Sharif asks U.S. to end drone strikes

Many in Pakistan have called drone strike an affront to the country’s sovereignty

Pakistan's former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif addresses party workers in Lahore, Pakistan on Monday, May 20, 2013. Pakistans presumptive prime minister called for peace talks with Taliban militants at war with the government Monday, potentially charting a course that could put him at odds with the countrys powerful army. Sharif said terrorism was one of the most serious problems plaguing the country and any offer by the Pakistani Taliban to talk should be taken seriously. (AP Photo/K.M. Chaudary)

Pakistan’s newly-elected prime minister is calling for an end to American drone strikes in tribal areas.

Nawaz Sharif’s call came in his first speech in parliament, minutes after lawmakers elected him the country’s premier.

But he gave little details on how he might bring about an end to the strikes, which many in Pakistan have called an affront to the country’s sovereignty.

The U.S. considers the strikes vital to battling militants such as al-Qaeda, who use the tribal areas of Pakistan as a safe haven.

Mr Sharif’s comments are in line with previous statements he has made calling for an end to the controversial strikes.