ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has welcomed an arbitral tribunal’s ruling declaring India’s move to place the Indus Waters Treaty in “suspension” or abeyance unacceptable under the treaty and international law, the Ministry of Information said.
According to the ministry, the tribunal ruled that the Indus Waters Treaty has neither expired nor been suspended and remains fully in force.
The ministry said India continues to be bound by all of its obligations under the treaty, including provisions governing the design and operation of hydroelectric projects on the western rivers.
Pakistan welcomed the tribunal’s decision on the treaty’s status, describing it as an affirmation of the continuing validity of the agreement.
The ministry said the tribunal also unanimously imposed interim measures concerning India’s Ratle Hydro-Electric Project.
Under the measures, India cannot concrete the Ratle dam wall and power intake structure above levels specified by the tribunal.
The restrictions will remain in force until 90 days after the Neutral Expert issues a final decision on whether the Ratle project complies with the treaty, which is expected in July 2027.
The tribunal also imposed a reporting mechanism requiring information on the construction schedule of the Ratle project, the ministry said.
Pakistan also welcomed the interim measures, saying the tribunal’s decisions could help create conditions for India and Pakistan to return to engagement under the framework of the Indus Waters Treaty.
The Ministry of Information said the government would carefully review the tribunal’s detailed award and order once they are formally published.
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