“Such strikes constitute a matter of serious concern and raise issues regarding respect for human rights and humanitarian law. Irresponsible and unlawful conduct cannot be justified on any grounds”, she added. - File Photo.

ISLAMABAD: Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar on Friday strongly condemned the Thursday's drone attacks, which caused loss of a number of innocent lives in the tribal area.

The Minister of State stressed that the drone strikes were not only counter productive but were also in flagrant disregard of Pakistan's sovereignty and international principles and norms.

“Such strikes constitute a matter of serious concern and raise issues regarding respect for human rights and humanitarian law. Irresponsible and unlawful conduct cannot be justified on any grounds”, she added.

Ms. Khar further said that in view of the drone attacks, Pakistan would be unable to participate in the trilateral meeting between Pakistan, Afghanistan and the United States, scheduled for March 26 at Brussels.