ISLAMABAD: Pakistan convened an Arria-Formula meeting of the United Nations Security Council on January 30 to raise concerns over India’s unilateral measures related to the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), which Islamabad maintains violate international law.
Organized under the theme “Upholding the Sanctity of Treaties,” the informal session brought together delegates from 40 UN member states representing various regions. India chose not to attend the meeting.
Arria-Formula meetings are informal and closed consultations of the Security Council that may be initiated by any member state. The format allows for open dialogue with senior representatives of international organizations, non-governmental entities, and states that are not members of the Council.
Expert briefings were delivered by David Nanopoulos of the UN Office of Legal Affairs, Ahmer Bilal Soofi, President of the Research Society of International Law, Prince Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein, head of the International Peace Institute, and Professor Adil Najam from Boston University.
The speakers highlighted that international agreements carry binding legal force and play a critical role in maintaining predictability and stability in international relations. They cautioned that disregard for international law could undermine collective security frameworks.
Several participants described India’s decision to unilaterally suspend the Indus Waters Treaty as a serious breach of its legal commitments, warning that the move could have long-term implications at both regional and global levels.
Pakistan reiterated that the Indus Waters Treaty remains in force and emphasized that the dispute settlement mechanisms enshrined in the treaty are binding on both parties.
Delegations participating in the meeting underscored the importance of treaties such as the Indus Waters Treaty in ensuring regional stability and preventing conflict.
