ISLAMABAD: The US policy planners consider drones as a tool which has a significant impact on Washington’s counter-terrorism policy. They advocate their use in Pakistani tribal areas, Yemen, Iraq, Somalia and Afghanistan to strike alleged terrorists but in the process many innocent people, including women and children, are killed. The blatant use of armed drones has had a ripple effect that has been observed from Islamabad to Washington. The use of drones is therefore being debated from the common man in Pakistan to the highest policy circles of different governments.
The questions being asked again and again are: Are the drones really effective as per the claims made by the US or not?
What is the ratio of civilians killed in the drone strikes carried out in the name of targeting militants?
What impact do they have on civilian population?
What has been the result of drone strikes on Pakistan that has faced some 350 such hits?
The use of drones in Pakistan’s Fata has sparked a serious public backlash as they also violate the country’s sovereignty. With the new Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in office, Islamabad’s stance on drones has hardened.
Recently, the US Charge d’Affaires Richard Hoagland was summoned to the Foreign Office and a strong protest against a CIA drone strike in North Waziristan was registered.
Following the visit, the FO said in a statement: “It was conveyed to the US Charge d’ Affaires that the Government of Pakistan strongly condemns the drone strikes which are a violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The importance of bringing an immediate end to drone strikes was emphasised.”
Significantly, just before Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was inducted into office, President Obama, in a major policy speech, had defended the CIA-run drone strikes and outlined new rules for their use.
Internews
