Pakistan welcomes the Indus Water Treaty award issued by the Court of Arbitration.
In a statement from Islamabad on August 11, the government said the Award, announced on August 8 and posted online today, gives clear guidance on how India must design new run-of-river hydropower projects on the Western Rivers.
Indus Waters Treaty award clarifies project rules and protects Western Rivers
The Court held that India shall let the waters of the Chenab, Jhelum and Indus flow for Pakistan’s unrestricted use.
Any exceptions for power generation must follow the Treaty’s exact requirements, not what India considers ideal or best practice.
The findings cover low level outlets, gated spillways, turbine intakes and freeboard.
They align with Pakistan’s reading of the Treaty.
The Award also restricts India from maximizing pondage volume beyond the limits set in the Treaty.
The Court noted that Awards of a Court of Arbitration are final and binding on both India and Pakistan.
They have a controlling legal effect on later Courts of Arbitration and Neutral Experts.
Recognizing Pakistan’s position as the downstream riparian, the Court said the object and purpose of the Treaty on the Western Rivers is to define rights and obligations, supported by cooperation and effective dispute resolution.
Islamabad called the ruling significant after India’s recent announcement to hold the Treaty in abeyance and its earlier decision to boycott the Court’s proceedings.
Pakistan said the outcome endorses its long held stance on these issues.
Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to full implementation of the Treaty.
It asked India to restore the normal functioning of Treaty mechanisms and to faithfully implement the Indus Water Treaty award without delay.
