Pakistan has welcomed a recent ruling by the Court of Arbitration that supports its long-standing position on the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT). The verdict, announced on August 8, 2025, and published on the Court’s website this week, addresses key issues concerning the interpretation of the treaty and the design of run-of-river hydropower projects that India plans to build on the Western Rivers (Chenab, Jhelum, and Indus.)

According to the Foreign Office, the Court has reaffirmed that India must ensure the uninterrupted flow of Western River waters for Pakistan’s use, with only limited exceptions strictly defined under the treaty. The judgment clarifies that these exceptions cannot be expanded based on India’s preferred “best practices” or alternative engineering approaches.

The decision also aligns with Pakistan’s interpretation on several technical points, including restrictions on low-level outlets, gated spillways, turbine intakes, and pondage volumes, thereby curbing India’s ability to alter water flows in ways that could affect downstream use.

Crucially, the Court underscored that its rulings are final and binding on both parties, setting a precedent for future disputes. It also acknowledged Pakistan’s position as the vulnerable downstream riparian, noting that the treaty’s main purpose is to clearly define water rights while fostering cooperation and providing a reliable dispute resolution mechanism.

The award comes at a sensitive time, following India’s announcement to suspend the treaty’s implementation and its earlier decision to boycott the Court’s proceedings. For Pakistan, the outcome serves as both a legal win and an international validation of its stance.

Reaffirming its commitment to the IWT, Pakistan has called on India to resume normal treaty operations and fully comply with the Court’s decision.