ISLAMABAD (Rana Tariq) In a landmark decision, the Court of Arbitration has sided with Pakistan on key issues over the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), ruling that India must strictly adhere to the Treaty’s limits in building run-of-river hydropower projects on the Western Rivers — Chenab, Jhelum, and Indus.

The Award, announced on 8 August 2025 and released today, confirms that India is obligated to “let flow” the waters of the Western Rivers for Pakistan’s unrestricted use, with no room for “ideal” or “best practice” deviations beyond the Treaty’s exact provisions.

The Court upheld Pakistan’s stance on vital design parameters, including restrictions on low-level outlets, gated spillways, turbine intakes, free-board, and pondage volume. It also reaffirmed that its decisions are final, binding, and set legal precedents for future disputes.

The ruling comes as India has recently suspended participation in the Treaty’s mechanisms and boycotted the proceedings — a move Pakistan says undermined cooperation. Islamabad hails the decision as a clear endorsement of its legal and technical position, urging New Delhi to restore normal Treaty operations and comply fully with the ruling.

Pakistan says it remains firmly committed to the Treaty’s implementation, calling it a cornerstone for water security and regional stability.