Pakistan\u2019s Ambassador Munir Akram addresses conference on UN Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons.
\n UNITED NATIONS
\nPakistan\u2019s Ambassador Munir Akram has called for a \u201cconcerted campaign\u201d to recover weapons from terrorist groups like Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) at the 4th UN Conference to review the implementation of the UN Programme of Action (UNPoA) on Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW).
\nHe stated that TTP have been using safe havens in Afghanistan to launch deadly cross-border attacks into Pakistan.
\n\u201cPakistan is particularly concerned about the acquisition and use of modern, sophisticated small arms by terrorist groups such as TTP\u2014a UN-listed terrorist organization,\u201d stated Pakistan\u2019s envoy.
\nThe 2001 UNPoA, backed by all member states, provides a framework to counter the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons.
\nSince then, the UN has supported its implementation at national, regional, and international levels.
\n\u201cTerrorists and criminals do not manufacture these arms,\u201d the Pakistani envoy told delegates, emphasising they acquire them from illicit arms markets or receive them from entities aiming to destabilise a region or country.
\n\u201cIt is essential to investigate how terrorist groups and criminal organizations acquire such sophisticated weapons,\u201d Akram said. \u201cAll States and the UN must take measures to prevent the illicit trade, transfer, and diversion of these arms.\u201d
\nHe highlighted that the illicit proliferation, excessive accumulation, and misuse of small arms exacerbate conflicts, fuel terrorism, threaten peace and security, and undermine sustainable development.
\nThis results in hundreds of thousands of lives lost annually, immense suffering for civilians, and devastated economies and societies.
\n\u201cThe evolving nature of conflicts and the advent of new technologies pose new challenges to combat the proliferation of increasingly lethal small arms\u2014UAVs and drones,\u201d Akram added.
\nHe noted that the UNPoA and the International Tracing Instrument (ITI) represent an enduring international consensus and agreed framework to address challenges related to the unauthorised, illicit trade and trafficking of these arms.
\nThe current review conference offers an important opportunity to assess progress, identify challenges, and chart the way forward.
\nPakistan has strengthened its legislative frameworks, enhanced transfer controls, and implemented robust measures to prevent the diversion of SALW to unauthorised users.
\nHowever, Akram argued that a supply-side approach alone is insufficient to tackle the challenges posed by SALW.
\n\u201cTo reduce demand, more strenuous efforts and resources are required to resolve conflicts, end terrorist activities, and eliminate organised crime.\u201d
\nInternational assistance and cooperation to build national capacities in tracking and interdiction will be central to implementing the UNPoA, he said.
\nIzumi Nakamitsu, head of the Office for Disarmament Affairs (ODA), delivered remarks on behalf of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who noted that the review conference comes at a challenging time with rising global military expenditures.
\nHe emphasised that there is nothing \u201csmall\u201d or \u201clight\u201d about the damage these weapons cause.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Pakistan\u2019s Ambassador Munir Akram addresses conference on UN Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons. UNITED NATIONS Pakistan\u2019s Ambassador Munir Akram has called for a \u201cconcerted campaign\u201d to recover weapons from terrorist groups like Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) at the 4th UN Conference to review the implementation of the UN Programme of Action (UNPoA) […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":384089,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-413291","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-top-news"},"yoast_head":"\n