Islamabad: In a bold diplomatic move, Pakistan has called on India to immediately reinstate the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), suspended by New Delhi since May, following a landmark ruling by the Court of Arbitration in its favour.
The plea comes just days after the court’s 8 August verdict, which interpreted key provisions of the 1960 treaty to Islamabad’s advantage. The treaty, brokered by the World Bank, governs the distribution of waters from the Indus River system between India and Pakistan.
Suspension linked to Pahalgam terror attack
India halted its participation in the treaty’s mechanisms after the 22 April Pahalgam terror attack, which it blamed on Pakistan-based elements. The suspension formed part of a series of punitive measures announced by New Delhi against Islamabad.
Court ruling strengthens Pakistan’s position
Pakistan’s Foreign Office hailed the Court of Arbitration’s award, published on its website on 11 August.
“In a significant finding, the Court has declared that India shall ‘let flow’ the waters of the Western Rivers for Pakistan’s unrestricted use,” the statement read.
The ruling also clarified that exceptions for hydropower generation must strictly adhere to treaty requirements, rather than India’s interpretation of “best practices.”
Key points backed Pakistan’s stance on contentious technical issues such as low-level outlets, gated spillways, turbine intakes, and free-board. It also limited India’s ability to maximise pondage volumes for run-of-river projects.
Legal weight and downstream vulnerability
The court stressed that its awards are “final and binding” on both nations and carry “controlling legal effect” on future disputes. It reaffirmed Pakistan’s position as the downstream riparian and the treaty’s role in defining the rights and obligations of both sides while fostering cooperation.
Islamabad urges swift reversal of suspension
The Foreign Office emphasised the urgency of India’s compliance:
“Pakistan remains committed to full implementation of the Indus Waters Treaty. It also expects India to immediately resume the normal functioning of the Treaty, and faithfully implement the Award announced by the Court of Arbitration.”
While India has previously rejected arbitration on project designs, the latest verdict gives Islamabad new leverage to press New Delhi to return to the negotiating table.