Climate change

The Islamic Republic of Pakistan sincerely supports the objectives and principles of Agenda 21. Concerned with the depletion of the ozone layer, we have ratified the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, including the London Amendment and the Copenhagen Amendment. Pakistan reaffirms the ratification of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The Pakistan Environment Protection Council (PEPC) was created to have jurisdiction over the implementation of international instruments. The PEPC has already taken measures by creating the National Environmental Quality Standards. Protection of the atmosphere is a major concern addressed in the Conservation Strategy of Pakistan. The PEPC has established the Committee on Clean Fluids, mandating the recommendations for alleviating atmospheric pollution. A recommended incentive for the reduction of Compressed Natural Gas and Liquid Petroleum emissions has also been suggested. Vehicle emission regulations are set to include Nox, Sox, SPM and Lead by the PEPC. In response to the Energy Conservation Center, we have implemented programs to reduce the output of greenhouse gases, which include setting up and funding demonstration centers in several cities, training skilled workers, and collecting ideas which will lead to innovative strategies. By using appropriate technology transfer and establishing industrial complexes with the required infrastructure and utilities, the international community can greatly reduce the pollution from industry, preventing a change in atmospheric temperature. We have created a Cabinet Committee on Climate Change to monitor, evaluate and prepare strategies to address the effects of climate change in all sectors. Our government has developed an inventory system to monitor green gases not addressed by the Montreal Protocol, and the Energy Conservation Center created a computerized database for the quality of air in major metropolitan areas. With support for the United Nations Development Program, the World Bank, and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, Member States can eliminate the global concern on Ozone Depletion Substances and their effects on atmospheric changes.
--Anonymous, Wright State University, 2002.

The impact of armed conflicts on the environment

Pakistan is a proud supporter of A/RES/47/37 in its recognition of the devastation that armed conflicts inflict on the environment. Taking note of the Final Declaration of the Second Review Conference of the Parties to the Convention on the Prohibition of Military or Any Other Hostile Use of Environmental Modification Techniques, we support the efforts to reduce environmental destruction during conflicts. In the spirit of the Rio Declaration paying close attention to Principle 24, Pakistan urges all Member States to adhere to international law in protecting the environment in times of conflict. Our government supports The Hague Convention respecting the Laws and Customs of War on Land in its prevention of opposing forces in destroying property. Under the Protection of Victims of International Armed Conflicts, we support the need to prevent States from purposefully destroying the natural environment. In accordance with the United Nations Environment Programme, we support the need to exchange relevant environmental data, dialogues about issues causing environmental harm, assist governments in implementing all environmental agreements, and develop regional mechanisms to facilitate implementation and compliance of such agreements. Deeply concerned that the environment is a target among conflicting states, Pakistan seeks to protect residential areas, food and water sources and national fuel sources.
--Anonymous, Wright State University, 2002.

HIV/AIDS in conflict zones

The government of Pakistan is deeply disturbed with the mass numbers of persons who have died from HIV/AIDS. We believe that one way to decrease the vulnerability of certain persons in contracting this disease is to solve conflicts between countries as well as to solve conflict within countries' borders. As stated in the UN Charter, prevention of war is a priority for the UN. The government of Pakistan will assist those countries where HIV/AIDS is more prevalent. We will also assist those countries that are affected by war in order to help stop the spread of HIV/AIDS to neighboring countries. We believe that HIV/AIDS in conflict zones is a violation of human rights. Children and women are often raped in these conflict regions. Pakistan takes note of the Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS calling upon the UN agencies and regional and international organizations involved with the provision and delivery of international assistance to countries affected by conflicts and humanitarian crisis to incorporate HIV/AIDS prevention, care, and awareness into their plans and programs.
--Nadia Nakjiri-Zoerb, Wright State University, 2002.

Role of non-governmental organizations in the HIV/AIDS pandemic

The government of Pakistan acknowledges the role of NGOs in solving the HIV/AIDS crisis. The international community needs a substantial amount of support from these organizations in order to meet the goals defined in the Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS. NGOs help those governments that may have their focuses elsewhere, such as war or the economy. However, Pakistan believes that NGOs should respect cultural mores in any country they may become involved in. NGOs should also respect a State's sovereignty. Pakistan urges Member States to adopt successful education systems, end conflicts, and address financial situations for the best way to solve the HIV/AIDS crisis.
--Nadia Nakjiri-Zoerb, Wright State University, 2002.

Children left behind: HIV/AIDS, parental death, and living with the disease

Pakistan believes that every person infected with HIV/AIDS has the right to treatment. Although Pakistan has thus far had low rates of HIV/AIDS, we can still set an example for the international community. We have set up a center for HIV/AIDS testing at the Port Health Office in Keamari Harbor. We have also begun testing all foreigners and sailors arriving in Pakistan, as they are required to have an AIDS-free certification. Imported blood, blood products, and vaccines must also be certified. Essentially, this will help solve the problem of children living with HIV/AIDS. One reason why children become infected is mother to child breast-feeding. In order to solve HIV/AIDS in children, we must first address HIV/AIDS in adults. We also recognize the fact that children are left orphaned when their parents die of AIDS. This is an unfortunate situation for young children. We welcome help for these children as provided by NGOs and the international community. We also fully support UNAIDS for all that they do to better understand and solve the HIV/ADIS crisis.
--Nadia Nakjiri-Zoerb, Wright State University, 2002.

Review of present terrorism conventions

Pakistan condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. We condemn state terrorism, which we believe is the most ignoble form of terrorism. We fully support measures at the international legal level to prevent terrorism and we strongly believe that the absence of a universally acceptable definition of terrorism has seriously hampered concerted international efforts to tackle this grave threat. Pakistan further more expresses its hope that the international community will formulate a generally agreed upon definition of terrorism which takes into consideration varying political perspectives. Bearing in mind a comprehensive legal definition of terrorism should not only draw a clear distinction between terrorism and people's legitimate struggle for the right of self-determination but must also take into account all forms of terrorism including State sponsored terrorism. Pakistan strongly believes that the right to self-determination of people under colonial rule, foreign and alien occupation is a principle enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations. Pakistan's unequivocal opposition to terrorism is further reinforced by the fact that it has itself been a primary victim of international terrorism. Therefore, we are a party to a number of international conventions and protocols relating to terrorism of a wide spectrum. Pakistan believes through the spirit of cooperation Member States can engage in political dialogue to establish a new tone in the definition of terrorism and the strengthening of the international communities ability to eradicate international terrorism.
--Cliff Rosenberger, Wright State University, 2002.

Role of the International Criminal Court

Pakistan welcomes the important work accomplished by the preparatory commission and calls upon all States to consider signing, ratifying or acceding to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) as detailed in A/RES/55/155. We continue to encourage efforts aimed at the results of the United Nations Diplomatic Conference of Plenipotentiaries on the establishment of an ICC. However, Pakistan emphasizes the need to make necessary arrangements for the commencement of the functions of the ICC in order to ensure its effective operation. As stated in A/RES/54/105, Pakistan encourages non-governmental organizations (NGO's) to participate in the work of the preparatory commission by attending its plenary meetings and all open meetings to help engage dialogue among Member States. Pakistan continues to work with the preparatory commission in the spirit of cooperation to ensure the ICC will help bridge the missing gap in the international legal system.
--Cliff Rosenberger, Wright State University, 2002.

Response options to terrorist acts

Pakistan recommends implementing all resolutions of the Security Council without selective discrimination or even technical differentiation. We believe terror is a menace that we need to combat at all levels, including national, regional and global. We commend the international community and continue to reaffirm our support of the actions that have been taken, such as the steps by the Security Council to combat this serious threat to international peace and security, which include the adoption of resolutions 1368, 1373 and 1377, as well as the formation of the Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC). We affirm that International conventions and Security Council resolutions on terrorism are indeed necessary, and Member States must work together to implement them. Freezing of assets, closing of bank accounts, denying safe haven, and information sharing are important steps in controlling terrorist acts.
--Cliff Rosenberger, Wright State University, 2002.