Limit use of drones to surveillance, says Ban

Endorsing Pakistan’s stance on drone attacks, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on Tuesday termed the attacks a violation of international laws and said these unmanned aerial vehicles should be used only for surveillance and intelligence gathering operations.

“Drones should be used only for collection of information in accordance with international laws,” Ban Ki-moon said while inaugurating Centre for International Peace and Stability (CIPS) on Tuesday at the National University of Science and Technology (NUST).

“As I have often and consistently said, the use of armed drones like any other weapon should be subject to long-standing international law, including international humanitarian law,” he said.

The UN General Secretary, who is visiting the Pakistan along with senior UN officials, further said that every effort should be made to avoid civilian causalities in the use of armed drones.

“This is a very clear position of the United Nations. Every effort should be made to avoid mistakes and civilian casualties.”

So far hundreds of innocent Pakistani civilians have reportedly died in drone attacks conducted by the CIA.

Praising Pakistan’s role as a leading troop contributing country for UN peace-keeping operations, Ban expressed appreciation for Pakistan‘s active and constructive role. As currently around 8,000 Pakistani soldiers were performing duties in different conflict zones.

The UN secretary general also acknowledged Pakistan’s sacrifices in the fight against terrorism and appreciated the resolve of the government in fighting terrorism.

Speaking on the occasion, Army Chief Ashfaq Kayani pledged continued support for the UN. He said Pakistan was a responsible nation and always responded positively to the call of UN. Talking about the importance of CIPS, he said the centre would help building capacity of Pakistan to further contribute to the global agenda of peace keeping.

Director General Military Operations Major General Ashfaq Nadeem Ahmed said Pakistan was actively playing a leading role in establishighg peace in the world. He said over a hundred Pakistan soldiers had scarified their lives while wearing the UN blue helmet.

Ban also held detailed talks with Sartaj Aziz, adviser to the prime minister on national security and foreign affairs. The minister for petroleum and natural resources, the foreign secretary and senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were also present during the talks.

Both sides discussed a wide range of issues on the United Nations agenda. Regional and global political and security situation was also discussed.

The adviser reaffirmed the government’s commitment towards constructive engagement with the United Nations on a host of issues, including international peace and security, development, human rights and climate change.

He said Pakistan attached high importance to the United Nations as the premier multilateral institution.

The visiting secretary-general would attend the August 14 flag hoisting ceremony and meet the president and the prime minister today (Wednesday).