US turns down Pak's request for drone technology

Islamabad, May 13 (ANI): The United States has reportedly rejected Pakistan's fresh demands of handing over unmanned drone technology to it, highly placed sources in the Pakistan military have revealed, adding that Washington's refusal could see Islamabad further delay its decision to launch a new war front against militants in North Waziristan.

"Apart from other issues, the issue pertaining to transfer of requisite drone technology could cause delay in Pakistan's launching of military operation in North Waziristan", The Nation quoted the sources, as saying.

Pakistan has already developed drones capable of reconnaissance missions, but it still lacks the technology to attach weapons to the indigenous drones so that it can carry out attacks against extremists in the country's semi-autonomous tribal regions by it self.

The well-placed military sources said that it was imperative for the Obama Administration to provide the drone technology to enable it take action against extremists flourishing on the terror hot beds situated along the Afghan border.

"Drones with weapon systems are imperative to meet Pakistan's pressing needs in tackling low intensity conflict such as terrorism especially with back up intelligence support from US satellite network on Pak- Afghan border" they said.

Islamabad has long been opposing the Central Investigation Agency (CIA) operated drone strikes in the restive tribal areas, saying they violate its sovereignty and fuel anti-American sentiments amongst the population, however, it is believed that Pakistan is privately sharing intelligence with the US about the insurgents and their hide-outs. (ANI)