UNITED NATIONS: In the latest session of the United Nations, Pakistan expressed apprehension about the ‘generous’ supply of conventional weapons to a specific South Asian state, implicitly referring to India.
Pakistan’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador, Muhammad Usman Iqbal Jadoon, voiced his concerns, stating that this generous arms supply was contributing to regional instability and jeopardizing the delicate balance in the tension-ridden area.
During a debate addressing the threat posed by the diversion, illicit trafficking, and misuse of small arms and light weapons, Ambassador Jadoon emphasized the need to abandon the policy of double standards in South Asia. He urged a shift away from narrow strategic, political, and commercial considerations in favor of a more balanced approach.
The debate, featuring contributions from over 60 countries, highlighted the global and regional security threats posed by small arms and light weapons, underscoring their connections to terrorism and organized crime. The speakers expressed alarm over the uncontrolled spread and easy availability of these weapons, emphasizing their impact on human security, development, and the fulfillment of basic human rights.
Ambassador Jadoon regretted the persistent increase in global military expenditures, noting destabilizing developments in South Asia where one state’s military spending significantly surpassed that of others. He pointed out that the generous supply of conventional weaponry to this state, coupled with its strategic capabilities, was fueling instability, hindering dispute resolution, and impeding the achievement of lasting peace and sustainable development in the region.
Highlighting Pakistan’s commitment to a strategic restraint regime in South Asia, Ambassador Jadoon clarified that Pakistan neither seeks nor participates in an arms race in the region. He stressed the importance of resolving disputes in accordance with Security Council resolutions and maintaining a balance of conventional and strategic military forces for peace and stability in South Asia.
Calling for stronger international commitment to eliminating illicit weapons proliferation in developing countries, Ambassador Jadoon raised concerns about the possession of modern and sophisticated arms by terrorist groups.
He urged the international community, the Security Council, and the United Nations to take measures to prevent illicit trade, transfer, and diversion of these arms.
