Quetta: Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti on Tuesday welcomed the unanimous decision of the International Court of Arbitration on the status of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), terming them a victory for Pakistan, he said the developments validated Pakistan’s principled position.
The Chief Minister said that the unanimous decision of the International Court of Arbitration is a clear confirmation that India could not unilaterally suspend, terminate or ‘put in abeyance’ the Indus Waters Treaty, the treaty remains in force and legally binding on India.
Mir Sarfraz Bugti said that the court did not accept the various justifications put forward by India for the suspension or termination of the treaty, which included sovereignty, alleged violation by Pakistan, terrorism, change in circumstances, armed conflict and countermeasures.
He said that the court clarified that the Indus Waters Treaty could be amended or terminated only through a new agreement with the mutual consent of Pakistan and India.
The CM said that this decision is very important for protecting Pakistan’s long-standing rights and interests related to the waters of the Indus River and it has further strengthened the principles of adherence to international agreements and the supremacy of international law.
He said that the approval of interim measures by the court on Pakistan’s request regarding the Ratle Hydroelectric Project is also an important development saying that India has been prevented from concreting more than the prescribed level on certain parts of the dam wall and power intake structure while it has also been required to submit a report regarding changes in the construction schedule of the project.
Mir Sarfraz Bugti said that these restrictions would remain in place till 90 days after the final decision of the neutral expert, which is expected to come out in July 2027.
He said that Pakistan has always expressed confidence in international laws, treaties and the negotiation process and today’s decision is a victory for the principle that no international treaty could be suspended or terminated unilaterally.
The Chief Minister said that justice has prevailed and this unanimous decision of the International Court of Arbitration is a manifestation of the strength of Pakistan’s principled stance, Pakistan would continue to play an effective role in every legal and diplomatic forum to protect its water rights and uphold international treaties.
