Islamabad 12 August: Pakistan has hailed a landmark ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague, which mandates that India must “let flow” the waters of the western rivers—Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab—for Pakistan’s unrestricted use under the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT).
The award, announced on August 8 and publicized on Monday, reinforces Pakistan’s long-standing position on water rights and sets strict guidelines for India’s run-of-river hydropower projects on these rivers.
The PCA’s decision, issued in response to a case initiated by Pakistan in 2016, clarifies that India’s hydroelectric projects must adhere strictly to the IWT’s provisions, rejecting India’s preference for “best practices” that could maximize water storage or power output.
The court emphasized that India must avoid excessive pondage, limit low-level outlets, and position gated spillways at the highest feasible level to ensure minimal interference with water flow to Pakistan, the downstream riparian state.
READ MORE:Which River Does Not Originate from Jammu and Kashmir?
The ruling also affirmed that PCA awards are final, binding, and hold legal authority over future disputes under the treaty.Pakistan’s Foreign Office, through spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan, welcomed the award as a significant endorsement of Pakistan’s interpretation of the IWT.
“This ruling carries special weight given India’s recent attempt to suspend the treaty and its boycott of the arbitration process,” Khan stated, referencing India’s April 2025 announcement to hold the IWT in abeyance following a deadly attack in occupied Kashmir, which New Delhi attributed to Pakistan without evidence.
Pakistan had called the suspension an “act of war,” citing the 1969 Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties.The PCA noted India’s non-participation in the proceedings, despite repeated invitations, but ensured India’s views were considered through past records and public materials.
The court rigorously tested Pakistan’s claims, requesting additional evidence and historical data to validate its stance. The award does not yet address specific projects like Kishenganga and Ratle, with further proceedings planned after consultations with both parties.Pakistan reiterated its commitment to the full implementation of the IWT, urging India to resume normal treaty operations and comply with the PCA’s ruling.
The decision underscores the treaty’s role in balancing the two nations’ rights and obligations, emphasizing mutual cooperation to prevent conflict over this critical shared resource.
