Pakistan demanded Friday an apology and an explanation from the USA over Thursday’s drone strike on North Waziristan when 35 people died, Foreign Ministry stated.

"The government of Pakistan strongly condemns the drone strike which has resulted in a large number of casualties," it was said in a statement, cited by the AFP.

Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir conveyed this strong condemnation to US ambassador Cameron Munter and has demanded an apology and explanation.

"This is not only unacceptable but also a flagrant violation of all humanitarian rules and norms," the statement said. Pakistan's ambassador to the US Hussain Haqqani had also been asked to make a similar strong protest to the State Department.

Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani also strongly condemned the drone attack underscoring that it would only strengthen the hands of radical and extremist elements.

Army Chief General Ashfaq Kayani also condemned the strike which he said hit a council of tribal elders as "unjustifiable".

Four missiles hit the town of Datta Khel, 40 kilometres west of Miranshah, the main town in North Waziristan, the most notorious Afghan Taliban and Al-Qaeda bastion in Pakistan, the AFP reported.