Drone should be used to gather information only: UN chief

Eurasia News

ISLAMABAD: United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon on Tuesday called for the use of drone to gather information only, saying that international laws must be complied regarding missile strikes, Dispatch News Desk reported.

Ban Ki-moon, accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Ban Soon-taek and senior UN officials, arrived in Islamabad on late Monday night on a two-day visit.

“I am very happy to be in Pakistan on the eve of the country’s Independence Day,” Ban told audience after opening Center for International Peace and Stability at National University of Science and Technology in Islamabad on Tuesday.

The UN chief lauded the role played by Pakistani troops in international peace missions. He said more than 100 countries contribute in peace missions but Pakistan remains number one contributor with contribution of 8, 000 Pakistani troops.

“One out of every 10 troops is from Pakistan,” the UN chief said. “Pakistan’s engagement has been very crucial in peacekeeping missions.”

The UN chief said that progress and prosperity of people without peace is not possible.

Speaking on the occasion‚ Pakistani Prime Minister’s advisor on foreign affairs and national security Sartaj Aziz said the launch of international center for peace and stability is in complete harmony with Pakistan’s policy of promoting peace and stability in the world.

The advisor said Pakistan wants friendly relations with all the countries for world peace and stability. He said Pakistan remains committed to fighting terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s army chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani in his address pledged continued support for United Nations peace keeping missions, saying Pakistan is a responsible nation and has always responded positively to the call of United Nation for its global peace keeping missions.

Kayani said establishment of peace and resolution of conflicts in any part of the world ultimately contributes to international peace and stability.

The army chief said establishment of International Institute of Peace and Stability will help building capacity of Pakistan to further contribute to the global agenda of peace keeping. He said the institute will be developed into a center of excellence.