In a significant development for Pakistan, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague has directed India to suspend its hydroelectric projects and maintain the provisions of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT). The court affirmed that the treaty remains fully valid, stating that India lacks any legitimate grounds to terminate or suspend the agreement.
Furthermore, the court announced that a neutral expert, appointed by the World Bank, will assess by July 2027 whether the construction of hydroelectric plants in the Himalayan region complies with the treaty’s terms. This decision underscores the treaty’s continued relevance despite recent tensions between the two nations.
Meanwhile, the Indian foreign ministry has firmly rejected the court’s ruling, emphasizing its categorical opposition to the Permanent Court of Arbitration’s order. The dispute escalated after India suspended the treaty following the killing of 26 people in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir in April 2025. India accused Pakistan of orchestrating the militant attack, an allegation that Pakistan has consistently denied.
Based on these accusations, India launched a military offensive against Pakistan in May 2025, resulting in the most intense fighting between the neighboring countries in decades. The conflict eventually ended with a ceasefire brokered by the United States.
The arbitration process at The Hague was initiated after Pakistan requested the establishment of a court under Article IX of the Indus Waters Treaty, which outlines mechanisms for resolving water-related disputes between the two countries. This legal proceeding marks a crucial step in addressing the ongoing conflict over water resources.
The situation remains fluid, with further updates expected as the story develops.
