Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani is calling for an end to U.S. drone strikes, saying the United States should share intelligence information so Pakistan can take action against terrorists on its own soil.
Mr. Gilani made the remarks Monday to the speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, John Boehner, who led a congressional delegation to Islamabad.
The U.S. official’s visit comes amid strained relations between the U.S. and Pakistan following the arrest of a CIA contractor in Pakistan, a series of deadly U.S. drone attacks in Pakistan’s northwest, and the release of a White House report criticizing Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts.
The Pakistani prime minister reportedly told Boehner that a single incident should not hold relations between the United States and Pakistan “hostage.”
Following Monday’s talks, Boehner’s office issued a statement, emphasizing the importance of working through “challenges” and renewing the partnership between the two countries.
The Republican congressman also recognized the sacrifices of the Pakistani military in the fight against extremism and terrorism. He said al-Qaida has made Pakistan a target, and the nation has suffered deeply as a result.
Boehner met with Pakistani Army Chief General Ashfaq Kayani and U.S. Ambassador to Islamabad, Cameron Munter.
The United States does not publicly acknowledge launching missile strikes from unmanned aircraft in Pakistan, but regional experts say it is a common tactic and goes on with assistance from Islamabad. However, Pakistan publicly denounces the strikes as infringing on its sovereignty
