'Pak to raise drone attack issue with Holbrooke'

Islamabad, Apr. 3 (ANI): Pakistan will raise the issue of drone attacks on tribal areas with the President Obama's special envoy on Pakistan and Afghanistan, Richard Holbrooke, during his forthcoming visit to Islamabad.

"Richard Holbrooke is scheduled to visit Pakistan next week and this issue (drone attacks) would come up for our discussions," The Nation quoted Foreign Office Spokesman Abdul Basit, as saying.

Basit said Pakistan, as part of its ongoing discussions with US, has expressed its protest against Wednesday's drone attack on Orakzai Agency the spokesman said.

He said the drone attacks were tantamount to violations of Pakistan's sovereignty and they were counterproductive.

"They are not helpful in our efforts to win hearts and minds. So we cannot accept drone attacks," Basit said.

"No one should underestimate the resolve and resilience of our people in overcoming the challenges, both external and internal," he added.

On Pakistan's progress in the Mumbai terror attack probe, Basit said Islamabad was still studying New Delhi's response dossier.

"Pakistan is at present analyzing the response from India regarding the questions asked by Islamabad in connection with Mumbai attacks and after the completion of the process, results will be shared with India," Basit said.

He said both Pakistan and India should utilize the anti-terror mechanism to counter terrorism and cooperate to deal with the serious threat. (ANI)