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A PRESENTATION BY

COL SADIQ RAHI , PAKISTAN ARMY

TO GROUP OF EXPERTS - PROTOCOL V ON ERW

21 APRIL 2010

AIM

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To brief about the national standards/ procedures

adopted by Pakistan and steps taken to implement

Article-4 of CCW Protocol-V on ERW

SEQUENCE

Background

Cardinal Aspects and Measures to implement Various

Articles of Protocol- V

National Procedures for recording, retaining and

transmission of information

Experiences in implementation of Article 4

Conclusions/ Recommendations

BACKGROUND

Pakistan is signatory to Protocol–V on Explosive Remnants of War (ERW)This is an International obligation in the domain of Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW) and adherence to its regulations is acompulsion for state partiesThe Protocol establishes obligations to the States in control of ERW-affected areas to clear, remove and destroy ERW and take all feasible measures to protect civilians from the risk and effects of ERWThis Protocol entered into force in November 2006 and Pakistan has ratified it in February 2009

INTRODUCTION TO ARTICLE - 4

Article- 4 of the Protocol pertains to recording, retaining and transmission of information on ERW

The Protocol establishes obligations for the users of munitions that may become remnants of war, in particular to record and retain information on the use or abandonment of explosive ordnance, as well as to transmit such information to the party in control of the affected area

In recording, retaining and transmitting such information, the Parties should have regard to Part- 1 of the Technical Annex

CARDINAL ASPECTS AND MEASURES TOIMPLEMENT VARIOUS ARTICLES OF

PROTOCOL-V

Pakistan is not an affected party in any international armed conflict

As such no ERW exists on its territory

Comprehensive Procedures are however in place within Armed Forces to implement Various Articles of Protocol V

Dedicated pool of EOD Experts earmarked and trained for such scenarios

Expertise of Corps of Army Engineers well documented internationally by extending technical assistance and cooperation as part of UN De-mining and EOD Programme

MEASURES TO IMPLEMENT PROTOCOL - V

Clearance, Removal or Destruction (Article 3). The process of survey, identification and clearance / removal / destruction to control or reduce the risks posed to civilians or non-combatants is handled by dedicated EOD trained professionalsRecording, Retaining and Transmission of Information (Article 4). All information related to operational activities is recorded by the field units involved in operations. It is conveyed to the respective Services Headquarters for retention and archiving. This includes information on use of explosive ordnance or abandonment of explosive ordnance, which could facilitate rapid marking, clearance , removal or destruction of Explosive Ordnance

Other Precautions for Protection of Civilian Population and Buildings (Article 5). Relevant Standing Operating Procedures (SOPs) are in place to take precautions, mark, fence and monitor Explosive Ordnance at military installations and bases, issue warnings and increase public awareness through a well deliberated plan using media, pamphlets, leaflets, handouts, seminars and lectures

MEASURES TO IMPLEMENT PROTOCOL - V

Provisions for the Protection of Humanitarian Missions (Article 6). In any future armed conflict with a State Party, Armed Forces of Pakistan would be able to provide all relevant information on location of ERW to concerned humanitarian mission or organizations, subject to national policy in accordance with national procedures

Assistance with Respect to Existing ERW (Article 7). Pakistan Army

effectively been participating in de-mining and EOD operations under UN

Umbrella

Cooperation and Assistance (Article 8) Dedicated pool of medical professionals provide assistance to victims as per national policy. Systems are in place to provide monetary compensation/employment/ distress grant. In long term agriculture based property and guaranteed free medical support and education are provided to victim/ family

MEASURES TO IMPLEMENT PROTOCOL - V

Generic Preventive Measures (Article 9). These measures are already in place

within Armed Forces of Pakistan to minimize ERW in any future armed conflict

with a State Party

Consultation of High Contracting Parties (Article 10) Armed Forces of

Pakistan are participating in consultation with other High Contracting Parties

under overall guidance of Ministry of Foreign Affairs for reducing the risk of

ERW

Compliance (Article 11). Appropriate instructions and SOPs have been

issued to Armed Forces personnel concerned with the implementation of the

Protocol

RECORDING, RETAINING AND TRANSMISSION OF INFORMATION

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PAKISTAN NATIONAL PROCEDURES & SYSTEMS

RECORDING/ STORAGE OF INFORMATION AT TRI SERVICE LEVEL

Explosive Ordnance Allotment/ Issue Record. Ammunition record being maintained on ledgers/ vouchers/ stock cards on two channels during peace and war:-– Ordnance channel including Pakistan Ordnance Factories,

Ordnance Directorate, Ordnance depots and Ammunition (All services) Replenishment Points

– Field Units channel starting from sub-unit/ unit to Formation Headquarters and respective Services Headquarters

– The information recorded includes the manufacturer, lot/ batch number, type/ caliber and quantity

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RECORDING/ STORAGE OF INFORMATION

Explosive Ordnance Usage Record

– Ammunition usage record during war is maintained on same lines as mentioned in preceding slide

– In the case of major weapons following information is recorded:

Bearing, grid reference and location of area targeted

Number, type and nature of ammunition used

– Fire control systems available with the services are used in recording of information

– This databank forms the basis of maintaining record and transmissionof information pertaining to UXO

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ABANDONED AMMUNITION RECORD

– The record of all ammunition stored/dumped in the field at various locations including naval/ airbases is available at the respective Headquarters

– The record includes:-

Location of ammunition dumped

Quantity of ammunition

Type of ammunition

Information on type and methods of packing

State of readiness of AXO

– This databank will form the basis of recording and transmission ofinformation pertaining to AXO 13

HAND EMPLACED ANTI TANK & ANTI PERSONNEL MINES

– The record of all mines stored in mine dumps is maintained and

periodically checked

– Mines issued from the dumps is also recorded on ledgers/ vouchers/

computer databases

– Adequate arrangements are made by formations for their safe

transportation and subsequent temporary storage near dispensing

sites

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HAND EMPLACED ANTI TANK &ANTI PERSONNEL MINES

– All the mines laid are recorded with necessary details includingpreparation of a placement sketch. Details recorded are:-

Number and types of mines laidLocation of each mine with reference to prominent landmarks, location of which is identified with GPS based systemsDetails of perimeter fence and other marking technique adoptedCopy of this record is sent to Formation and General Headquarters for reference

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REMOTELY DISPENSED MINES

– Remotely delivered mines have self destruct and self neutralization

mechanism

– Mines once dispensed, Grid References of the targeted area is

recorded and maintained

– In order to enhance the accuracy in laying/ lifting of mines GPS Based

System is used for recording the position of mines

– Pakistan is in the process of deploying Global Information System

(GIS) for assistance in recording the position of mines

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REPORTING OF UXO / AXO

Transmission of Information– The record of Explosive Ordnance used including UXO/ AXO

maintained and stored through well laid out procedure in place

– Information transmitted from Field Formations to the respective Services point of contact

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NATIONAL REPORTING CHANNEL

Respective Service focal point will

forward a consolidated report to Joint

Staff Headquarters

Joint Staff Headquarters after collecting

requisite data from Services

Headquarters will intimate Ministry of

Defense/ Ministry of Foreign Affairs

(MoFA)

If required MoFA (national focal point) is

responsible for onward transmission to

international agencies/ country holding

the affected territory as per the

provisions of the Protocol

WPN / SUBUNIT

UNIT

FMN HQ

PARENT/MO DTE

GHQ

JSHQ

MoD MoFA

AHQNHQ

COMD COMD

BASE BASE

SQN/ UNIT

UNIT

MOI

MEASURES TAKEN DURING PEACE TIME TO PREVENT EXPLOSIVE ORDNANCE FROM BECOMING ERW

Acquiring greatest International Reliability Standards through Certified Quality/ internationally recognised Quality Assurance Standards

Adequate safety arrangements ensured during production, storage, transportation and testing of munitions

Proof tests conducted periodically to ensure that munitions function correctly. Defected munitions/ lot destroyed under controlled environment

Safe disposal after expiry of shelf life

Proper training of personnel in handling, transportation and storage of explosive ordnance

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MEASURES TAKEN DURING PEACE TIME TO PREVENT EXPLOSIVE ORDNANCE FROM BECOMING ERW

Stockpile Arrangements

– Storage of explosive ordnance according to quantity/ type giving due consideration to weather conditions

– Transparent Safety and Accounting Procedures

Regular maintenance and periodic inspections carried out on weekly, quarterly and yearly basis by expert personnel of ordnance

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UXO REPORTING FORM

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Gen Info

Fmn/Unit Loc

Reported ID Date

Gr (If aval) Time

Area Description

Distance from nearest village / Town Km

Direction from nearest village/Town:

North South North East

South East East WestSouth East

North West South West Unknown

UXO REPORTING FORM

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Type of area:City Fd

Kind of UXO Hazard area:Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) Ammo DumpSuspected Munitions Cluster strike area

Any accident happens in this Area? Yes NO Unknown

Information source:Govt Officials

Civ

Mil

Rd Side

Govt Bldg

Residetial Bldg

Rd for veh

Mil Instl

Path

Others River Bank

Unknown

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Details about UXO

Type (If can be identified)

Loc of UXO If Buried Type ofEntry Hole made by UXO

Parts like TailUnit/nose damaged

Type of Marking visible on UXO

Qty

On Sfc Buried

Comments about UXO loc? (Also att Photograph if possible)

STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES FOR DISPOSAL OF UXO

STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES FOR DISPOSAL OF UXO

On receipt of information UXO disposed off as under:-

– Survey. Thorough survey of the site under supervision of

ammunition expert

– Preparation of Survey Report. Complete survey report

prepared giving recommendations

Methods Used for Disposal of UXO

– On Site Disposal

– Buried UXO

ON SITE DISPOSAL

If the explosive is to be disposed off on site due to technical reasons, the area is evacuated by civilian population and responsibility assigned to law enforcing agencies. After detailed investigation, the disposal phase will begin

Buried UXOAvailability of following is ensured

– Protective work/ shafting

– Digging tools/ equipment

– Dewatering equipment etc

UNBURIED ERW

Fuzes removed for making the explosive safe for transportation If explosive is to be detonated on site following actions will be undertaken:-

– Protective measures– Evacuation of area and placing of

sentries– Liaison with law enforcing agencies– Warning to civilian population – Placing of charges and final

disposal A post demolition report is prepared and recorded

EXPERIENCES IN IMPLEMENTING ARTICLE- 4 OBLIGATIONS

Armed Forces of Pakistan have a rich experience of ERW/

Counter IED Operations both at home and abroad

The EOD units have been playing a lead role in handling of

various major disasters like Ojhri Camp, Nowshera Ammunition

Depot accidents etc

The EOD Experts have been employed on counter IED tasks all

over the country for more than a decade and have made

tremendous contributions in neutralizing/ making safe the IEDs/

UXO in NW parts of Pakistan

EXPERIENCES IN IMPLEMENTING ARTICLE-4 OBLIGATIONS

DE-MINING OPERATIONS DURING INDO-PAKISTAN WARS/ ESCALATION

During 1965/ 1971 Wars mine-laying/ lifting operations were undertaken over approx 1800 kms frontage by 10-15 Engineer Battalions

During Indo-Pak Escalation 2001-2002 mine-laying and lifting operation was undertaken by 25-30 Engineer Battalions over a frontage of 1196 kms

Being one of the largest contributors to UN Peace Keeping Missions

in the world, Pakistan Army Engineers have been participating in UN

Demining operations in Sudan, Cambodia etc

Kuwait Task Force. In 1992-1993, two Engineer Battalions (850 all

ranks) participated in mine field lifting operations over a frontage of

200 kms along Kuwait-Iraq border

INTERNATIONAL DE-MINING EFFORTS By PAKISTANI PEACEKEEPERS

Pakistan Military Demining Company Sudan

The first Demining company started its task (Humanitarian Demining) in Sudan in December 2006, at south eastern border of Sudan, near Ethiopia

The area near Ethiopian border remained under intense/ massive fight between SAF & SPLA for over 22 years and was heavily mined by the opposing forces

The intense fight in the region resulted into the use of massive mines/ UXOs

Efforts of demining company deployed till October 2009 resulted into successful clearance of an area of 22130 sq –m , destruction of 7 UXOs,75 anti personnel and 2 anti tank mines

PAKISTAN MILITARY DEMINING PLATOON-1 (PMDP-1)-SUDAN

Pakistan Military Demining Platoon-1 (PMDP-1) Sudanundertook challenging task for clearance of Minefields near Kurmuk town from October 2009 to Mar 2010. Details are as under:-

– Area cleared - 23,410 Sq-m– UXO found/ destroyed - 02 – Anti-personnel Mines found/ destroyed- 86

Other UN Msns. Pakistan Engineers are actively involved in the safe disposal of ERW and UXO in Liberia, Darfur and Ivory Coast as

well

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PAKISTAN MILITARY DEMINING PLATOON-1 (PMDP-1)-SUDAN

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PAKISTAN MILITARY DEMINING PLATOON-1 (PMDP-1)-SUDAN

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PAKISTAN MILITARY DEMINING PLATOON-1 (PMDP-1)-SUDAN

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Conclusions/Recommendations

Reducing the threat of munitions becoming ERWImportance of information sharing and databaseStrengthening the national proceduresBecomes imperative/ obligation on states to disseminate the information for protection of civilianDisposal/ destruction in accordance with International Mine Action StandardsEffective information management/planningInternational cooperation and assistance Use of General Electronic Template – a useful toolCCW Implementation Support Unit to act as focal point

THANK YOU

QUESTION/ ANSWER SESSION

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MEASURES TAKEN DURING LAW ENFORCEMENT OPERATIONS

Affording protection to Law Enforcement Personnel through Mine Protective Vehicles and jamming devicesProvision of detection capability to the lowest tier of Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs)Introduction of marking/ recording techniques for IED/ UXO using maps/ GPS using latitude/ longitude and grid referencesAvailability of specialized IED/ UXOclearance detachments with deployed units for immediate removal/ destructionProvision of safe and state of the art IED/ UXO removal/ destruction equipment to Specialized EOD Clearance Units

RISK AWARENESS AND EDUCATION

The civil population has been provided information through various means including media, leaflets and interactions about prevailing threat

It has an easy access to concerned services for their removal/ destruction if needed

Special Cadres have been conducted in Swat and NW part of Pakistan for people affected by Law Enforcement Operations for mines and IEDs risk education and awareness

Pakistan Army is in the process of establishing a specialist cadre of Risk Awareness and Education Drive (READ) which would visit the local populace in rural areas and impart IED/ UXO risk awareness and education

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RISK AWARENESS AND EDUCATION

Pakistan Army owing to the recent Law Enforcement experiences, has refined the procedures for avoiding threat IED/ UXO to civiliansby adopting the following procedure:– Voluntary evacuation of the civilian population from areas expected

to be affected by Law Enforcement Operations– Recording of munitions used in a sector– Thorough ground search/ scanning of the areas of operations by

Specialized EOD Clearance Units for removal/ destruction of any UXO/ IED

– Re-induction of civilian population after declaring the areas safe for living/ earning livelihood

– Introduction of UXO/ IED reporting form44

THANK YOU