UNITED NATIONS: The use of armed drones against Pakistan’s tribal territory violates international law by infringing sovereignty and territorial integrity, Pakis­tan’s UN Ambassador Mas­ood Khan said while commenting on the Human Rights Council’s report on Monday.

He said: “It is also a breach of the well-established principles of precaution, distinction and proportionality. Moreover, there is no justification for these strikes because Pakistan is pursuing with full vigour the Zarb-i-Azb operation to take out terrorists and dismantle their networks.”

Mr Khan said that civilian casualties resulting from drone strikes incited public sentiment and radicalised more people. Drone strikes were, therefore, counter-productive in combating terrorism and extremism in the long run. 

He recalled that in March this year, the council in its Resolution 25/22 raised concerns over the use of armed drones leading to violation of international law, including international human rights and humanitarian law.

“Armed drone strikes have a devastating impact on individuals, children, families and communities in regard to safety, education, religious and cultural practices. The fear of secondary or fresh strikes keeps them traumatised,” he said.

Published in Dawn, November 19th , 2014