ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) and confirmed its full participation in the Neutral Expert proceedings, even as India has chosen to withdraw from the process.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) said that the Neutral Expert proceedings—originally initiated at India’s request—will move forward in Vienna from November 17 to 21, 2025. The Neutral Expert has ruled that India’s non-participation cannot hinder or block the continuation of these proceedings.
treaty.The Foreign Office further highlighted that Pakistan had taken note of a Procedural Order issued by the Court of Arbitration, which confirmed that the Court would continue arbitration in phases, while considering developments in the neutral expert case under Article IX and Annexure F of the Treaty.
Level andAdditionally, Pakistan acknowledged the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) decision from November 8, 2025, which provided key clarifications to its earlier August 8, 2025, award. The PCA confirmed that no design elements of India’s hydroelectric projects should artificially raise water levels beyond the permitted Full Pondage Level, and that such design rules are mandatory during project planning, not replaceable by operational adjustments.
neutral expert’sThe Court reaffirmed that arbitration would continue in a phased manner, inviting both countries to submit written observations on the Neutral Expert’s progress and future arbitration steps.
treaty’sIn its August 8 award, the PCA also reiterated that India must “let flow” the western rivers’ waters for Pakistan’s unrestricted use, describing the ruling as final and binding. The award recognized Pakistan’s rights as the downstream riparian, emphasizing that the Treaty’s purpose is to define both nations’ obligations while ensuring mutual cooperation and effective dispute resolution.
India had unilaterally suspended its participation in the IWT after accusing Pakistan of involvement in an April 2025 militant attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK)—an allegation Islamabad strongly denies.
it andSigned in 1960 under World Bank mediation, the Indus Waters Treaty remains a cornerstone of regional water cooperation. The treaty provides no legal basis for either country to unilaterally suspend or terminate it, and includes a structured dispute resolution framework.
courtPakistan reiterated that it will continue to uphold the IWT’s full implementation and urged India to resume its participation and honor the treaty’s obligations and Court rulings.
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