Pakistan has urged the United Nations to prevent shared water resources from being used as a means of political pressure, coercion or conflict. The issue was raised during the 63rd session of the UN Human Rights Council as members considered a resolution on the human right to safe drinking water and sanitation.
Pakistan’s First Secretary Adeel Mumtaz Khokhar addressed the council during consideration of draft resolution A/HRC/63/L.34, titled “The human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation.” The resolution was introduced by Germany and Spain and was ultimately adopted without a vote.
Khokhar stressed Pakistan’s position that countries sharing water resources also have shared responsibilities. He argued that transboundary water cooperation is directly connected to access to safe drinking water and sanitation and should be managed through cooperation and established international principles.
During the discussion, Pakistan also raised concerns about India’s approach to the Indus Waters Treaty and described what it called the “weaponisation of water.” These statements represent Pakistan’s position in the council debate; India has disputed Pakistan’s characterisation of the issue.
th each receiving 10 votes in favour, 17 against and nine abstentions. The main resolution, A/HRC/63/L.34, was then adopted without a vote.
