity.

"Pakistani security forces were responsible for taking action against terrorists on their soil," he said.

Pakistan forces would be made aware of the operation being carried out by the US Air Force in Afghanistan along the Pakistan border so that they could take preventive measures to ensure that there are no spill overs of the terrorists, he added.

Referring to the Swat military offensive, Holbrooke said there is a marked change in the public's attitude toward militancy.

Islamabad is more committed to rooting out terrorism from its soil than ever, and there is greater consensus on the issue of extremism in the country, The News quoted him, as saying.

The United States is aware of the situation in the Swat Valley and is concerned over the exodus of over three million people from the region.

"The United States is committed to supporting democracy, stability and economic prosperity of Pakistan," he added. (ANI)