Letter: Pakistan condemns ISAF's attack

Sat, 09/06/2008 11:28 AM  |  Reader's Forum

The Government of Pakistan strongly condemns the assault by the International Security Assistance Force's (ISAF) troops on a village near Angoor Adda inside Pakistani territory, which has resulted in immense loss of civilian life.

This helicopter borne ground attack, supported by air assets based in Afghanistan , is gross violation of Pakistan 's territory. This attack constitutes a serious escalation in the series of actions by the ISAF/Coalition forces on Pakistani territory.

While actively pursuing our composite strategy to eliminate terrorism, no one should underestimate the resolve of our proud people and armed forces to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Pakistan . Whereas the situation in Pakistan 's FATA area is a sequel to the history of unfortunate development in Afghanistan , to externalize the problems of Afghanistan by pointing on accusing finger towards Pakistan can elicit negative fallout.

It is, indeed, most unfortunate that Coalition/ISAF in Afghanistan have resorted to cross-border use of force against civilians. Such actions are counter-productive and certainly do not help our joint efforts to fight terrorism. On the contrary, they undermine the very basis of cooperation and may fuel the fire of hatred and violence that we are trying to extinguish. Moreover, any attack on Pakistani territory is unacceptable and constitutes a grave provocation.

Such cowardly acts against innocent civilians not only constitute a violation of the international humanitarian norms and the principles of the United Nations Charter but also fuel the fire of violence and hatred. Pakistan will never compromise on its sovereignty and is fully resolved to defend its territorial integrity.

A strong diplomatic protest has been made by the Pakistan Foreign Ministry.

ALI BAZ
Pakistani Ambassador to Indonesia
Jakarta

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