Statement by Pakistan on Thematic Debate on Conventional Weapons
Mr. Chairman,
The destabilizing effects of conventional weapons on security and stability at the regional and sub-regional levels as well as their catastrophic humanitarian toll underscore the need for continued action aimed at controlling these weapons.
The history and politics of arms regulation dictate a comprehensive and equitable approach, which takes into account the priorities and security interests of all Member States. It is essential that the pursuit of nuclear disarmament does not give way to a destabilizing conventional imbalance that spawned the two World Wars during the last century.
The final document of SSOD-I provides clear direction in this regard, I quote, Together with negotiations on nuclear disarmament measures, negotiations should be carried out on the balanced reduction of forces and of conventional armaments, based on the principle of undiminished security of the parties with a view to promoting or enhancing stability at a lower military level, taking into account the need of all states to protect their security , unquote.
Mr. Chairman,
Several worrying trends are emerging on the conventional weapons horizon. The level and scale of global military expenditures tops the list. The present expenditure on international trade in conventional arms is close to 2 trillion US dollars. Ironically, while the total budget of the United Nations is approximately 3 percent of the world s total military expenditure, around 33 times more is being spent on fueling and exacerbating conflicts than preventing them.
The reflection of the same troubling trend is mirrored at the regional level, in particular in South Asia where one State s military spending grossly and vastly out-shadows all others. It has the potential of fueling instability and jeopardizing the delicate regional balance.
We remain concerned over the growing transfers of conventional armaments especially in volatile regions that are inconsistent with the imperatives of maintaining peace, security and stability. The policy of double standards towards South Asia, based on narrow strategic, political and commercial considerations, must be eschewed.
Pakistan, for its part, is committed to the establishment of a strategic restraint regime in South Asia, which includes an element of conventional force balance. Pakistan neither wants, nor is engaged in an arms race in the region.
Mr. Chairman,
Pakistan has developed the necessary legislative, regulatory, enforcement and institutional mechanisms to address the range of issues relating to conventional arms regulation. An Inter-Ministerial Group addresses these issues in an integrated manner. Policy guidelines on the export are in place along with a national evaluation mechanism to regulate trade in these arms. We are taking additional measures to strengthen the enforcement regime, which covers imports and licensing.
Pakistan looks forwards to the successful conclusion of the Third Review Conference of the Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons in 2018 with a robust outcome.
Pakistan voted in favour of the General Assembly resolution that adopted the Arms Trade Treaty. As we continue our national review of the treaty, we believe that the ATT s success, effectiveness and universality will depend on its non-discriminatory implementation in particular the strict adherence by its State Parties to the treaty s principles.
Mr. Chairman,
The Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW) has become an indispensible element of contemporary humanitarian, disarmament and arms control machinery, as well as a forum to consider how best to protect both civilians and soldiers from unnecessary harm. The success of this instrument lies in the delicate balance it seeks to maintain between humanitarian considerations and the legitimate security interests of States.
CCW also provides the most appropriate forum for addressing the issue of Improvised Explosive Devices in a comprehensive and balanced manner. Pakistan shares the concerns about the acquisition and use by non-state actors and terrorists of IEDs as well as various types of conventional weapons.
Pakistan was honoured to preside over the Fifth Review Conference of the CCW last December. The Conference comprehensively reviewed the Convention and achieved significant outcomes. Some important and far-reaching decisions dealing with several substantive contemporary issues were taken including on the important issue of Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems (LAWS). It also put in place the foundation for addressing the serious financial issues affecting the Convention which need to be resolved on a priority basis in a sustainable manner.
I thank you.