Acts of 'sovereignty violations' detrimental to Pak-US relations: Army Chief
US Ambassador David Hale called on Army Chief Gen Raheel Sharif at GHQ.
RAWALPINDI (Web Desk / AFP) – Reacting to recent US drone attack in Balochistan’s Nushki district, Chif of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif on Wednesday remarked that such acts are detrimental to relations between Pakistan and the United States, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) reported.
The Army Chief gave these remarks during meeting with US Ambassador David Hale at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi today.
According to ISPR, the situation arising after US drone strike in Balochistan on 22 May 2016 came under discussion during the meeting.
While expressing his serious concerns over the said drone strike, General Raheel said such acts of sovereignty violations are detrimental to relations between both countries and are counter-productive for ongoing peace process for regional stability.
He stressed that Pakistan’s efforts, successes and sacrifices in fight against terrorism have been unparalleled.
Earlier today, Afghan Taliban official confirmed that their chief Mullah Akhtar Mansour was killed in the May 22 drone attack in Balochistan.
“The leader of Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and commander of faithful, Mullah Akhtar Mansour, was martyred, in a US drone strike in... Pakistan’s Balochistan province," the statement said, in the insurgents’ first confirmation of his death.
The Afghan Taliban also announced Haibatullah Akhundzada as their new chief.
“Haibatullah Akhundzada has been appointed as the new leader of the Islamic Emirate (Taliban) after a unanimous agreement in the shura (supreme council), and all the members of shura pledged allegiance to him," the insurgents said in a statement.
It added that Sirajuddin Haqqani, an implacable foe of US forces, and Mullah Yakoub, the son of Taliban founder Mullah Omar, were appointed his deputies.
US President Barack Obama, who authorised the drone strikes, had confirmed the death Monday. He said Mansour had rejected efforts "to seriously engage in peace talks", adding that direct negotiations with the Afghan government were the only way to end the attritional conflict.
Mansour’s killing is a major blow to the militant movement just nine months after he was formally appointed leader following a bitter power struggle upon the confirmation of founder Mullah Omar’s death.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) department, Army Chief paid visit to the Armed Forces Institute of Ophthalmology (AFIO) in Rawalpindi. He met with soldiers who lost their sight because of mine explosions during Operation Zarb-e-Azb. General Raheel Sharif paid tribute to the services, sacrifices and the valour of these soldiers.
179 soldiers have partially or completely lost their sight during battles. While praising their courage, General Raheel said that the armed forces shall not step back in the battle against the terrorists.
WATCH VIDEO:
