"Statement by Ambassador Usman Jadoon Deputy Permanent Representative of Pakistan At Security Council Briefing on the 1540 Committee (16 March 2026) ***** I thank you Madam President for presentation of the 1540 Committee report in the absence of the Committee chair. It again serves to underscore the urgency of appointing the chairs of subsidiary bodies without further delay. Important substantive work of the committees is suffering because of the inordinate delay. 2. We take note of the report and are pleased at the progress made within the Committee in the last few months. In this respect, we particularly acknowledge Amb. Eloy Alfrao de Alba, the Permanent Representative of Panama, in advancing the Committee’s substantive work last year. President, 3. In the current complex global environment characterized by several conflicts, simmering tensions, and security challenges, the promotion of non-proliferation efforts is more crucial than ever. Resolution 1540 plays a pivotal role in the global framework to prevent the proliferation of WMDs to non-state actors. 4. The potential for non-state actors to acquire and use WMDs threatens national security of Member States and gravely undermines international peace and security. The changing nature of non-state actors and terrorist activities underscores the importance of strengthening voluntary international cooperation and collaborative efforts to achieve the common goal of effectively implementing the resolution 1540. 5. Furthermore, as science, technology, and global trade continue to evolve, Member States must stay abreast of these developments to effectively implement the resolution. The 1540 Committee can play important role in promoting international understanding of these threats and our collective response. President, 6. Multilateral export control regimes can play a crucial role in strengthening global non-proliferation efforts. To maintain credibility, these regimes must avoid becoming exclusive syndicates prioritizing political and commercial interests. Selective exceptions diminish the credibility of the global non-proliferation framework and risk further destabilizing regional and global peace and security. 7. Effective non-proliferation requires a non-discriminatory, objective, and criteria-based approach. Such an approach is critical to maintain strategic stability at the regional and global level and avoid arms race. 8. Moreover, non-proliferation efforts, important in their own right, must not impede international cooperation in the peaceful uses of dual-use technologies, which is vital for the economic development of all Member States, particularly the Global South. 9. All countries must be able to exercise their inalienable right to utilize nuclear energy and technologies for peaceful purposes, consistent with their respective non-proliferation and international legal obligations. Further work in this respect including within the 1540 Committee would be important to ensure equitable and unimpeded access to technologies while promoting the goals of global non-proliferation. Non-proliferation and peaceful technological development reinforce – not undermine – each other when approached through cooperative mechanisms, on a non-discriminatory basis. President, 9. Pakistan will continue its active contribution to the work of the 1540 Committee including in the ongoing comprehensive review, which is a vital exercise in the implementation of the resolution. We also appreciate the dedication of the Group of Experts to advance the Committee’s work. We reiterate the view that the members of the Group should be selected based on criteria of merit, expertise and geographical rotation and hope that pending vacancies would be filled while keeping above considerations. 10. Pakistan would continue to promote and support global non-proliferation and the objectives of the 1540 resolution. I thank you."