Islamabad (Web Desk):Pakistan’s Foreign Office has welcomed the Permanent Court of Arbitration’s (PCA) recent supplemental award regarding the Indus Waters Treaty, urging India to immediately resume the treaty’s operations. India had suspended the treaty unilaterally in May following a violent attack in Kashmir, escalating tensions between the two countries.
The PCA reaffirmed its jurisdiction over the ongoing dispute concerning the Kishenganga and Ratle hydroelectric projects, declaring that India’s decision to hold the treaty in abeyance was unlawful. According to the court, the treaty remains fully in force unless both parties mutually agree to terminate it, and neither country has the right to suspend it independently.
Pakistan described the PCA’s ruling as a clear validation of its position and called on India to honor its treaty commitments without delay. The Foreign Office also expressed hope for renewed dialogue with India on broader issues, including Kashmir, water sharing, trade, and counterterrorism efforts.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs rejected the PCA’s decision, stating it does not recognize the arbitration court and defended its suspension of the treaty as a sovereign act linked to Pakistan’s alleged support for cross-border terrorism.
The PCA emphasized that unilateral suspension of the treaty undermines the dispute resolution mechanism and stressed the importance of continuing diplomatic engagement.