ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Friday rejected its inclusion in the “Child Soldiers Prevention Act (CSPA) List” published under a domestic US legislation in the State Department’s Annual Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report 2021 while asking for “credible information” on cases of its involvement in human trafficking or support to armed groups using child soldiers.
In an official handout circulated by the foreign office in Islamabad, the country called such allegations “unsubstantiated and baseless,” saying it did not support any non-state armed group or any entity recruiting or using child soldiers.
“Pakistan’s efforts in fighting non-state armed groups including terrorist entities are well recognized,” the foreign office said. “The inclusion of Pakistan in the “CSPA List” depicts a factual error and lack of understanding. No [Pakistani] state institution was consulted by the US prior to the publication of the report. Nor were any details provided of the basis on which the conclusion was reached.”
The US decision to add Pakistan to its list of countries implicated in the use of child soldiers over the past year can lead to sanctions on military aid and a block on Islamabad participating in peacekeeping programs.
“Governments identified on the list are subject to restrictions, in the following fiscal year, on certain security assistance and commercial licensing of military equipment,” the state department had said in a statement earlier. “The CSPA prohibits assistance to governments that are identified in the list under the following authorities: International Military Education and Training, Foreign Military Financing, Excess Defense Articles, and Peacekeeping Operations, with exceptions for some programs undertaken pursuant to the Peacekeeping Operations authority.”
“Beginning October 1, 2021, and effective throughout Fiscal Year 2022, these restrictions will apply to the listed countries, absent a presidential waiver, applicable exception, or reinstatement of assistance pursuant to the terms of the CSPA,” the State Department had added.
However, Pakistan said it was committed to fighting the scourge of trafficking both at the national and international levels, adding that it had taken a range of legislative and administrative actions in this regard during the last one year.
“Pakistan has been voluntarily submitting information for the TIP Report to the US Government since 2007 and has actively worked on implementing the practicable recommendations of these reports,” the foreign office said, adding that it wanted the relevant US authorities to review “the baseless assertions” made in the latest report.
“Pakistan also expects the sharing of ‘credible information’ on cases involving Trafficking in Persons as well as on allegations pertaining to support to armed groups using child soldiers,” it continued.
The foreign office informed it had conveyed its concern on to the US authorities while saying it would continue to engage with the US “through bilateral channels for constructive dialogue on all issues of mutual interest.”
This is the first time Pakistan has been put on the CSPA list. Other countries on this year’s list include Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Syria, Turkey and Yemen.
Pakistan strongly rejects inclusion in US list of countries implicated in use of child soldiers
https://arab.news/88fse
Pakistan strongly rejects inclusion in US list of countries implicated in use of child soldiers
- The country’s foreign office says it does not support any non-state armed group or any entity recruiting or using child soldiers
- Pakistan has conveyed its concern to the relevant US authorities while pointing out that it will continue 'constructive dialogue' with Washington on vital issues
Pakistan sets up pavilion to showcase safety solutions at Intersec 2026 in Dubai
- Intersec 2026 features exhibitors from over 60 countries, with more than 1,400 companies and an expected turnout of over 50,000 trade visitors
- The exhibition provides an ideal opportunity for Pakistani firms to explore global markets, establish linkages and expand footprint, official says
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has set up a dedicated pavilion at Intersec 2026 in Dubai to showcase its security and safety solutions, its Press Information Department (PID) said on Monday, highlighting the country’s growing capabilities in surveillance systems and emergency response equipment.
The 27th edition of Intersec, one of the world’s largest business exhibitions for security, safety and fire protection, is being held on Jan. 12-14 at the Dubai World Trade Center.
Intersec 2026 features exhibitors from over 60 countries, with more than 1,400 companies and an expected turnout of over 50,000 trade visitors, according to its organizers.
Hussain Muhammad, consul-general of Pakistan, inaugurated the country’s pavilion at the exhibition along with Trade and Investment Counsellor Ali Zeb Khan, according to the PID.
“This year, six Pakistani companies are participating in the exhibition under the auspices of the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) to showcase their products and services,” the PID said in a statement.
Pakistan’s participation in the event comes at a time when Islamabad, currently bolstered by a $7 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) program, has been making efforts to enhance trade with various countries in the region as well as to attract foreign investment to revive its over $400 billion economy.
International platforms such as Intersec are vital to highlighting Pakistan’s export potential to the United Arab Emirates, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) markets, and beyond.
“Pakistan’s participation in global exhibitions like Intersec underscores the country’s commitment to strengthening trade ties and showcasing its industrial and technological capabilities in the safety sector,” Consul-General Muhammad was quoted as saying.
“Such events provide an ideal opportunity for Pakistani companies to explore international markets, establish business linkages, and expand their global footprint.”
