Foreign Secretary Inaugurates the Regional Conference of Central Asian Countries on Strategic Export Control Programme in Islamabad

Foreign Secretary Muhammad Syrus Sajjad Qazi today inaugurated the two-day Regional Conference on Export Control Programme for Dual-Use Goods in Central Asia, being held in Islamabad. 

Co-organized by Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Islamabad and the European Union, the Regional Conference brings together Senior officials and Experts from Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, the US, the EU, the UN, and representatives of multilateral export control regimes and other international organizations The participants will discuss national approaches on strategic trade controls to promote international cooperation on trade of goods and technologies, in line with the relevant United Nations Resolutions, particularly UN Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 1540.

At the inaugural session, Foreign Secretary Muhammad Syrus Sajjad Qazi underlined the right of developing countries to access dual-use goods & technologies for socio-economic development and urged striking a balance between protecting national security interests and facilitating legitimate trade. He stated that Pakistan is diligently fulfilling all its obligations about nonproliferation and disarmament. As a responsible state of a thriving technology landscape with advanced nuclear technology, Pakistan remains fully cognizant of its nonproliferation obligations, he stated.

In his welcome address, Director General SECDIV, Haroon Rashid, briefed the participants on Pakistan’s extensive legislative, regulatory, and administrative framework for exercising controls over the transfer of sensitive goods and technologies to prevent their diversion to non-peaceful uses. Pakistan’s national control lists are fully harmonized with those of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), and Australia Group (AG), and its export control regime is at par with the highest international standards.

The Regional Conference showcases Pakistan’s robust cooperation with regional and global stakeholders in non-proliferation efforts. The Conference also demonstrates Pakistan’s role as an important partner of the international community in the implementation of strategic trade controls in line with the objectives of UNSC Resolution – 1540.

Origin and Adoption

UN Security Council Resolution 1540 was adopted unanimously on April 28, 2004, in response to growing concerns about the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) and the potential for non-state actors, including terrorist groups, to acquire and use such weapons. The resolution was initiated under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, giving it binding authority over all member states. It represented a significant step in the international community’s efforts to prevent WMD proliferation by addressing the legal and regulatory gaps that could be exploited by non-state actors.

Aims and Objectives

The primary aims of UNSC Resolution 1540 are to:

1. Prevent the Proliferation of WMDs: The resolution mandates all UN member states to refrain from providing any form of support to non-state actors seeking to develop, acquire, manufacture, possess, transport, transfer, or use nuclear, chemical, or biological weapons and their delivery systems.
2. Implement National Controls: Member states are required to establish and enforce appropriate and effective laws to prohibit non-state actors from engaging in activities related to WMDs. This includes the development and implementation of measures to account for, secure, and protect sensitive materials.
3. Strengthen International Cooperation: The resolution encourages international collaboration to enhance national capabilities and share best practices in preventing WMD proliferation. This includes technical assistance, resources, and expertise to help countries implement the resolution’s requirements.

Effectiveness and Global Impact

The effectiveness of UNSC Resolution 1540 can be observed through several key developments:

1. Enhanced Legal Frameworks: Many countries have strengthened their legal and regulatory frameworks to comply with the resolution, closing gaps that non-state actors could exploit to acquire WMDs.
2. Increased International Cooperation: The resolution has fostered greater collaboration among states, international organizations, and regional bodies to address the threat of WMD proliferation. This cooperation has included the sharing of information, technical assistance, and capacity-building initiatives.
3. Monitoring and Reporting: The 1540 Committee, established to oversee the implementation of the resolution, regularly monitors and assesses national progress. Countries are required to submit reports detailing their efforts, promoting transparency and accountability.

Pakistan’s Role and Contribution

Pakistan has been a proactive and responsible participant in the global efforts to implement UNSC Resolution 1540. Recognizing the grave threat posed by WMD proliferation, Pakistan has taken several important steps:

1. Robust Legal and Regulatory Framework: Pakistan has developed comprehensive national legislation and regulatory measures to prevent the proliferation of WMDs. These include strict controls over the transfer, production, and use of sensitive materials and technologies.
2. Active International Engagement: Pakistan actively engages with international organizations and partners to enhance its non-proliferation capabilities. This includes participation in international forums, sharing best practices, and providing regular reports to the 1540 Committee.
3. Capacity Building and Training: Pakistan has invested in capacity-building initiatives to strengthen its national capabilities. This includes training programs for law enforcement, customs officials, and other relevant agencies to effectively implement non-proliferation measures.
4. Commitment to Global Security: Pakistan’s efforts have been widely recognized and appreciated by the international community. The country’s commitment to UNSC Resolution 1540 reflects its dedication to global security and its role as a responsible nuclear state.

In conclusion, UNSC Resolution 1540 has played a crucial role in preventing the proliferation of WMDs and enhancing global security. Pakistan’s proactive measures and constructive engagement in implementing the resolution have contributed positively to these global efforts, underscoring its commitment to international peace and security. Through robust legal frameworks, active international cooperation, and continuous capacity building, Pakistan continues to play a pivotal role in the successful implementation of UNSC Resolution 1540.

Source:- https://mofa.gov.pk/press-releases/foreign-secretary-inaugurates-the-regional-conference-of-central-asian-countries-on-strategic-export-control-programme-in-islamabad