Saturday, March 29, 2025
New Delhi/Islamabad, July 1, 2025 — In a major diplomatic appeal, Pakistan on Monday called upon India to immediately resume the implementation of the Indus Waters Treaty, which New Delhi had suspended following the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam. The appeal came after the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague issued a supplementary ruling that affirmed the treaty’s legal validity and operational status.
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar welcomed the decision, saying it reaffirmed that the treaty remains binding and cannot be unilaterally revoked by either side. In a post on social media platform X, Dar stated, “The award confirms that the Indus Waters Treaty is fully valid and operational. India cannot suspend it unilaterally. Nations are measured by their adherence to international agreements. The treaty must be upheld in both letter and spirit.”
The row began when Pakistan raised objections to design elements of two hydroelectric projects—Kishanganga and Ratle—being developed by India under the treaty framework. Pakistan took the dispute to arbitration, despite India never officially acknowledging the legitimacy of the arbitration panel, asserting instead that it preferred bilateral resolution mechanisms outlined in the treaty itself.
India had suspended participation in the treaty a day after the Pahalgam terror attack, citing national security concerns and accusing Pakistan of failing to curb cross-border terrorism. India also rejected the court’s jurisdiction in the matter, stating that the arbitration mechanism being followed lacked mutual consent and thus violated the principles of the treaty.
However, Pakistan’s Foreign Office released a statement on Monday emphasizing that the June 27 supplemental award by the arbitration court validated Pakistan’s longstanding position. “The decision confirms that the Indus Waters Treaty is legitimate and functioning, and India has no authority to act unilaterally,” the statement read.
Pakistan urged India to resume regular treaty operations and fulfill its obligations honestly and fully, in the interest of regional peace and stability.
The Indus Waters Treaty, brokered by the World Bank in 1960, has long been seen as one of the most resilient water-sharing agreements in the world. It has withstood multiple wars and conflicts between India and Pakistan. However, recent tensions and terror-related incidents have led to increased friction over its enforcement.
The ruling by the PCA now adds legal pressure on India to re-engage in treaty obligations, though New Delhi has so far shown no signs of reversing its suspension.
