In a significant development, the government of Pakistan has revealed that an arbitration court has supported Pakistan’s legal position on the Indus Waters Treaty after India illegally announced unilateral suspension of the treaty last month.
The Government of Pakistan has welcomed the decision of the Permanent Court of Justice (PCJ) on the Indus Waters Treaty.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has a clear position in this regard that Pakistan is ready for meaningful talks with India on all outstanding issues, including Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, water, trade and terrorism.
The Arbitration Court’s role remains key. India’s suspension does not affect the court’s authority. The court will continue its work. The Indus Waters Treaty has no clause for unilateral suspension. Both Pakistan and India must agree to suspend it.
Furthermore, India cannot halt arbitration proceedings alone. Blocking the arbitrator’s role violates the treaty’s dispute resolution process. The court states India has no right to stop proceedings. The Arbitration Court will continue resolving disputes.
In 2016, Pakistan challenged India’s construction of water reservoirs on western rivers. India requested an impartial expert. The court rejected India’s attempt to suspend proceedings.
According to details, the court has also remarked that the Indus Waters Treaty will continue to apply unless there is a unanimous decision of Pakistan and India to suspend it.
The Arbitration Court will continue to play its responsible, fair and effective role in resolving disputes regarding the Indus Waters Treaty.
