Islamabad:

The Deputy Convenor of PGA's Peace & Democracy Program and former Defense Minister of Pakistan, PGA Executive Committee Member Hon. Syed Naveed Qamar has played a crucial role in the convening of a meeting of the Standing Committee for Defence Production in the National Assembly of Pakistan to discuss the Arms Trade Treaty with participation from representatives from the Ministerial Department of Defence Production, which is responsible for the production, import, export and regulation of arms in Pakistan. 

The meeting was called at the behest of Hon. Syed Naveed Qamar, who is also Parliamentary Leader of Pakistan People's Party (PPP) in the National Assembly. The Ministry gave a detailed presentation on the process of the production and flow of arms in the country. They stated that Pakistan adheres to all the conditions stipulated in the ATT and participates in all the forums set up to monitor and discuss oversight in the program. The Minister for Defence Production declared categorically that the department is not opposed to Pakistan joining the Arms Trade Treaty. It was decided to hold a follow up meeting by calling the officials of both the ministry of Defence Production and Ministry of Foreign Affairs to drive home the point for Pakistan joining the ATT. It was also noted that the Ministry of Interior has already tightened the regulation of arms within the country. This meeting is an important milestone towards, it is hoped in due course, Pakistan's accession to the treaty.

A media report on this meeting in the National Assembly of Pakistan may be viewed here.