United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNCOPUOS)

UNCOPUOS is an international forum facilitated by the United Nations Office of Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) with the mandate to discuss current and future developments and issues, and provides a forum to states to exchange views related to the outer space activities and their peaceful uses for the benefit of all humankind. UNCOPUOS annually organizes main plenary session, Scientific & Technical Subcommittee session and Legal Subcommittee session in which all member states are invited to participate and share their position/stance on a pre-set.

Pakistan is an active member of UNCOPUOS and regularly participates in its annual sessions and working group meetings. Pakistan is also party to all five UN treaties on international space law governing the peaceful uses of outer space, namely:

Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space (Outer Space Treaty – 1967)

• Agreement on the Rescue of Astronauts, the Return of Astronauts and the Return of Objects Launched into Outer Space (Rescue Agreement – 1968)
• Convention on International Liability for Damage Caused by Space Objects (Liability Convention – 1972)
• Convention on Registration of Objects Launched into Outer Space (Registration Convention – 1976)
• Agreement Governing the Activities of States on the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies (Moon Agreement – 1979)