Statement by Mr. Kamran Ahmad Malik Assistant Director (UN-I) Ministry of Foreign Affairs Government of Pakistan at the United Nations in the General Debate of the Fourth Committee on “International Cooperation in the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space” (October 11, 2016)

Mr. Chairman,

The report of the Committee on the peaceful uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) on its 59th Session, contained in the document A/71/20, gives a comprehensive review of the activities of the Committee. We would like to extend our appreciation for the work done by the UN COPUOS ably led by its chair.

Mr. Chairman,

The UN Committee on the Peaceful uses of Outer Space (UNCOPUOS) and its two sub-committees are the focal point for the UN member States to seek avenues for enhancing international cooperation for peaceful uses of outer space. This Committee has facilitated in bringing a convergence of views on key scientific, technical, legal and regulatory issues related to outer space. Today, bilateral and multilateral cooperation and collaboration have become the hallmark of global space activities.

Mr. Chairman,

Space technologies have evolved dramatically and outer space activities have transcended from being mere technology demonstration to pragmatic applications for national security and socioeconomic uplift of the masses. Today’s space industry is characterized by regional and international cooperation in areas space sciences, technology and scientific training programs.

Pakistan attaches great importance to enhancing international cooperation in the peaceful exploration and uses of outer space. Pakistan remains committed to the utilization of space-based resources and appreciates the sharing of experiences and expertise in the field of satellite-enabled applications, particularly, for risk reduction, management and mitigation of impact of natural disasters.

Pakistan is a member of the International Astronautical Federation (IAF), the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR), the Asia-Pacific Space Cooperation Organization (APSCO), the Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum (APRSAF) and the Inter-Islamic Network on Space Sciences & Technology (ISNET). We actively contribute to the activities carried out under the framework of these forums. SUPARCO also hosts the UN-SPIDER Regional Support Office and Mission Control Centre of COSPAS-SARSAT.

Mr. Chairman,

In line with the objectives of peaceful exploration and use of outer space, Pakistan remains fully committed to utilizing space-based resources to improve the socio-economic development of its people. To this end, several projects are being carried out in Pakistan, which include:

Mr. Chairman,

Pakistan believes that it is our collective responsibility to keep the outer space safe and secure and sustainable for catering to the needs of the future generations and therefore supports the long term sustainability of space activities.

Here we would like to highlight an important issue of space debris mitigation. Pakistan supports all instruments for the attainment of this goal. Here we would like to point out that emerging space-faring nations which mostly include the developing countries, do not possess the requisite financial and technological resources to fully comply with the UNCOPUOS Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines.

Since it is an important matter, some thought must be given as to how these countries can be assisted in this regard. We believe there is a moral and international responsibility to assist the new entrants in the implementation of these guidelines through provision of space Situational Awareness and Conjunction Assessment Risk Analysis systems. Advanced space faring countries should also be willing to contribute financially in order to absorb additional costs incurred on spacecraft design modifications by the developing countries. Their access to outer space should not be limited by setting overly-high technical standards, as it will be contrary to the provisos of the Outer Space Treaty and other relevant General Assembly resolutions.

Moreover, research, best practices, technologies and early warning information in this area should be available to all stakeholders. Otherwise the peril of space debris will continue to loom over us and our future generations and hamper the harnessing of the possible positive gains from outer space.

Mr. Chairman,

Pakistan consistently opposes militarization and weaponization of outer space and any consequent arms race in outer space. We believe that such installation of weapons in space poses a grave threat for the future of this world and the human race inhabiting this earth. Not only that, but such installations also pose a great threat the future of space operations and will impede our progress towards achieving long term sustainability of outer space activities.

It is a matter of concern for us that the current international legal regime, as it stands, does not prohibit the placement and/or use of conventional and other non-nuclear weapons of mass destruction in outer space. Hence, a serious need is felt for a legally-binding treaty to deal with the subject. We support negotiations on Prevention of Arms Race in Outer Space (PAROS) and the joint China-Russia updated draft text of the Treaty on the Prevention of the Placement of Weapons in Outer Space and of the Threat or Use of Force against Outer Space Objects (PPWT).

Mr. Chairman,

Pakistan is a State Party to the five core United Nations treaties on outer space and is committed to the peaceful uses of outer space. There is a need to provide more training and capacity building facilities for developing countries in the field of peaceful uses of outer space. We believe that the benefits of outer space activities and technologies must be made available to all and used for the benefit of all mankind.

Thank you.