Pakistan Welcomes Hague Court Ruling Affirming Indus Waters Treaty Remains in Force

Photo: Collected

Staff Correspondent: The Government of Pakistan has welcomed a unanimous ruling by the Court of Arbitration in The Hague affirming that the Indus Waters Treaty remains fully in force and that India’s decision to place the treaty in “abeyance” is not permissible under the treaty or applicable international law.
In a press release, Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said the Court of Arbitration has issued its Award on the Status of the Indus Waters Treaty and its Decision on Interim Measures to the parties. The detailed Award and Decision are expected to be published within the next week or so.
‎According to the Court’s findings cited by Pakistan, India’s decision to put the treaty in “abeyance” does not have legal effect. The Court unanimously concluded that the treaty “has not been terminated or its operation suspended and rather remains fully in force.”
‎The Court further determined that India remains bound by its obligations under the Indus Waters Treaty, including provisions concerning the design and operation of hydro-electric projects on the Western Rivers and the treaty’s dispute-settlement mechanisms.
‎Pakistan welcomed the findings, describing them as an affirmation of the treaty’s continuing legal validity and the obligations of both parties.
‎The Government of Pakistan also welcomed the Court’s unanimous decision to impose interim measures concerning the construction of India’s Ratle Hydroelectric Power Project (RHEP). Under the measures, India has been prohibited from concreting the RHEP dam wall and power intake structure above specified levels until 90 days after the Neutral Expert issues a final decision, which is expected in July 2027.
‎The Court has also imposed a reporting requirement concerning the project’s construction schedule, which will remain in effect until shortly after the Neutral Expert’s final decision.
‎Pakistan said it will carefully examine the details of the Award and Decision once they are formally published and assess how the findings can contribute to restoring engagement between the two countries under the Indus Waters Treaty.
‎The government expressed hope that the developments could help establish a pathway for renewed engagement in a manner consistent with the binding legal obligations of both India and Pakistan under the treaty.