Pakistan's provincial assembly approves resolution against US drones

Pakistan's Punjab provincial assembly adopted on Friday a resolution condemning the American drone strikes in the country's tribal regions. Law Minister Rana Sanaullah of the province moved the resolution which was also supported by the opposition members. Opposition Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf party had earlier tabled a resolution against the U.S. attacks, however it was deferred to create consensus on the draft. The assembly passed unanimously the resolution condemning the drone attacks on the basis of vague information and termed them as acts against the sovereignty and security of Pakistan and against international laws. The resolution asked the federal government of Pakistan to make it clear to the United States that drone attacks are not acceptable. The resolution also fully supported the categorical stance taken by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his efforts in this regard. The resolution called for evolving national consensus against terrorism. The United States routinely fires missiles into Pakistan's Waziristan tribal region despite Pakistan's strong opposition. Islamabad insists that U.S. attacks are counterproductive in the war against armed militants. The U.S. rejects Pakistan's calls and says that the drones target militants blamed for cross-border attacks into Afghanistan.