Pakistan has acknowledged the recent clarifications issued by the Arbitration Court concerning the Indus Waters Treaty, following its request for dispute resolution against India. The Foreign Office confirmed that the proceedings before the court will continue in a phased manner as part of the ongoing dispute resolution process between the two neighboring countries.
According to the Foreign Office spokesperson, the Arbitration Court’s latest decision addressed the general interpretation of its jurisdiction and procedural framework.
Pakistan described these as “useful clarifications” that would help guide the course of the ongoing legal process. The spokesperson further noted that Pakistan has duly taken note of a procedural order that accompanied the court’s clarification.
Despite India’s absence from the Arbitration Court proceedings, Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to the dispute resolution process and expressed its intent to continue participating in good faith. The Arbitration Court will continue to consider the parallel proceedings taking place before the impartial expert, which were initially established at India’s request to address technical aspects of the dispute.
The next phase of the impartial expert’s proceedings is scheduled to take place in Vienna from November 17 to 21. While India has opted not to participate, Pakistan emphasized that its absence will not impede the progress of the case.
The Foreign Office reiterated that Pakistan remains dedicated to upholding the principles and framework of the Indus Waters Treaty, which has governed water-sharing arrangements between the two countries since 1960.
The ongoing arbitration represents a significant step in addressing differences over the implementation of the treaty, particularly concerning water projects and usage rights on shared rivers.
Pakistan’s active engagement underscores its position that the treaty’s dispute resolution mechanisms must be respected and that both sides should work toward equitable and rule-based management of the Indus river system in line with international obligations.
