Security Council meeting: Khar says only partial success seen against terrorism

Says extremism cannot be defeated by law enforcement alone.

WASHINGTON: Presiding over the UN Security Council meeting on counterterrorism, Pakistan Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar says that success against terrorism has at best been partial; terrorism cannot be defeated by law enforcement measures alone.

In her remarks, Khar said, “We condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, committed by whomever, wherever and for whatever purpose. All acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable regardless of their motivations. In the past decade, we have collaborated, as international community, to impede, impair, isolate and incapacitate the terrorist threat,” she said.

“We must attack and dismantle terrorist networks because they defy the writ of the state and kill civilians.  And we must persevere in our efforts to deter and defeat terrorists militarily. And yet our success is – at best – only partial. It is conventional wisdom and a compelling reality that terrorism will not be defeated alone by law enforcement measures, or intelligence operations or military and security strategies. That is why we need a comprehensive approach.”
Highlighting the death toll in Pakistan’s terrorist attacks, Khar cited the deaths of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Benazir Bhutto, Awami National Party (ANP) leader Bashir Bilour and the attack on schoolgirl Malala Yousafzai.

“Even the young, innocent teenage girl – Malala Yousafzai – could not escape the bullet of a terrorist. She survived and we hope her life will be a testimony of the resilience of the Pakistani people,” said the foreign minister.
Khar stressed the need for a comprehensive approach towards countering terrorism, citing a need for giving preferential market access to areas ravaged by terrorism. “Pakistan's initiative in this debate is rooted in our shared desire for peace and security,” she said.
In his address, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon expressed his condolences to Pakistan in light of recent terrorist attacks, and reiterated his support for the Pakistani government’s efforts in countering terrorism. He also highlighted the case of Malala Yousafzai.

“I was deeply moved by her brave efforts for the fundamental right of education,” said Moon, “I am proud to call myself among her supporters and well-wishers,” he said, adding that Malala and her classmates have shown tremendous courage.
Addressing the UN Security Council, UK’s Baroness Syeda Warsi also expressed Britain’s support for Pakistan, saying, “As PM David Cameron has said, Pakistan's enemy is our enemy.”

China’s Vice Foreign Minister Cui Tiankai said that the efforts made by Pakistan against terrorism have been recognised by the world. Condemning the recent attacks in Quetta, he expressed his condolences with families of the victims and the wounded.
In her remarks, the US representative to the United Nations Susan Rice said, “I would like to express our condolences for the horrific attacks in Pakistan that killed more than a 100 people. The US stands with the Pakistani people in condemning these inhumane and senseless acts.”
Pakistan is the president of the UN Security Council for the month of January 2013.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 16^th, 2013.