Geo Pakistan May 28

Drone strike to jeopardize Pak-US ties: Awan

Updated at: 0505 PST,  Saturday, May 28, 2011  ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan said on Friday that US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton has been conveyed that it is unacceptable for Pakistanis to allow any one to challenge their country's sovereignty. She made it clear that if United States government fails to respect the unanimous resolution of the Parliament and sentiments of people of Pakistan on national sovereignty, the government will have to devise new strategy to protect national interests. Talking to media persons after briefing about Federal Cabinet meeting, she said that it was the responsibility of the government to convey sentiments of the people of Pakistan to United States. The Minister said the joint resolution indicated that if drone attacks continue, Pakistan will have to re-visit its engagement with the US. She said that under the new strategy the country's interests would be protected without facing isolation in the world. She said the parliament, all political parties, the nation are unanimous that continuation of drone attacks will affect Pakistan, US relations. About the Independent Commission to probe the May 2 incident, she said "We believed in supremacy of the Parliament as it reflects the sentiments of the people of Pakistan." She said the Prime Minister informed the cabinet about the process of formation of the commission. She said it will be constituted with the consultation of all political parties and consultations were going on to appoint a non-controversial person as its head. She expressed the hope that commission will be constituted soon. To another question she said Interior Minister, Rehman Malik will present preliminary investigation report of PNS to the Prime Minister within couple of days.(PPI)