International Court declares India’s suspension of Indus Waters Treaty Illegal, Supports Pakistan
Pakistan has welcomed the decision of the Permanent Court of Arbitration, which ruled that India’s unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty is illegal. The court also dismissed India’s attempt to limit the role of arbitration, affirming that no party has the right to suspend the treaty on its own.
The arbitration court supported Pakistan’s stance, stating that India’s actions violate the spirit and terms of the agreement signed between the two countries. The decision is being seen as a significant diplomatic win for Pakistan.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the verdict, calling it an important success. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s willingness to engage in meaningful dialogue with India on key issues such as Kashmir, water rights, trade, and terrorism.
The court clearly stated that India has no right to block arbitration proceedings under the treaty unilaterally. The ruling emphasized that any suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty must be agreed upon by both nations, and it will remain in effect without mutual consent.
The dispute dates back to 2016, when Pakistan objected to India’s unauthorized construction of water reservoirs on western rivers. India requested a neutral expert instead of arbitration, but later tried to suspend the treaty altogether—an effort now firmly rejected by the court.
Pakistan called the decision a milestone and pledged to continue resolving disputes through legal means under the treaty.
