Pak, US to push for 'middle ground' on CIA-led drone campaign in talks

Islamabad, Apr 16(ANI): Both Pakistan and the US will push for a 'middle ground' on the CIA-piloted drone campaign.

The controversial issue will be discussed between both countries in the upcoming meetings to revive their co- operation in the wake of new recommendations drafted by an all-party parliamentary panel.

These face-to-face talks between Pakistan's recently appointed spy chief Lt General Zaheerul Islam and CIA chief David Patreaus will be the first of its kind in months.

"The meeting is likely to take place before the Nato summit in Chicago next month," The Express Tribune quoted an official, as saying on the condition of anonymity.

"Ideally, Pakistan wants to see an end to the drone attacks, but it appears the US will not go that far," another official admitted.

The official said that Islamabad had offered to use F-16 fighter jets as an alternative to drones to attack "high-value targets" associated with al Qaeda and the Taliban, but the US refused to accept the offer citing the trust-deficit between the allies.

The official revealed that Pakistan is likely to propose a mechanism under which the US will have to seek permission for every drone attack it plans.

The military and the ISI, however, did not comment on the meeting when contacted. (ANI)