Statement by Ambassador Sahebzada A. Khan Acting Permanent Representative of Pakistan at the Security Council Open Debate on Agenda Item “Threats to International Peace and Security: Terrorism and Cross-Border Crime” (19 December 2014)

I thank you for convening this important debate in the Security Council today.

Let me first thank my distinguished colleagues for their words of sympathy and support for the terrorist attack of 16 December in Pakistan

This debate comes in the wake of the heinous and barbaric act of terrorism in Peshawar, Pakistan – an act widely condemned by the global community. We strongly condemn the perpetrators, facilitators and abettors of the savage acts of terrorism, including that of 16 December in Pakistan.

Let me convey this message today that we will defeat terrorism. Pakistan will prevail, no matter what; and our mourning will only morph into a stronger resolve to fight back, even harder.

Even during the cowardly act of terrorism, we witnessed deeds of memorable heroism by the lady principal, teachers and young children of the school. We salute them as they laid down their lives showing exemplary courage in helping each other during the attack.

Mr. President, this is my Nation. These are my people. And it is a matter of pride for me to represent such a resilient Nation at the United Nations.

To fight terrorism, Mr. President, Pakistan possesses unyielding resolve, a clear mind and a hand to execute affirmative actions. We will persist and persevere till the end of this blight. After all, Pakistan has been, since long, spearheading the international fight against terrorism.

Let me now express Pakistan's views on the subject under discussion today.

Pakistan maintains a distinction between cross-border crime and trans-national organized crime. Not all trans-national organized crimes are cross- border in nature; and all cross-border crimes may not be organized.

Nevertheless, we recognize that terrorists can take advantage of lack of effective border control measures and associated criminal activities. We, therefore, fully subscribe to the need for effective controls on trans-national organized crimes and effective border control mechanisms to prevent development of any linkage with terrorist activities.

While acknowledging the complicated linkages that may exist among terrorism, criminal activity and effective border controls, we fully share the goals of international community in successfully addressing them through appropriate national, bilateral, regional and international measures. Pakistan believes that an effective strategy to achieve these goals must also take into account the following:

    • States bear the primary responsibility to strengthen their border controls and take effective measures against terrorism and criminal activities.
    • Bilateral, regional and international cooperation, including sharing of information is important for achieving the desired results.
    • Strategies need to be tailored to specific challenges presented by peculiar regional dynamics and conditions; and
    • It is vital to build capacities and capabilities of states facing these challenges;

Pakistan is fully aware and responsive to the challenges it faces with regard to counterterrorism and its conceivable linkages with trans-national organized crimes. Therefore, effective border control measures continue to remain a major subject of our bilateral cooperation with relevant countries. We have taken a number of initiatives to build regional cooperation in controlling trans-national organized crimes.

Pakistan reaffirms its commitment to counter terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. We will continue to cooperate and coordinate with the international community in addressing the challenges emanating from factors that complicate our fight against this scourge, including trans-national organized crimes. We believe that international measures taken in this regard must respect national sovereignty and territorial integrity of States; and should aim to avoid duplication of work undertaken by various UN agencies and organizations.

The international community already possesses the will, instruments and infrastructure to deal with terrorism and trans-national organized crimes. What is needed is effective implementation by States of relevant instruments and meaningful cooperation among various UN bodies, agencies and mechanisms, working within their respective mandates.

To end, Mr. President, allow me to say that Pakistan mourns today, but we will ensure the total annihilation of terrorists and their twisted ideologies.

Thank you, Mr. President.