Pakistani Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani warned the visiting American army chief that expansion of U.S. drone strikes will affect terror war efforts, officials said Wednesday.
The U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Michael Mullen, met with the Prime Minister on the second-day of his visit, a statement from the Prime Minister office said.
The meeting came amid reports that the U.S. is planning to expand drone strike to southwestern Balochistan province to hit Afghan Taliban leaders.
The U.S. intelligence agencies believed that Afghan Taliban leaders are hiding in Balochistan and are planning attacks on NATO forces.
"The Prime Minister said that drone attacks in Balochistan would be highly counterproductive and would affect Government of Pakistan's efforts
to confront the challenge of terrorism," the statement said.
The statement did not mention what the U.S. admiral said to the Prime Minister's quest on the drone strikes.
The Prime Minister reiterated the Government of Pakistan resolve to promote long-term strategic partnership with the United States.
"It is our desire to engage closely with the U.S. with a view to enhance cooperation for the achievement of common objectives," the statement
quoted the PM as saying.
Talking about the ongoing military operation against the militants, the Prime Minister said that Pakistan would continue to engage with the U.S. and international community in developing a pragmatic and effective approach to address the issues that have endangered security and stability in the region as a whole.
Gilani said that Pakistan expects the U.S. for timely reimbursement of its claims on account of coalition support fund.
Admiral Michael Mullen informed the Prime Minister that U.S. desires good relations with Pakistan, the statement said, adding that he also
appreciated the role and successes of Pakistan Army in its fight against the militants.