Three high profile militants were killed in Shawal Valley on Monday in a drone strike by Pakistan’s first indigenous armed drone, ‘Burraq’, Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said. “First ever use of Pakistani made Buraq drone today. A terrorist compound was hit in Shawal Valley, killing three high profile terrorists,” DG ISPR Asim Bajwa said on Twitter. The remotely-piloted aircraft ‘Burraq’ and laser-guided missile ‘Burq’ were tested on March 14, taking Pakistan a step closer to acquiring the technology it has long demanded from the United States. Earlier, security officials said the indigenously-developed armed drone ‘Burraq’ has turned the tide against the militants in the offensive in Tirah Valley. Senior security officials told Express News that much before ‘Burraq’ was publicly showcased it had been tested in live combat against militants in the Tirah Valley. The development has several dimension and these would not only beef up our efforts to strengthen security but also boost self-confidence of the nation. The very fact that the country was able to develop drone on its own, which is presently considered to be domain of some developed countries, is an indication that the country can accomplish complicated tasks given resources and facilities to our scientists and engineers. We salute our technicians, scientists and engineers who not only mastered highly sophisticated nuclear and missile technologies but also unmanned aerial vehicles, which are increasingly being used in modern warfare, putting human lives at minimal risks. Secondly, use of drone is also a task that requires professional skills and professionalism to hit the target with pinpoint precision to avoid any collateral damage. That the Buraq hit its target successfully makes it clear that our armed forces have necessary experience and skills to undertake such missions. This will give a new dimension to fight against terrorism and may also serve as a deterrent against terrorism. Now that Pakistan has attained this skill and has its own drones, it is, therefore, a must that the United States should stop its provocative drone strikes in the country, which have become an affront and rightly taken as violation of the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Pakistan has been demanding of the US to provide this technology and share intelligence on the basis of which actual action on the ground would be taken by Pakistani forces. The issue should now be taken up firmly and seriously with Washington and cooperation in this regard should only be confined to sharing of intelligence by the United States regarding whereabouts of militants and terrorists.
pk.shafaqna.com
