Pakistan Hails Court Ruling on Indus Waters Treaty Dispute
Pakistan has welcomed the recent award announced by the Court of Arbitration on August 8, 2025, concerning the interpretation of the Indus Waters Treaty. The decision, published on the Court’s official website, addresses longstanding disputes over India’s construction of new run-of-river hydropower projects on the Western Rivers—Chenab, Jhelum, and Indus.
In a detailed statement, the Foreign Office Spokesperson said the Award clarifies the design criteria for such projects and reinforces Pakistan’s right to unrestricted use of the Western Rivers. “The Court has ruled that exceptions for hydro-electric plants must strictly follow the Treaty’s provisions, rather than India’s interpretation of what it considers ideal practices,” the spokesperson noted.
The Court’s findings also align with Pakistan’s stance on critical technical elements, including low-level outlets, gated spillways, turbine intakes, free-board, and pondage volume limitations. According to the judgment, the awards of the Court of Arbitration are conclusive, binding and have controlling power on future cases and neutral expert inquiry.
Recognizing Pakistan’s position as the downstream riparian state, the Court reaffirmed that the Indus Waters Treaty aims to define clear rights and obligations for both countries while promoting mutual cooperation and effective dispute resolution mechanisms. This ruling comes amid tensions following India’s earlier announcement to hold the Treaty in abeyance and its boycott of the Court’s proceedings.
Calling the verdict a strong endorsement of Pakistan’s historical stance, the Foreign Office urged India to restore normal treaty operations and fully implement the Award. “Pakistan remains committed to the complete implementation of the Indus Waters Treaty and expects India to act in good faith to uphold its obligations,” the spokesperson concluded.
