Pakistan Welcomes Court of Arbitration Ruling on Indus Waters Treaty

ISLAMABAD — Pakistan has welcomed the August 8 ruling of the Court of Arbitration on the General Interpretation of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), calling it a significant endorsement of its longstanding position on India’s planned run-of-river hydro power projects on the Western Rivers.

In a statement on Monday, the Foreign Office said the award outlines clear design criteria for new Indian run-of-river hydro power projects on the Chenab, Jhelum, and Indus rivers. The court ruled that India must ensure the waters of these rivers remain available for Pakistan’s unrestricted use, with any exceptions for hydroelectric generation strictly conforming to treaty provisions rather than India’s preferred “best practices” approach.

The Court’s conclusions on low-level outlets, gated spillways, turbine intakes, and freeboard requirements align with Pakistan’s interpretation of the treaty. The award also imposes limits on India’s pondage capacity, preventing excessive water storage that could affect downstream flows.

The Court reaffirmed that its awards are final, binding on both countries, and set a legal precedent for future arbitration or neutral expert proceedings. Recognizing Pakistan’s vulnerability as a downstream state, the ruling stressed that the treaty aims to clearly define rights and obligations while promoting cooperation and effective dispute resolution.

The decision comes amid heightened tensions, following India’s recent announcement to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty and its earlier boycott of the arbitration process. Pakistan considers the ruling a validation of its historical stance on treaty interpretation and water rights.

“Pakistan remains committed to the full implementation of the Indus Waters Treaty and expects India to resume its normal functioning in line with the Court’s award,” the Foreign Office spokesperson said.

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