PGA congratulates Afghanistan on its Accession to the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) on 29th July 2020, becoming the 109th State Party to the ATT.
On the occasion of Afghanistan's Accession to the Arms Trade Treaty, the following statement was issued by PGA Executive Committee Member, former Minister of Defence of Pakistan, and Convener of PGA's International Peace and Security Program, Hon. Naveed Qamar, MP (Pakistan):
I welcome the accession by Afghanistan to the Arms Trade Treaty yesterday. Very few countries worldwide have suffered as much as Afghanistan has - both in its tragic history, and its contemporary reality - from the reckless export trade of arms. The almost perpetual state of conflict and crisis in Afghanistan, fueled by illegal arms, has also made itself felt regionally and worldwide.
I wish, therefore, to take this opportunity, once again to encourage the Government of Pakistan to accede also to this vital international treaty. We too have suffered immensely from the nefarious, illicit trade in arms for a number of decades.
I would, in addition, encourage all States, here in South Asia, as well as around the world, that have not yet joined the ATT, to take this step without further delay.
Hon. Naveed Qamar, MP (Pakistan)
Note: Hon. Naveed Qamar has had extensive past engagement with Afghanistan, including in his capacity as Minister of Defence of Pakistan in 2013.