DNA
ISLAMABAD: A two-day Study Visit Workshop for Tajikistan under the EU P2P Export Control Programme for Dual-Use Goods was held in Islamabad. The workshop, comprising five substantive sessions, was inaugurated by Additional Secretary (Europe), Ambassador Ayesha Ali.
The workshop has been jointly organised by the Strategic Export Control Division (SECDIV), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the European Union (EU) and the German Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA). It brought together senior officials and experts from Pakistan, Tajikistan and BAFA to exchange experiences on national strategic trade control frameworks and promote international cooperation in the legitimate trade of dual-use goods and technologies, consistent with relevant international obligations, including UN Security Council Resolution 1540.
In her inaugural remarks, Ambassador Ayesha Ali underscored the right of developing countries to access dual-use goods and technologies for peaceful purposes and socio-economic development. She emphasised the importance of maintaining an appropriate balance between national security imperatives and the facilitation of legitimate trade. She reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to fulfilling its international obligations relating to non-proliferation and disarmament and highlighted the country’s responsible approach to the governance of sensitive technologies.
In his welcome remarks, Director General SECDIV, Haroon Rashid, highlighted the growing importance of effective controls over the transfer of strategic and dual-use goods and technologies. He briefed participants on Pakistan’s comprehensive legislative, regulatory and administrative export control framework, designed to prevent the diversion of sensitive goods and technologies to non-peaceful uses. He also noted Pakistan’s voluntary adherence to the relevant guidelines and control lists of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) and Australia Group (AG), reflecting its commitment to maintaining export control standards in line with international best practices.
The workshop showcased Pakistan’s national export control architecture, including its licensing and enforcement mechanisms, while providing a platform for the exchange of experiences and best practices. It also aims to strengthen cross-border cooperation on strategic trade controls and facilitate secure and legitimate trade through efficient and internationally aligned procedures.
