Special report: Pakistani Situation

    ISLAMABAD, Nov. 13 (Xinhua) -- David McKiernan, the commander of NATO-led force in Afghanistan, arrived in Islamabad on Thursday to talk with Pakistani leaders amid the spiraling missile strikes, which have triggered anger and protest across the country.

    During the two-day visit, McKiernan is expected to meet with a group of parliamentarians besides talks with Pakistani leaders and army officials, said Dawn newspaper.

    McKiernan's visit came against the backdrop of protests lodged by Pakistan over the cross-border intrusions by US drones and missile attacks on the tribal areas along the Afghan border.

    The U.S.-led NATO force has recently intensified missile attacks in Pakistan, accusing Pakistan of not doing enough to prevent Taliban militants crossing the border to launch attacks.

    Reports said that the U.S. drones have carried out 18 strikes in the tribal regions since August.

    The Pakistani government has condemned the strikes, which also fueled anti-American sentiment particularly among the Pakistani people.

    Pakistani Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani told the parliament on Tuesday that Pakistan is concerned about the increasing missile attacks in its tribal areas, saying the country's sovereignty will be safeguarded at all costs.

    Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari, in an interview with media on Monday, warned the surge in missile attacks was hurting Pakistan 's own fight against the Al-Qaeda and Taliban.

    "We feel that the strikes are an intrusion on our sovereignty which are not appreciated by the people at large, and the first aspect of this war is to win the hearts and minds of the people," Zardari said.