Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has hailed the Permanent Court of Arbitration’s latest ruling on the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) as a major diplomatic victory for Pakistan, affirming that India cannot suspend the treaty or halt dispute resolution processes without mutual consent.
In a statement issued by the PM Office, Shehbaz said the decision reinforces Pakistan’s long-standing stance on protecting its water rights. “Water is the lifeline of our nation, and we are fully committed to preserving every drop,” he said, also applauding Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar and Attorney General Mansoor Awan for their legal efforts.
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The Court of Arbitration issued a “Supplemental Award” clarifying that the treaty—signed in 1960—does not allow either country to act unilaterally to suspend or delay dispute resolution mechanisms. The award directly rejected India’s position of placing the treaty in “abeyance.”
The ruling underlines that the treaty remains binding unless both parties agree to terminate it. Pakistan’s Foreign Office welcomed the verdict, calling it a significant validation of the country’s commitment to legal and peaceful means of conflict resolution.
