Drone attacks to spoil govt efforts, Gilani tells Mullen

US general discusses new war strategy with military leaders



ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Gilani on Wednesday made it clear to the United States that drone attacks in Balochistan would be highly counterproductive and would spoil Pakistan's efforts to confront the challenge of terrorism.




The prime minister was talking to US Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Michael Mullen, who called on him at the PM House here. During the meeting, Chief of the Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani assisted the prime minister. American Ambassador to Pakistan Anne W Paterson was also present on the occasion.




About the ongoing military operation against the militants, the prime minister said: "This is our own war" and every effort would be made to eliminate the menace of terrorism. He said pledges made during the FoDP meeting should be fulfilled without any delay to enable Pakistan fight militancy effectively.




He also said Pakistan expects the US to timely reimburse its claims on account of the Coalition Support Fund. Meanwhile, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani and US Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen visited Swat and other areas in Malakand Division on Wednesday. Extraordinary security arrangements were in place and the entire Swat Valley was literally under an unannounced curfew. Residents had no choice but to remain confined to their homes.




Upon their arrival at the Malakand Fort, sited on top of the Malakand Pass, the in charge of the Malakand operation, Major General Ashfaq Nadeem, briefed General Kayani and Admiral Mullen on the recently-concluded operation of security forces and the post-operation scenario in Swat and other districts.




Later, Kayani and Mullen visited the scenic Kalam Valley in Swat, where they met Army officers. Admiral Mullen appreciated the role of the Pakistan Army in eliminating militancy and terrorism from the area and assured continuous US support for Pakistan in the ongoing war against terror.




According to an ISPR press release, the US Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Michael Mullen, earlier called on COAS General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani in Rawalpindi before the two travelled to the Swat Valley to meet the local military commanders. AFP adds: The top US military officer held talks in Pakistan on Wednesday on the new war strategy for Afghanistan.