Sharif meets Hagel, expresses concern over drone attacks

Islamabad: Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif Monday expressed deep concern over the continuing drone strikes by the US in the country`s tribal regions. Talking to US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel here, the prime minister stressed that drone strikes were counter-productive to the government`s efforts to combat terrorism and extremism on an enduring basis, the Associated Press of Pakistan reported. The US Defense Secretary held in-depth talks on an array of issues of mutual interest between the two countries. "The two leaders agreed to work together to strengthen Pakistan-US relations and advance the shared interest of a stable, secure and prosperous Pakistan and the region," a foreign office press release said. Sharif reaffirmed his country`s support for the peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan. Hagel also met army chief General Raheel Sharif at the general headquarters in Rawalpindi city and discussed the Pakistan-US bilateral ties and regional stability. The US Secretary of Defense was accompanied by US Ambassador in Pakistan Richord G Olson and US Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense Peter Lavoy.