License to Kill? On the Legality of Targeted Killings in Pakistan by Drones

Abstract

The US launched its targeted killing campaign in the northwest region of Pakistan in 2004. The human rights organizations, civil society, media, intelligentsia and representatives of all political parties have strongly condemned drone attacks within Pakistan's territory and urged to halt these attacks as they are stirring up anger among masses. Upholding US drone policy, the US administration advocated that drone strikes comply with all applicable laws. In this regard, two important legal aspects come on surface: does Article 51 of the UN Charter authorize the US to conduct drone attacks unilaterally in Pakistan as an act of self-defense or has Pakistan government accorded permission to the US to carry out drone attacks on its territory? This study, while finding the answers of such queries, analyzes the legality of US targeted killing operations in Pakistan and determines whether drone attacks correspond with Pakistan's requirements or counterproductive for peace and security.