Statement by Pakistan on Thematic Debate on Other Disarmament Measures and International Security
Mr. Chair,
1. We align ourselves with the statement delivered by Indonesia on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement.
2. We are at the verge of a monumental step in human technological history, heralded by the advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI's inevitable march from algorithms to armaments also continues without adequate guardrails governing its design, development, and deployment.
3. We also stand at the cusp of a new arms race, where algorithms will be in the driving seat. As AI heads to the battlefield, it is reasonable to ask whether and to what extent humans would continue to control it and hold the ‘off switch’.
4. These new technology-enabled military means and capabilities, in the absence of human control, can heighten nuclear risks, increase the likelihood of miscalculations, accidents and evoke asymmetric responses, thereby lowering the threshold for use of force and armed conflict. In times of crisis, a low threshold for use of force would be highly destabilizing.
5. These new tools also have the potential to reshape conflict dynamics, alter deterrence strategies, intensify new arms race, introduce unforeseen escalation patterns and raise new risks in an already complex international security landscape.
6. While some states highlight the benefits drawn from the use of AI in the battlefield, it is equally important to highlight the overwhelming risks and potentially catastrophic consequences. The window of opportunity to act and enact guardrails is rapidly diminishing as we prepare for a technological breakout.
7. Failure to address the serious risks arising from these new technologies to peace and security would also oblige states faced with existing asymmetries to defend themselves with the capabilities at their disposal.
8. It is encouraging to see the growing number of regional initiatives and multilateral endeavors to address apprehensions surrounding AI's military capabilities. We also appreciate the the UN Secretary General’s call for AI governance including through his New Agenda for Peace proposals.
9. The response from the multilateral machinery has been rather modest and insufficient.
10. The CCW deliberations have primarily centered around the application of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and aim to address only LAWS.
11. They neither deal with the broader rubric of development of AI in all its military applications including their integration in existing domains nor their security and stability impacts at the global and regional levels.
12. At the First Committee, a new resolution has been introduced on LAWS by a group of countries for the first time.
13. We believe that discussions on LAWS should continue in the GGEs of the CCW with an aim to develop international rules through a new Protocol spelling out prohibitions and regulations.
14. Concurrently, other disarmament bodies can and should play a complimentary role to address the broader issue of AI in military applications in a way that builds positive synergies, while avoiding duplication. The scale of challenges resulting from the use of AI for military purposes including in weapon systems necessitates a multifaceted and a holistic multilateral response.
15. Pakistan has accordingly presented a working paper this year in the Conference on Disarmament with proposals to include an agenda item to deliberate over the security and stability implication of military AI.
Mr. Chair,
16. The weaponization of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and cyberspace poses formidable threats to peace, security, and stability, both on the global and regional stages. The capacity for anonymous action, unconfined by traditional geographical limitations, coupled with the cost-effective mass production of cyber weapons, renders them immensely perilous. Numerous states are harnessing ICTs as instruments of warfare to further their political objectives.
17. The unique differences between the physical and cyber spheres, the extent and scope of the applicability of existing international law and its interpretation requires expedited consideration, elaboration and development of commensurate norms and rules to govern the use of cyber space.
18. The on-going deliberations at the Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG) on ICTs have the potential to develop common understandings that can form the basis for further normative efforts to prevent cyberspace from becoming another domain of conflict.
Mr. Chair,
19. We are also pleased to be part of the Joint Statement delivered by China on “Promoting International Cooperation on Peaceful Uses in the Context of International Security”. Right of all states to peaceful uses of science and technology in accordance with their international obligations should be guaranteed in a non-discriminatory manner without any undue restrictions. Efforts for regulation of dual-use material and technology should be pursued within UN framework and in inclusive multilateral settings.
I thank you