Islamabad: The Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) has issued a significant ruling ordering India to release the waters of the western rivers for Pakistan without any obstruction, allowing Pakistan full and unrestricted use of these waters.
According to details, the court made it clear in its verdict that the decision is final and binding on both parties. It further stated that India is not permitted to store excessive amounts of water from these rivers, which could affect Pakistan’s allocated share.
Pakistan has welcomed the decision, describing it as a strong endorsement of its long-standing position. The Foreign Office spokesperson stated that Pakistan is committed to full implementation of the Indus Waters Treaty and expects India to comply with the verdict promptly and completely.
The ruling, which was delivered on August 8 and has now been published on the court’s website, also outlines the technical standards for India’s hydropower projects on the western rivers.
The decision upheld Pakistan’s stance regarding low-level outlets, gated spillways, and turbine intakes. Pakistan expects India to immediately resume compliance with the treaty and to implement the arbitration court’s decision in its true spirit.
It is noteworthy that in April, India unilaterally announced the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty following an attack in Pahalgam, Indian-occupied Kashmir, in which 26 people were killed. Without presenting any evidence, New Delhi blamed Islamabad for the incident. Pakistan rejected the accusation, calling the suspension a “war-like act,” and stressed that the treaty contains no provision for unilateral suspension.
