PM hails court of Arbitration verdict on Indus waters dispute

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has welcomed the interim award issued by the Court of Arbitration under the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) regarding the Indus Waters dispute.

He stated that the ruling has reinforced Pakistan’s position that India cannot unilaterally suspend the Indus Waters Treaty. “Water is our lifeline, and we are actively working on water resource management,” the Prime Minister added.

Prime Minister Shehbaz also appreciated the efforts of Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar and Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan for their contributions in the legal proceedings.

On the other hand, Central Spokesperson for Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians, Shazia Marri, has welcomed the ruling by the Court of Arbitration on the Indus Waters Treaty, stating that the decision has validated Pakistan’s long-held position.

“India cannot be allowed to escape its responsibilities under the treaty,” she said, adding that Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari had effectively raised Pakistan’s case on the Indus Waters issue at international forums.

Commenting on the ruling from The Hague, Marri noted, “India’s claim of ‘suspension’ cannot affect the court’s jurisdiction. Unilaterally suspending the treaty is unacceptable under international law.”

She affirmed that the Indus Waters Treaty remains fully in force and cannot be altered unilaterally. “Thanks to Chairman Bilawal Bhutto’s diplomatic efforts, Pakistan’s stance was effectively presented to the international community.”

Terming the ruling a legal victory for Pakistan, Marri highlighted that the international court dismissed India’s objections. “Despite India’s absence, the court proceeded with the arbitration, underscoring that halting the dispute resolution process unilaterally is a blatant violation of the treaty.”