Pakistan claims major victory in Indus Water Treaty arbitration case against India

Dhaka: Pakistan has patted itself on the back over the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) dispute with India. Pakistan's Water Resources Ministry has stated that the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) is fully functional and that the Hague-based Court of Arbitration (CoA) has supported Islamabad's arguments. India, on the other hand, has downplayed the arbitration court's hearing and clarified that it stands by its decision to suspend the Indus Water Treaty.

What did Pakistan say on IWT?

Pakistan's Water Ministry Secretary Syed Ali Murtaza said on Thursday, "India wrote to Pakistan stating that the IWT has been suspended. In contrast, Pakistan maintains that the treaty is ongoing and fully effective. The CoA has also supported our stance. The court has clearly stated that the treaty has not ended and applies to India. This is a major victory for Pakistan."

Did India accept the court's intervention?

Pakistan has taken the Indus Water Treaty dispute to the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague. Meanwhile, India has rejected the Court's intervention in this matter. India has stated that it considers the Tribunal illegal. India also refused to comply with the Tribunal's supplementary award and the summons seeking operational data.

Earlier this month, while hearing Pakistan's petition, the Court summoned India. The summons sought operational records and data from the Kishanganga and Ratle Hydroelectric Projects. India rejected this demand and did not provide the data. The Indian government refused to acknowledge the Tribunal's jurisdiction.

When was the Indus Water Treaty suspended?

In April last year, a terrorist attack took place in Pahalgam. Following this, India announced the suspension of the IWT with Pakistan. The 1960 IWT Treaty divides the waters of six rivers, including the Indus River, between India and Pakistan. India's move threatens to create a water crisis for Pakistan.

The Pakistani government has raised the issue of the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) at forums across the world, including the United Nations (UN). Pakistan has appealed to the world to intervene in this matter. Pakistan has also issued a war threat against India over this issue. Pakistan has called breaking the treaty an act of war.