NATO supply routes in Pakistan may close if drone strikes continue

The extremist party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), is urging the Pakistani government to close NATO supply routes to Afghanistan as long as the United States continues its drone strikes. The group, along with many other in Pakistan, is angry over the recent killing of Pakistani Taliban leader Hakimullah Mehsud in a drone strike last week. Mehsud was killed while peace talks were under way between the Pakistani government and PTI. “Just as we were about to start talks — the very day the Interior Minister planned to approach the Taliban — a drone strike targeted the Taliban,” party leader Imran Khan said Monday in the National Assembly. “So I ask you, Is the U.S. a friend or foe?”

The office of Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif issued a statement on Monday saying that last week’s drone strike “has harmed the dialogue and peace efforts of the government.” However, the statement also said that the government will not “allow the dialogue and peace efforts to get derailed.” “Diplomatic efforts will be continued to stop these attacks,” the statement said. “Given Pakistani peoples’ resolve and sacrifices in this war against terrorism, it is incumbent upon the international community to support this endeavor of the government for the accomplishment of peace. The government of Pakistan will not allow any internal or external force to sabotage the dialogue process.”