ISLAMABAD – July 1, 2025: Pakistan has welcomed a fresh ruling from the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague, which reaffirmed the tribunal’s authority to hear the long-running dispute between Islamabad and New Delhi over key hydropower projects being constructed by India on Western Rivers.
The Foreign Office, in a statement on Monday, praised the court’s “supplemental award” issued on June 27, saying it validated Pakistan’s position that the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) remains fully in force — and cannot be set aside by unilateral Indian declarations.
“This award vindicates Pakistan’s position that the Indus Waters Treaty remains valid and operational, and that India has no right to take unilateral action about it,” the Foreign Office said.
The ruling came in response to India’s controversial decision earlier this year to suspend its obligations under the treaty, citing national interest — a move that Pakistan termed “illegal and unilateral.”
PCA Reasserts Jurisdiction Over Dispute
According to Islamabad, the international court found that it retains full competence to oversee the arbitration proceedings related to India’s Kishenganga and Ratle hydroelectric projects.
“The Court of Arbitration decided to issue this supplemental award in the wake of India’s announcement to hold the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance,” the statement said.
The PCA also reaffirmed that it would continue its work “in a timely, efficient, and fair manner,” despite India’s rejection of the proceedings.
Pakistan Calls for Immediate Resumption of Treaty Obligations
With the latest ruling in hand, Pakistan has now called on India to immediately resume full compliance with the treaty framework and halt any moves that might undermine the long-standing agreement brokered by the World Bank in 1960.
“We urge India to restore the normal functioning of the Indus Waters Treaty without delay and to fulfil its treaty obligations wholly and faithfully,” the Foreign Office stated.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also hailed the court’s determination, calling it a crucial step toward protecting Pakistan’s water rights and ensuring regional stability.
“This is a significant legal confirmation that the treaty is still valid. It strengthens our position and affirms the importance of peaceful, rules-based resolution of disputes,” Dar said.
Dialogue Remains a Priority, FO Says
The Foreign Office further underlined the need for reviving structured dialogue between the two nuclear-armed neighbours — not just on water issues but on all unresolved matters.
“Pakistan remains open to meaningful engagement with India on all outstanding issues — including Jammu and Kashmir, water, trade, and terrorism,” it said, echoing recent remarks by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
While Pakistan welcomed the court’s findings, India responded with outright rejection. Citing a report by The Hindu, India’s Ministry of External Affairs said it “categorically rejected” the supplemental award and reiterated that it does not recognise the PCA’s jurisdiction in the matter.
Despite India’s stance, legal observers believe the tribunal’s continued proceedings could shape the future of regional water management — especially in a time when climate stress and water scarcity are growing concerns across South Asia.
