Ambassador Akram urges global action on terrorist weapon acquisition

Pakistan has raised concerns over how terrorist groups like Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) are acquiring sophisticated weaponry, urging for an investigation into this issue. This appeal was made by Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Munir Akram, at the Fourth Review Conference of the UN Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons.

Ambassador Akram stressed the necessity of a united effort to retrieve weapons from organizations such as TTP, highlighting the crucial role that all nations and the UN must play in preventing the illegal trade and diversion of such arms.

He pointed out the adverse effects of the unlawful proliferation, excessive accumulation, and misuse of small arms and light weapons (SALW) on global conflicts, terrorism, peace, security, and sustainable development. Additionally, the Ambassador underscored the challenges posed by modern technologies like drones in addressing the spread of increasingly lethal small arms.

Pakistan reiterated its firm support for the UN Programme of Action and advocated for a more holistic approach to tackling SALW issues. Ambassador Akram emphasized the importance of intensifying efforts and allocating resources towards resolving conflicts, combating terrorism, and eliminating organized crime, rather than solely concentrating on the supply side of the problem.

Pakistan's call for an inquiry into how terrorist groups obtain advanced weaponry underscores the critical need for global cooperation in addressing the illicit spread of small arms and light weapons. By emphasizing the importance of concerted action and resource allocation, Pakistan aims to contribute to enhancing international peace, security, and sustainable development.