UNITED NATIONS – AZA partner Shahmeer Halepota served on a five-person panel at the United Nations on Sept. 11, discussing a water crisis in Pakistan and the ramifications and rights created under an international water rights treaty.
Mr. Halepota, who has substantial international law experience, was asked to analyze methods that the Indus Waters Treaty can be revitalized and preserved given recent geopolitical tensions. This 1960 treaty between Pakistan, India and the World Bank governs water rights in the region, including the development of hydroelectric projects.
His remarks covered the World Bank playing a more active role, the International Court of Justice issuing an advisory opinion on India’s declared abeyance and the adoption of modern arbitration procedural mechanisms.
The panel discussion “The Indus Waters Treaty & Pakistan’s Water Crisis: Challenges and the Way Forward” was hosted by the Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the United Nations.
Also on the panel were Pakistan’s ambassador to the United Nations, two experts from the World Bank and a prominent Pakistani appellate advocate who was the youngest attorney to argue before Pakistan’s Supreme Court. Here is a link to the panel discussion: https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1i/k1i14khk6j.
“It was an honor to take part in this discussion alongside such accomplished panelists, particularly given the current geopolitical situation that can be addressed through cooperation and the treaty’s legal mechanisms,” said Mr. Halepota.
Mr. Halepota’s previous arbitration experience includes successfully representing the Republic of South Sudan in an ICSID dispute against Sudapet Co. Ltd. concerning disputed oil interests valued at over $1 billion; helping secure a $700 million award for a satellite and telecommunications company against the Indian space agency in a Delhi-seated ICC arbitration concerning the repudiation of a long-term lease agreement; and obtaining a complete take-nothing award in a $150 million oil and gas dispute.
AZA, or Ahmad, Zavitsanos & Mensing, is a Houston-based law firm that is home to true courtroom lawyers with a formidable track record in complex commercial litigation, including energy, healthcare, intellectual property and business dispute cases. AZA was recognized again by Chambers USA 2025 as among the best in Texas in commercial law and intellectual property; the firm has been listed by Best Lawyers’ Best Law Firms as one of the country’s best commercial litigation firms for 13 years; has been named Litigation Department of the Year by Texas Lawyer three times; and was previously dubbed a Texas Powerhouse law firm by Law360.