Recently, Pakistan made a unilateral decision to halt the exchange of postal mails with India, a move made without any prior notice. This unexpected move breaches the regulations outlined by the Universal Postal Union (UPU) and contradicts three other formal agreements that previously governed the postal exchange between both countries. These include, the Exchange of Value Payable Article (1948), Exchange of Postal Article (1974), and the International Speed Post Agreement (1987).
Universal Postal Union (UPU) Rules
The Universal Postal Union (UPU) sets down rules that countries must follow should they decide to suspend postal exchange services. These regulations stipulate that countries must notify the operator of the other country, outlining if possible, the duration for which services will be stopped. Furthermore, the UPU’s International Bureau also has to be informed of such a decision according to the rules.
Existing Agreements between India and Pakistan
Beyond the UPU rules, there are also three other agreements which regulate the postal exchange between India and Pakistan. The ‘Exchange of Value Payable Article’ in 1948 laid out terms for payment of posted items. The ‘Exchange of Postal Article’ from 1974 expanded on the 1948 agreement with more comprehensive terms of exchange. Finally, the ‘International Speed Post Agreement’ signed in 1987 streamlined fast delivery services between the two nations.
| Agreement | Year | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Exchange of Value Payable Article | 1948 | Payment of Postal items |
| Exchange of Postal Article | 1974 | Comprehensive Exchange Terms |
| International Speed Post Agreement | 1987 | Fast Delivery Services |
About Universal Postal Union (UPU)
The Universal Postal Union is a specialized agency of the United Nations, having been established in the year 1874 making it the second oldest international organization globally, preceded only by the International Telecommunication Union (1865). With its headquarters situated in Bern, Switzerland, it comprises of 192 member countries.
The UPU is structured into four bodies namely, The Congress, The Council of Administration, The Postal Operations Council, and The International Bureau. The organization’s primary role is to frame rules for international mail exchange and establish rates for international postal services. Additionally, the UPU also functions as an advisory body, provides mediation and liaison services, and offers technical assistance where required. India has been a part of the UPU since 1876.
