Pakistanis have once again taken to the streets of the southern port city of Karachi to protest against a deadly US-led NATO cross-border airstrike on two military checkpoints which killed at least 24 Pakistani soldiers.
Angry protesters holding placards calling on the US to end its incursion into Pakistan, chanted anti-US and NATO slogans, while some set fire to US flags, AFP reported.
Lawyers, politicians, and political activists were among the protesters.
The attack on Saturday lasted for two hours, continuing even after local Pakistani commanders in the northwestern area along the Afghan border asked NATO forces to stop.
Pakistani officials have condemned the strike, calling it a direct assault on the country’s sovereignty.
Pakistan has also rejected recent claims made by Afghan officials about Pakistani troops on Saturday opened fire first, prompting US-led forces to retaliate.
Meanwhile, Pakistan has ordered a review of all collaborations with the US and NATO, including diplomatic, political, military, and intelligence activities.
The administration of US President Barack Obama says an investigation into the NATO’s deadly attacks on the Pakistani checkpoints will be carried out.
In retaliation, Pakistan has ordered the US to vacate the Shamsi airbase in the country’s southwest within 15 days. The airbase, which is a remote desert outpost in n Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan Province, was reportedly used as a hub for covert CIA assassination drone strikes. Pakistan had earlier asked the United States to leave the site in June.
Pakistan has repeatedly condemned airstrikes against its troops near the border with Afghanistan. While the strikes supposedly target militants, they usually claim the lives of civilians and Pakistani soldiers.
Source: Press TV
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