Pakistan, Afghanistan discuss reconciliation process after drone strike

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister's Adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz met Afghanistan's ambassador and stated that both countries should not let their lands be used against each other. 

According to the Foreign Office, Sartaj Aziz also discussed the process of reconciliation between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Aziz also exchanged views with the Afghan ambassador regarding the American drone strike and the death of former Taliban chief Mullah Akhtar Mansour. The Foreign Office also revealed that the two representatives also talked about the future of the Afghan reconciliation process. 

This was the first meeting between Sartaj Aziz and the Afghan ambassador after Mullah Akhtar Mansour's death, the FO disclosed. During the meeting, Sartaj Aziz also expressed Pakistan's reservations of the drone strike. 

Relations between Pakistan and the United States tensed after an American drone strike on May 21 killed Taliban chief Mullah Akhtar Mansour. Pakistan protested against the strike with the USA and called it an attack on its sovereignty. 

On Sunday, Pakistan confirmed that Mullah Akhtar Mansour was the second killed person in the Noshki drone strike. US Secretary of State John Kerry had stated that the drone attack had been sanctioned by none other than American President Barack Obama. 

After the drone strike, Taliban named Sheikh Haibatullah Akhunzada as their new chief. Pakistan has stated that the drone strike has foiled peace attempts and reconciliation efforts between the Taliban and the Afghan government.