Pakistan demands an immediate end to drone attacks

UNITED NATIONS (92 News) – Pakistan has demanded an immediate end to drone attacks 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 UN General Assembly, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative Dr Maleeha Lodhi condemned the continued use of drones and described these as blatant disregard of existing international commitments. She was elaborating Pakistan’s position after the adoption by the 193-member Assembly of a resolution on the UN Global Counter Terrorism Strategy. She said 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, saying it served as a strong and united signal against terrorism. She said that for Pakistan, such an approach was closely linked to promoting a culture of peace.