Drone attacks conducted by the CIA in the tribal areas of Pakistan are not only against international laws and the UN Charter but are also in violation of the constitution of Pakistan. Article 9 of the constitution provides, “No person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty save in accordance with the law.” Further, Article 4 states that to enjoy the protection of law and to be treated in accordance with the law are inalienable rights of every citizen. Therefore, there can be no justification for a state to allow a foreign force to deprive its nationals of the right to life arbitrarily.
If the government of Pakistan has allowed these drone attacks, it has violated the fundamental rights of citizens. Even if these attacks are taking place without the authorisation of the government, they are in violation of Article 245 of the constitution, which states, “The armed forces shall, under the direction of the federal government, defend Pakistan against external aggression.” It is the constitutional duty of the government to direct the armed forces to defend the country against any external aggressor.
Mohsin Raza Malik,
Lahore, February 1.