Pakistan

Little information is available on anti-personnel (AP) mine contamination, survey, and clearance in Pakistan, where there is no civilian mine action programme. Pakistan has stated that landmines are essential for defence purposes given its vast land borders, though it claims to have cleared AP mines laid on the border with India in 2001–02, and there is little evidence that it has used them in recent years. Pakistan claims that it does not use mines to maintain internal order or for counter-terrorism purposes. However, reports of AP mine explosions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan persist, and though non-State armed groups (NSAGs) are likely to bear responsibility, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa at least, it is possible that some are legacy AP mines involving the Pakistan security forces.

• Pakistan should accede to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention (APMBC) as a matter of priority.
• In the meantime, Pakistan should clear AP mines in areas under its jurisdiction or control as soon as possible, consonant with its obligations under international human rights law to protect life.
• Pakistan should report publicly on the extent and location of AP mined areas and prepare a plan for their clearance.

Click here to download the "Clearing the Mines 2025" report for Pakistan.