QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Ahmed Bugti has welcomed the unanimous decision of an international arbitration court regarding the status of the Indus Waters Treaty, describing it as an important legal and diplomatic victory for Pakistan.
In a statement issued here on Monday, the chief minister said the unanimous ruling had clearly affirmed that India could not unilaterally suspend, terminate or place the Indus Waters Treaty in “abeyance”. The treaty, he said, remained in force and legally binding on India.
CM Bugti said the court had rejected various grounds cited by India to justify the suspension or termination of the treaty, including sovereignty, alleged violations by Pakistan, terrorism, changed circumstances, armed conflict and countermeasures.
The court had made it clear that any amendment to or termination of the Indus Waters Treaty could only take place through a new agreement reached with the mutual consent of Pakistan and India, he added.
He said the ruling was of great importance for protecting Pakistan’s longstanding rights and interests concerning the waters of the Indus River system. It also strengthened the principles of compliance with international treaties and the supremacy of international law, he added.
The chief minister also welcomed the court’s approval of interim measures sought by Pakistan concerning the Ratle Hydroelectric Project.
Under the interim measures, India has been restrained from carrying out concreting above specified levels on particular portions of the dam wall and power intake structure. India has also been directed to submit a report regarding changes made to the project’s construction schedule.
CM Bugti said the restrictions would remain in place until 90 days after the final decision of the Neutral Expert, which is expected in July 2027.
He said Pakistan had always expressed confidence in international law, treaties and the process of dialogue and negotiations. “Today’s decision is a victory for the principle that no international treaty can be unilaterally suspended or terminated according to one party’s wishes,” he said.
The chief minister said justice had prevailed and described the unanimous ruling as a reflection of the strength of Pakistan’s legal position.
He reiterated that Pakistan would continue to play an effective role at every legal and diplomatic forum to safeguard its water rights and ensure compliance with international agreements.
