Pakistan welcomes the Permanent Court of Arbitration's ruling on the Indus Waters Treaty

Islamabad, Sept 2 (KUNA) -- The Pakistani Foreign Ministry on Wednesday welcomed the Permanent Court of Arbitration’s decision, which reaffirmed that the Indus Waters Treaty remains in full force and binding. Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi, speaking at the ministry’s weekly press briefing, said the court in The Hague had again confirmed that the Indus Waters Treaty is fully operative and binding, rejecting India’s unilateral attempt to place the treaty under so-called “suspension.” He added that the court’s unanimous decision constitutes an important affirmation of the sanctity of the Indus Waters Treaty and the rule of international law. The spokesperson clarified that the court “confirmed that India’s alleged decision to suspend the treaty does not relieve it of its obligations under the treaty, and that the dispute settlement mechanism stipulated in the treaty remains in force and effective.” He noted that the interim measure concerning the Ratle hydropower project further underscores that rights and obligations set forth in the treaty cannot be altered or nullified through unilateral actions, expressing welcome for “these clear and decisive statements that reaffirm our firm position that disputes related to the Indus Waters Treaty must be addressed carefully within the framework of the treaty and in accordance with international law.” The Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague issued its decision last Monday on the status of the Indus Waters Treaty, affirming that the treaty remains fully in force and that India must comply with its commitments under it, including those related to the design and operation of its hydropower projects on the western rivers. India had suspended the implementation of the 65-year-old Indus Waters Treaty in response to last year’s attack in the Pahalgam area of Indian-administered Kashmir, which left 26 people dead. India accused Pakistan of being behind the incident, while Islamabad firmly denied the allegation. (End) S.B.K / F.S