Drone hits igniting anti-US feelings among tribal people: Zardari

Islamabad, Jan.31 (ANI): Pakistan has once again urged the United States to reconsider its stance on the 'war on terror' inside Pakistan's territory, and take its vital national interest into consideration before carving out any new strategy in the fight against extremism.

According to The Daily Times, Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari met US Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee here and informed her that the continous drone attacks by the United States in the tribal areas of Pakistan were actually proving counterproductive in the 'war on terror', and the missile hits were fuelling anti US sentiments among tribal people.

Discussing the present regional situation, Zardari told Lee that Pakistan wants peace and stability in the region and is committed to root out militancy from its soil.

He also said that Pakistan is eager to maintain peaceful relations with its neighbours.

"Pakistan is committed to maintaining closer ties with all its neighbours and would never allow its territory to be used by the terrorists," sources privy to the presidency quoted Zardari, as saying.

Zardari also assured the US Congresswoman that Pakistan is sincere in its probe of the Mumbai terror attacks, and informed her about the steps taken by Islamabad to address international concerns after the Mumbai carnage.

The two leaders also discussed the deteriorating condition along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border where the Taliban have virtually established a parallel rule.

Zardari told Lee about the situation in Afghanistan and military operations being carried by the Pakistani forces against the Taliban in the Tribal Areas and Swat. (ANI)