International Court Affirms Pakistan’s Indus Waters Treaty Position, Rejects India’s Suspension Move

Report by “Safarti Tarjuman” International News Desk

HONG KONG — In a significant diplomatic win for Pakistan, the International Court of Arbitration has ruled in its favor on the longstanding Indus Waters Treaty dispute, rejecting India’s unilateral suspension of the agreement as illegitimate. The Government of Pakistan has welcomed the verdict, calling it a validation of its principled position.

In its detailed decision, the arbitration court made clear that India has no right under international law or the treaty itself to suspend the Indus Waters framework. The ruling reaffirmed that the court’s own authority under the treaty remains fully intact and unaffected by India’s actions.

The court noted that after an extensive legal review, there was no clause in the treaty that permitted either party to unilaterally suspend or withdraw from its obligations.

It is worth noting that on April 23, 2025, following a militant attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, India announced the immediate suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and formally informed Pakistan the next day.

Responding to this move, the International Court of Arbitration requested both countries on May 16 to submit written responses addressing the legal impacts of India’s suspension announcement. Pakistan submitted its reply promptly, firmly arguing that India’s unilateral action had no bearing on the treaty’s legal status or on the authority of the court and neutral experts overseeing its implementation.

Pakistan has expressed satisfaction with the Permanent Court of Arbitration’s ruling, which fully endorsed its view and declared India’s attempt to suspend the treaty as legally invalid.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s willingness to engage India in meaningful dialogue on all outstanding issues, including Kashmir, water rights, trade, and counterterrorism, to achieve lasting regional stability.

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