UNITED NATIONS: A senior Pakistani diplomat has urged for a ‘concerted campaign’ to retrieve all weapons from terrorist organizations such as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which uses safe havens in Afghanistan to carry out deadly cross-border attacks inside Pakistan.
Pakistan Ambassador to UN Munir Akram made these remarks during the 4th Conference reviewing the implementation of the UN Programme of Action (UNPoA) on Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW).
The 2001 UNPoA, supported by all member states, outlines strategies to combat the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons, with the UN actively supporting its implementation at various levels.
“Terrorist groups like TTP do not produce these arms; rather, they acquire them from illicit markets or through entities seeking to destabilize regions or countries,” stated Ambassador Akram.
He emphasized the need to investigate how such groups and criminal organizations obtain sophisticated weaponry, stressing the collective responsibility of states and the UN to prevent the illicit trade, transfer, and diversion of arms.
Ambassador Akram highlighted that the proliferation and misuse of small arms continue to worsen conflicts, fuel terrorism, and pose threats to peace, security, and sustainable development, resulting in significant human suffering and economic devastation.
He also pointed out the evolving challenges posed by new technologies such as UAVs and drones in combatting the proliferation of lethal small arms.
The UNPoA and the International Tracing Instrument (ITI) were noted by the ambassador as crucial frameworks to address challenges related to unauthorized arms trade and trafficking.
During the conference, Pakistan showcased its strengthened legislative frameworks, improved transfer controls, and robust measures to prevent the diversion of SALW to unauthorized users.
Ambassador Akram stressed that while supply-side approaches are important, addressing demand requires concerted efforts to resolve conflicts, curb terrorist activities, and combat organized crime.
He emphasized the need for international cooperation and assistance to enhance national capacities in tracking and interdiction, crucial for effective implementation of the UNPoA.
In her opening remarks on behalf of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Izumi Nakamitsu, head of the Office for Disarmament Affairs (ODA), highlighted the critical role of small arms control in preventing conflicts and sustaining peace.
The Secretary-General called for bold recommendations to strengthen arms control efforts, especially in areas like new technologies, weapons diversion, gender considerations, and international cooperation.
