Pakistan

Zardari continues visit to China as US strike kills five people

Article published on the 2008-10-16 Latest update 2008-10-16 14:11 TU

Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari (L) shakes hands with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao in Beijing
(Photo: Reuters)

At least five people have been killed in South Waziristan after a drone fired two missiles at a house. The attack came as Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari met with the Chinese premier, after signing several bilateral agreements Wednesday with President Hu Jintao. China's Foreign Ministry has said it will help Pakistan through the current financial crisis.

"As a long time friend of Pakistan, China understands it is facing some financial difficulties", the Chinese Foreign Ministry said.

Zardari and his counterpart Hu signed 11 bilateral agreements, one of which concerned economic cooperation. Islamabad has denied reports that the country could be bankrupt as early as February next year.

Meanwhile security officials said at lest five people have been killed after a US drone allegedly fired two missiles at a Pakistani tribal area on Thursday. 

Authorities said the area was considered a Al-Qaeda and Taliban centre, but the Pakistani military and the US-led coalition in Afghaistan have not confirmed the attack.

Residents of the area say the missiles were fired by drones that circled over the area after the attack.