Statement by Pakistan on Thematic Debate on Other Weapons of Mass Destruction
Mr. Chairman,
Pakistan aligns itself with the statement delivered by NAM.
The Conventions prohibiting Biological and Chemical Weapons, the BWC and the CWC, are two important pillars of the international security architecture. They have made significant contributions to the goal of general and complete disarmament by comprehensively outlawing two entire categories of WMDs.
Mr. Chairman,
We value the BWC s contribution to global security and its potential for promoting international cooperation in the peaceful uses of life sciences. Our priorities under the Convention include: one, its universalization; two, the effective and balanced implementation of all its articles, in particular Article-X; and three, the institutional strengthening of the Convention.
We are in the process of further strengthening legislative, regulatory and administrative framework to regulate life sciences in Pakistan and to enhance bio-safety and bio-security regulations. Our export controls on biological agents and toxins are at par with the best international standards.
Pakistan participated actively in the 8th BWC Review Conference (RevCon) in 2016, including in our capacity as a Vice-President and Friend of the Chair on the Future Inter-Sessional Programme (ISP) and the ISU . The 8th RevCon comprehensively reviewed all articles of the Convention and arrived at important conclusions. Although we were disappointed that consensus could not be reached on an ISP, we are pleased to note that it was subsequently agreed at the 2017 Meeting of BWC States Parties.
We participated in the first round of the five Meetings of Experts held in Geneva during August 2018. We will continue to remain engaged with the BWC process and support the effective implementation of the Convention in a balanced and comprehensive manner including its institutional strengthening. Pakistan believes that the most credible and sustainable method of strengthening the Convention is through multilateral negotiations aimed at concluding a legally binding Protocol that deals with all Articles of the Convention and includes appropriate verification provisions.
The UN Secretary General s mechanism is an important operational tool for investigation. However, neither this mechanism, nor the voluntary CBMs can substitute the need for a dedicated verification mechanism for the Convention.
Mr. Chairman,
Pakistan remains committed to the CWC and continues to actively and constructively participate in the work of the OPCW. We firmly believe in preserving the effectiveness, objectivity and credibility of the OPCW and its verification regime. Distortions in the OPCW s mandate that could render it susceptible to political manoeuvring must be avoided.
Pakistan condemns the use of chemical weapons by anyone, anywhere, under any circumstances. Those responsible for such acts must be identified and held accountable. OPCW s role in dealing with cases of chemical weapons use must be in strict accordance with the Convention, which unambiguously defines the role of the Technical Secretariat. Extending the Secretariat s remit towards attribution is inconsistent with the technical nature of its work. It is for the States Parties to consider issues of attribution in light of the technical findings of the Secretariat.
OPCW should be strengthened to deal with the ongoing and future challenges within the confines of the CWC, while according priority to the complete destruction of declared as well as abandoned chemical weapons. The 4th Review Conference offers the best platform to adopt policies that will keep the Convention relevant and strong into the future. We hope that the practice of decision making by consensus on CWC related issues, both at the UNGA and at the OPCW will be restored.
We attach high priority to CWC s provisions relating to international cooperation and assistance as well as peaceful uses of chemistry. Pakistan continues to regularly conduct CWC-related regional and international courses and events. Last year, Pakistan organized a series of workshops and advanced courses focussing on chemical safety and security and industrial best practices.
Along with the threat of chemical and biological weapons use by States, their use by non-State actors must also be effectively addressed. Pakistan has taken a series of measures in this regard. Our comprehensive reports to the 1540 Committee provide a detailed matrix on all these procedures, mechanisms and legislations as well as on their enforcement. We also support the Russian proposal for the elaboration of an international convention for the suppression of acts of chemical and biological terrorism in the CD.
As a mainstream partner in global non-proliferation efforts, Pakistan has also instituted a strong national export control regime that is harmonized with the relevant international regimes, including the Australia Group.
I thank you, Mr. Chairman.