Pakistan Welcomes Court of Arbitration’s Decision on Indus Waters Treaty
Pakistan has welcomed the recent decision of the Court of Arbitration regarding the interpretation of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT). The ruling, announced on August 8, 2025, and published on the Court’s official website on Monday, addresses key issues related to hydropower projects on the Western Rivers.
According to a statement from the Foreign Office Spokesperson, the decision clarifies the design criteria for new run-of-river hydropower projects that India may construct on the Chenab, Jhelum, and Indus rivers. The Court emphasized that India must allow the waters of the Western Rivers to flow for Pakistan’s unrestricted use, with any hydropower generation meeting the exact requirements set out in the Treaty.
The ruling supports Pakistan’s position on matters such as low-level outlets, gated spillways, turbine intakes, and freeboard specifications. It also restricts the maximum pondage volume for such projects.
Importantly, the Court reaffirmed that its Awards are final and binding on both parties and have a guiding influence on future dispute resolution cases under the Treaty. It recognized Pakistan’s status as the downstream riparian and highlighted the Treaty’s aim of defining the rights and obligations of both countries while encouraging cooperation.
This decision comes in the context of India’s recent announcement to suspend certain aspects of the Treaty and its earlier choice not to participate in the Court proceedings. The Foreign Office described the Award as an affirmation of Pakistan’s longstanding position on these matters.
Pakistan has reiterated its commitment to fully implementing the Indus Waters Treaty and has expressed hope that India will resume the normal operation of the Treaty in line with the Court’s decision.
