ISLAMABAD: Pakistan welcomed the Permanent Court of Arbitration’s ruling, reaffirming that the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) remains fully in force and legally binding, and rejecting India’s unilateral attempt to place the treaty in “abeyance.”
“Pakistan retains all options regarding the follow-up to this decision, as well as the broader issue of India’s weaponization of water. We retain all options. All diplomatic and non-diplomatic options remain on the table,” said the Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson, Tahir Andrabi, during his weekly media briefing on Wednesday.
He added, “The Court confirmed that India’s purported decision to place the Treaty in “abeyance” does not relieve it of its obligations under the Treaty, and that the Treaty’s dispute-settlement mechanisms remain operative. The interim measures concerning the Ratle Hydroelectric Plant further affirm that rights and obligations under the Treaty cannot be altered or displaced through unilateral action.”
These clear and authoritative pronouncements, which vindicate its consistent position that differences concerning the Indus waters must be addressed strictly within the framework of the Treaty and in accordance with international law, the spokesperson pointed out.
On September 1, 2026, the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) at The Hague reaffirmed that the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) remains fully in force and binding, rejecting India’s unilateral attempt to place the treaty in “abeyance.”
The unanimous award of the Court of Arbitration constitutes an important reaffirmation of the sanctity of the Indus Waters Treaty and the rule of international law.
Andrabi said Pakistan remains engaged alongside other brotherly states in sincere efforts to resolve the crisis arising from the standoff between Iran and the United States. In this context, on the sidelines of the SCO Summit in Bishkek, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif met with the President of Iran, Masoud Pezeshkian.
The two leaders discussed the evolving regional situation. The Prime Minister reiterated Pakistan’s sincere commitment to peace through restraint, dialogue, and sustained diplomacy.
The understanding reached under the Islamabad MoU offers the most viable pathway towards lasting peace and stability in the region.
The FO spokesperson stated that progress in Pakistan-Afghan relations hinges on actions and assurances to be given by the Taliban regime. I am not aware of any development or any assurances coming out from Kabul.
Regarding President Trump’s statement that the peace agreement with Iran has lost its value, Andrabi added that, “There’s no question of it being alive or dead or half-dead. This framework for peace is there. Whether the parties agree to resume dialogue, this template of peace, or any similar framework copying this template, will be adopted. We remain positive that the parties will eventually return to the negotiating table.”
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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