ISLAMABAD: PPP Vice President and parliamentary leader in the Senate Senator Sherry Rehman on Sunday termed the recent development related to the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) a significant legal and diplomatic affirmation of Pakistan’s principled stance.
“The proceedings and observations associated with international arbitration, including the role of the Permanent Court of Arbitration, have underscored that unilateral deviations from binding international agreements are not acceptable under established global legal norms,” she said while reacting to the Permanent Court of Arbitration in a statement.
According to Sherry, Pakistan has consistently pursued a path grounded in law, diplomacy, and restraint, while India’s approach has increasingly come under scrutiny in international forums for its reluctance to fully engage in arbitration mechanisms.
She emphasized that the Indus Waters Treaty remains not only a technical water-sharing arrangement but also a cornerstone for regional stability and responsible interstate conduct in South Asia.
Sherry further stated that attempts to politicize or exert pressure through treaty mechanisms undermine trust between states and risk weakening the broader framework of international cooperation.
She noted that Pakistan’s conduct demonstrates that sustained legal argumentation, patience, and diplomatic engagement remain effective tools in defending national interests at global platforms.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s position, she said the international community continues to recognize that agreements between states cannot be altered or disregarded unilaterally, and that adherence to international law is essential for maintaining credibility and stability in interstate relations.
Pakistan, she said, has once again demonstrated the role of a responsible and law-abiding state committed to peace, transparency, and institutional processes.
