ISLAMABAD, Sept 6: “The Government of Pakistan strongly condemns the US drone strike that took place in Ghulam Khan tehsil of North Waziristan on the early morning of 6th September 2013.

“These unilateral strikes are a violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” a ritual statement issued by the Foreign Office after the drone strikes said.

“Pakistan has repeatedly emphasised the importance of bringing an immediate end to drone strikes,” it added.

This was the second attack since Adviser on Foreign Affairs and National Security Sartaj Aziz told the National Assembly that the government expected progress in talks with the US over ending drone attacks.

The US has significantly reduced the frequency of the attacks focusing the campaign on high-value targets.

The latest attack was the 21st this year compared to 46 last year. The attacks peaked in 2010 with 117.

The issue of drone attacks is a sore point in Pakistan-US bilateral relations. The two countries are expected to resume the Strategic Dialogue in a few months after a long break.

“These drone strikes have a negative impact on the mutual desire of both countries to forge a cordial and cooperative relationship and to ensure peace and stability in the region,” FO statement said.

It reiterated its usual stance that the drones cause loss of innocent lives and had human rights and humanitarian implications.

“The Government of Pakistan has consistently maintained that drone strikes are counter-productive,” the statement noted.