ISLAMABAD, Nov 11 (APP):Federal Minister for Law and Justice Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar on Wednesday stressed that adherence to international law, treaties and established global norms was essential for lasting peace in South Asia, urging Pakistan and India to resolve their disputes through dialogue and mechanisms provided by the United Nations rather than the use of force. Delivering the keynote address at the Margalla Dialogue, the minister said the shared …
Azam Nazeer Tarar calls for resolving Pakistan-India disputes through dialogue, international law
ISLAMABAD, Nov 11 (APP):Federal Minister for Law and Justice Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar on Wednesday stressed that adherence to international law, treaties and established global norms was essential for lasting peace in South Asia, urging Pakistan and India to resolve their disputes through dialogue and mechanisms provided by the United Nations rather than the use of force.
Delivering the keynote address at the Margalla Dialogue, the minister said the shared history, geography and sensitivities of the two countries made it imperative to pursue peaceful solutions through international agreements and multilateral institutions.
Referring to the recent escalation, Senator Tarar said Pakistan had offered to facilitate an independent investigation into the incident by any country or agency in the world. However, instead of pursuing the offer and available diplomatic and legal mechanisms, the path of military aggression was chosen, he added.
He said disregard for the rule of law and established international mechanisms ultimately affected people on both sides, stressing that domestic and international rule of law remained the foundation for fair and sustainable dispute resolution.
Describing the Indus Waters Treaty as a unique and successful international agreement, the minister said it had remained in force for more than six decades despite wars and tensions between Pakistan and India.
He said the treaty, facilitated by the World Bank, provided a structured framework for water distribution, information exchange and dispute resolution through the Permanent Indus Commission, a Neutral Expert and a Court of Arbitration.
Senator Tarar maintained that the treaty did not provide for unilateral termination and required mutual consent of both parties. He said India’s announcement of unilateral suspension of the treaty was contrary to its spirit and the fundamental principles of international law, particularly the rights of a lower riparian state.
The minister said states had two broad choices for resolving disputes: the use of force or settlement through law, dialogue and institutional mechanisms. In the modern era, he added, the use of force carried grave and long-lasting consequences.
He emphasised that diplomacy, engagement and international legal frameworks should be prioritised to prevent conflict and its devastating consequences for the region.
Senator Tarar expressed hope that countries in the region would use international law and available multilateral mechanisms to resolve their disputes peacefully.
