Regional volatility: Pakistan raises concern over arms transfers

“South Asia is a sensitive region where one state’s military spending grossly out-shadows all others,” says Ambassador

UNITED NATIONS: In a clear reference to India, Pakistan voiced concern on Friday over the growing transfers of conventional armaments in volatile regions, saying it has the potential of fuelling instability, jeopardising delicate regional balances.

Addressing the General Assembly’s Disarmament and International Security Committee, Pakistan’s permanent representative to the United Nations in Geneva Ambassador Tehmina Janjua said: “South Asia is a sensitive region where one state’s military spending grossly … out-shadows all others.”

“We remain concerned over the growing transfers of conventional armaments, especially in volatile regions that are inconsistent with the imperatives of maintaining peace, security and stability,” she said.

“The policy of dual standards towards South Asia, based on narrow strategic, political and commercial considerations, must be eschewed,” the Pakistani envoy said.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 22^nd, 2016.