NewsJuly 02 , 2016
Pakistan presses on it's demand for end to illegal drone strikes
UNITED NATIONS: Pakistan has demanded an immediate cessation of drone strikes that violate the territorial integrity and sovereignty of States saying such attacks also breach the fundamental rights of the victims and further fuel violence and extremism.
Speaking in the U.N. General Assembly Amssador Maleeha Lodhi condemned the continued use of drones and described it as blatant disregard of existing international commitments on the use of remotely piloted aircraft.
She was elaborating Pakistan s position after the adoption by the 193 member Assembly of a resolution on the UN Global Counter Terrorism Strategy.
During the negotiations on the resolution spanning over a month Pakistan is understood to have made strenuous efforts to further strengthen international commitments regarding illegal drone strikes and their impact.
Pointing to the progress in this regard Ambassador Lodhi highlighted recognition by member states of the notion that counterterrorism measures violating territorial integrity and sovereignty of States can be counterproductive and also fuel violent extremism.
She emphasized that noting the conclusions and recommendations of the report of the Human Rights Council on the use of drones was the first step in the right direction.
The report raises legal questions on the use of drones points out their grave impact on fundamental human rights and expresses serious concerns on how their use undermines counterterrorism efforts.
The Pakistani envoy welcomed the consensus on the resolution which she said served as a strong and united signal against the scourge of terrorism.
She also appreciated a renewed focus on the preventive approach to terrorism which included addressing the root causes of terrorism as well as the internal and external drivers of violent extremism.
Ambassador Lodhi said that for Pakistan such an approach was closely linked to promoting a culture of peace.
Courtesy www.thenews.com.pk
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