President urges US to cease drone strikes

He also appealed to initiate dialogue with Pakistan over suggested alternatives to the use of the pilotless planes for striking high-value targets and other militants in its tribal areas.The president’s statement came during his meeting the US special envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan Marc Grossman here in Islamabad. Speaking during the meeting, President Zardari reiterated the stance that drone strikes were proving to be ineffective.The president also strongly condemned the defamatory video made by an American ridiculing the Holy Prophet (PBUH). He said that the sentiments of any sect or religion should not be hurt.Clarifying the US government’s position on the issue, Grossman said that the American administration had no connection to the video.Earlier today, Grossman also met with the Pakistani prime minister. Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf said that Pakistan regarded its relations with the United States as “very important” and that Pakistan valued it as a major development partner.“The Prime Minister said that relations between Pakistan and United States are very important and we value United States as a major development partner,” a statement issued by PM Ashraf’s office said.“We have a shared objective in fighting terrorism and need to cooperate more to get rid of this menace,” the statement said.Ambassador Grossman said that future relations between Pakistan and the United States should be based on market access and trade.The US government was working on a bilateral investment treaty to “facilitate” US investment in Pakistan and improve market access, according to the Pakistani statement.A delegation led by the special envoy had held separate meetings with Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar and Army Chief Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani on Friday to discuss the future trajectory of the intricate bilateral relationship between the two countries.