Open Letter to Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf

(Wednesday 13 February 2002 Washington DC) Following reports of mine-laying on the Indian-Pakistani border, ICBL condemned such use and sent this open letter to President Musharraf.

4 January 2002

President Pervez Musharraf
Office of the President
Constitution Ave.
Islamabad
PAKISTAN

Dear General Musharraf:

The International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL) is disturbed by unconfirmed reports we have received that Pakistani troops are laying new antipersonnel landmines along the border with India. We ask that you clarify whether or not new mine laying is taking place.

The ICBL believes that any use of antipersonnel mines is a violation of customary international humanitarian law, because antipersonnel mines are inherently indiscriminate and because their limited military utility is far outweighed by their negative humanitarian consequences. The dominant view of the international community that antipersonnel mines should be considered illegal is reflected in the fact that 122 nations have ratified, and another 20 have signed, the 1997 Mine Ban Treaty that comprehensively prohibits any use, production, trade or stockpiling of the weapon.

It is most regrettable that Pakistan is not among these nations. It is noteworthy, however, that Pakistan has since 1996 supported the ultimate eradication of antipersonnel mines. In a January 2001 letter to the ICBL, your government stated, “We fully subscribe to the goal of the eventual elimination of landmines and once again hope to insure you that our actions do not stand against the objectives” of the Mine Ban Treaty. Yet, the factors and reasons that justify a ban on antipersonnel mines in the future are just as valid today. If antipersonnel mines are being laid today by Pakistani troops, they are likely to take the lives and limbs of numerous Pakistani civilians in the coming years. Clearance would likely be a long, costly and dangerous process.

Many military experts have commented on the marginal military utility of mines in modern warfare. On the other hand, in addition to humanitarian concerns, elimination of antipersonnel mines can also have diplomatic benefits, and contribute to regional security and stability. For example, in 2001,Greece and Turkey announced their plans to join the Mine Ban Treaty simultaneously as a confidence building measure.

We therefore call on Pakistan to refrain from laying new antipersonnel landmines and to declare this publicly. In taking such a bold step, you will avoid putting civilians and combatants at further risk and will help to build confidence in the region, laying the groundwork for peace. We are also calling on India to desist from using antipersonnel mines. We are also urging States Parties to the Mine Ban Treaty, including Bangladesh and the Maldives from the region, to oppose any use of antipersonnel landmines by Pakistan or India.

Sincerely,

Ms. Elizabeth Bernstein ICBL Coordinator

CC: Mr. Abdus Sattar, Minister of Foreign Affairs