RAIWIND, Pakistan — Pakistan’s presumptive prime minister said Monday that he wants good relations with the United States but criticized American drone strikes on militants as a violation of the country’s sovereignty — perhaps hinting that the government’s grudging compliance may change.
Nawaz Sharif often hit out at the U.S. in statements while seeking votes.
However, analysts have cautioned that while such rhetoric sells on the campaign trail in a country where anti-American sentiment is high, Sharif is likely to take a more nuanced approach to U.S. relations once in office.
Sharif reinforced that sense Monday with his first comments since Saturday’s vote about how he viewed the relationship with the U.S. — a key issue since Washington relies on Islamabad for help in fighting Islamic militants and negotiating an end to the Afghan war.
“I think we have good relations with the United States of America. We certainly have to listen to each other,” said Sharif. “If there are any concerns on any side, I think we should address those concerns.”
Pakistan and the U.S. have had a fraught relationship in recent years, especially following the American raid that killed Osama bin Laden in a Pakistani army town in 2011.
U.S. drone attacks targeting Taliban and al-Qaeda militants in Pakistan’s tribal region continue to create serious friction between the two countries.
The strikes are extremely unpopular in Pakistan.
“Drones indeed are challenging our sovereignty,” said Sharif. “I think this is a very serious issue, and our concern must be understood properly.”
