US drones continue to target Fata’s North Waziristan agency. At least 13 people were killed in a recent attack; many were injured and houses were destroyed. Hundreds of such assaults have badly disturbed normal life in the tribal regions. The area is remote and locals have to carry out rescue work on their own. The injured are taken to local healthcare centres where the minimum facilities are available.

There are conflicting reports about those who fall prey to the attacks. According to local people the victims were residents of the area and had nothing to do with terrorism. But the foreign media claimed that they were Taliban commanders.

Conflicting news reports have created doubts…. The matter can only be analysed through an impartial probe. The residents have been appealing to the government and the international community to help them as the ultimate sufferers are innocent people, particularly women, children and senior citizens.

The drones are a direct attack on the sovereignty of Pakistan and not just the public but also the government has informed US authorities that the attacks have no positive results in the ongoing ‘war on terror’; rather, they complicate the issues and affect diplomatic ties….

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government is playing significant role in the ‘war on terror’ and its leadership too fears that drone strikes may further strengthen the menace of terrorism in the region. There is no logic for drone attacks in Pakistan. These attacks violate international law and cause hatred for the US. … Being an ally, the US should honour the demands.  — (July 26)

Selected and translated by Ali Hazrat Bacha.