Pakistan welcomes Hague court ruling on Indus Waters Treaty

The Government of Pakistan has welcomed a ruling by the Court of Arbitration in The Hague, which unanimously concluded that India’s decision to place the Indus Waters Treaty in “abeyance” is not permissible under the treaty or applicable international law.

In a press release issued by Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on Monday, the government said the court had determined that the treaty “has not been terminated or its operation suspended and rather remains fully in force”.

The court also ruled that India remains bound by its obligations under the treaty, including those concerning the design and operation of hydroelectric projects on the Western Rivers and the associated dispute-settlement mechanisms.

Pakistan welcomed the findings, describing them as an important affirmation of the treaty’s continued legal validity.

The court also unanimously ordered interim measures restricting India from carrying out concreting work on the dam wall and power intake structure of the Ratle Hydroelectric Power Project (RHEP) above certain levels until 90 days after the Neutral Expert issues a final decision, which is expected in July 2027.

In addition, the court imposed a reporting requirement concerning the project’s construction schedule until shortly after the Neutral Expert’s final decision.

“Pakistan welcomes this finding by the Court that interim measures are warranted, as well as the measures ordered by the Court,” the Pakistani government said.

In a post on X, Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said the award “decisively rejects India’s unlawful attempt” to place the treaty in abeyance and reaffirms that it remains fully in force and binding on both parties.

“The Award vindicates Pakistan’s consistent position that a binding international treaty cannot be unilaterally suspended or set aside,” Dar said, adding that India must fully comply with its obligations under the treaty and the binding decisions of its dispute-settlement mechanisms.

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The Pakistani government said it would carefully examine the details of the award and decision once they are published.

It said the findings could help establish a pathway for renewed engagement between India and Pakistan under the Indus Waters Treaty while respecting the binding legal obligations of both sides.

The Court of Arbitration is expected to publish the full award and decision within the next week or so.