Pakistan seeks end to drone strikes, civil nuclear deal like Indo-US

ISLAMABAD: Setting tough conditions for re-engagement with the US, a Pakistani Parliamentary commission today demanded an end to CIA-operated drone strikes and a civil nuclear deal similar to the Indo-US agreement besides 38 other demands.

Asking US to "review its footsteps in Pakistan", the panel report was put forth as the Pakistani Parliament began a crucial joint sitting to debate the recommendations for a revamp of the country's foreign policy and ties with the US.

The joint session of the Senate and National Assembly, summoned by President Asif Ali Zardari, will debate 40 recommendations framed by the Parliamentary Committee on National Security in the wake of a cross-border NATO air strike that killed 24 Pakistani soldiers in November.

Unveiling the recommendations in parliament, the Committee's chief Raza Rabbani said the "US must review its footsteps in Pakistan".

He added: "This means cessation of drone attacks inside the territorial borders of Pakistan, no hot pursuit or boots on Pakistani territory and the activity of foreign private security contractors must be transparent and subject to Pakistani law".

The parliamentary panel's recommendations contended that there could be no compromise on Pakistan's nuclear programme and assets, including their safety and security.

The recommendations further claimed that the Indo-US civil nuclear agreement had "significantly altered strategic balance in the region".

"Therefore, Pakistan should seek from the US and others a similar treatment/facility.

"The strategic position of Pakistan vis-a-vis India on the subject of Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty must not be compromised and this principle be kept in view in negotiations on this matter," Rabbani said.