Pakistan warns against ‘mutually debilitating arms race’ in South Asia amid Indian weapon procurement

Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva Ambassador Khalil Hashmi speaks at the General Assembly’s First Committee on October 7, 2023. (Photo courtesy: @pakistanmissiontotheunited3181/YouTube)

• Ambassador Hashmi criticizes leading world powers for not complying with their nuclear disarmament obligations
• He calls for equitable and balanced disarmament measures that guarantee every state’s legitimate right to security

ISLAMABAD: A senior Pakistani diplomat told the United Nations on Saturday his country did not want a “mutually debilitating arms race” in South Asia, though it would maintain minimum credible deterrence in the region amid Indian procurement of conventional and non-conventional weaponry.
Speaking at the General Assembly’s First Committee that deals with disarmament and international security matters, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva Ambassador Khalil Hashmi criticized the leading world powers for not complying with their nuclear disarmament obligations.
He noted that the global security landscape presented a grim picture due to the failure of countries around the world to uphold the UN charter, adding there had also been negative security-related developments in South Asia while making an oblique reference to India which he said was getting generous weapon supplies.
Ambassador Hashmi said the situation had emboldened “this state” in Pakistan’s neighborhood to impose its hegemony in an attempt to emerge as the dominant power in South Asia, the Indian Ocean and beyond.
“Pakistan cannot remain oblivious to these evolving security dynamics in our immediate neighborhood and the clear and present dangers to our security due to these policies, actions and developments,” he continued.
“Pakistan will maintain its capability of minimum credible deterrence against all forms of aggression,” he added while referring to his country’s strategy of maintaining the smallest possible arsenal of weapons that is still sufficiently threatening to deter potential aggressors. “Despite continued provocations and threats, Pakistan remains committed to the goal of peaceful and stable South Asia.”

He pointed out that Islamabad’s security policy aimed to avoid a “mutually debilitating arms race” in the region.
Ambassador Hashmi said Pakistan had proposed a number of initiatives to promote peace and security and prevent the emergence of nuclear weapons in the region over the past quarter century.
He also emphasized the need for the world to take equitable and balanced disarmament measures that guaranteed the right of every state to security, without allowing any specific nation or alliance to gain advantage over others.