US should not cross ‘red lines’ which could hamper relations with Pak: Qureshi

ISLAMABAD - Concerned about the intensified US drone attacks in Pakistan, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said missile strikes or any ground operations inside Pakistan would affect bilateral ties.

Qureshi also said the US has not played its role in sorting out Pakistan’s security concerns vis-à-vis India.

During a joint press conference with Qureshi here, US Special Envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan Richard Holbrooke, however, hinted that the Obama administration would continue to work on its plans for Pakistan despite the latter’s objection.

“Friends can disagree,” Holbrooke said.

Addressing the press conference, Qureshi said there are some ‘red lines’, which Islamabad believes the United States would not cross.

Holbrooke acknowledged Pakistan’s concerns and added that the Obama administration would ‘not leave Pakistan alone’ in the present turbulent situation.

“People are worried that we see Pakistan only in a regional context, but let me assure all our listeners here that that is simply not the case. Relations between the US and Pakistan are better today than they were a year ago. On the other hand, there are some obvious and very public issues between the two countries. That’s natural,” The Daily Times quoted Holbrooke, as saying.

The US is aware of Islamabad’s concerns, and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton would soon visit Pakistan to address those fears, he added.

Holbrooke also denounced reports about Washington being in contact with the Taliban. (ANI)