The US has agreed to review its policy of drone attacks in Pakistan's tribal belt after Islamabad convinced Washington to look into the pros and cons of such strikes, foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said on Wednesday.
Qureshi, who recently travelled to Washington for meetings with the US leadership on a review of the American policy for the region, said he had conveyed the sentiments of the people and government of Pakistan and made it clear that drone attacks are counter-productive.
The US has agreed to address Pakistan's concerns over the drone attack, he told reporters here.
Qureshi said he was hopeful the issue would be discussed again when he plans to visit Washington during May 6-7. Qureshi said he had the support of Pakistan’s military leadership on the issue.
Asked if Islamabad had permitted Washington to operate drones from its territory, he replied: "Pakistan has not given permission to use its soil for drone attacks."
US drones have carried out dozens of missile strikes in Pakistan’s tribal areas since last year, killing several top Al Qaida and Taliban operatives. However, a large number of civilians have also died in the attacks, sparking angry protests from Pakistan.
