The CIA which is running the undeclared and unacknowledged drone war in Pakistan, insists that there have been no recent civilian causalities. Ironically, Obama also said drone had ‘not caused a huge number of civilian causalities.’  But according to a report published by UK based ‘Bureau of Investigative Journalism’ with the ‘Sunday Times’, between 282 and 535 civilians, including 60 minors, have been credibly reported as killed as a result of drone strikes since US President Barack Obama took office three years ago. Moreover, ‘The New America Foundation’ think tank in Washington says drone strikes in Pakistan have killed between 1,715 and 2,680 people in the past eight years. President Obama has also confirmed for the first time that US drones have targeted Taliban and Al-Qaeda militants on Pakistani soil. It is important to mention here that the drone attacks are creating wider anti-American sentiments, which is very dangerous and a stumbling block against the success in the war on terror. The use of force, like the use of drones, in such conflicts may fulfill short term objectives that will certainly nourish seeds of hatred and animosity against US. The US must understand that despite being friends, allies and also partners in war on terror, the US should respect the sovereignty of Pakistan, otherwise it will further erode its credibility and popularity which is already at the lowest ebb. MUZAMMIL MUJAHID BHATTI, Rawalpindi, February 8.