A victory for Pakistan’s water rights

September 1, 2026

The latest decision by the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague is an important legal and diplomatic victory for Pakistan. At a time when tensions between Pakistan and India are high, the decision has once again highlighted the importance of international law and the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT).

The tribunal has addressed the legal status of the 1960 treaty and issued an order concerning interim measures related to India’s Ratle hydroelectric project on the Chenab River. For Pakistan, this is a significant development because the Indus river system is the lifeline of the country. Millions of farmers depend on these waters, while the country’s food security, drinking water supply and economy are closely linked to them.

Pakistan has consistently maintained that India’s hydroelectric projects on the western rivers must comply with the IWT. The Ratle project has been a major point of disagreement, with Pakistan raising concerns about its design and possible impact on downstream water flows.

The IWT was negotiated with the involvement of the World Bank and has survived wars, political crises and decades of hostility between the two countries. Its continued existence is proof that even difficult neighbours can resolve vital disputes through established legal mechanisms.

India should now respect the spirit and obligations of the treaty. If New Delhi has concerns about its interpretation or implementation, the proper course is to use the mechanisms provided by the treaty rather than take unilateral steps.

Water is not an ordinary political issue. For Pakistan, it is a matter of survival. Any attempt to use water as political pressure can create serious consequences for millions of people and further damage relations between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.

Pakistan, too, must remain responsible and committed to international law. The country should continue to pursue its water rights through legal, diplomatic and technical channels and avoid turning the issue into unnecessary political rhetoric.

The message from The Hague should be clear: international agreements matter, and disputes must be settled through law rather than unilateral action.

Pakistan should welcome this important legal development with confidence. India should accept the decision in the same spirit and honour the Indus Waters Treaty in letter and spirit.

Respecting the treaty is not a favour to Pakistan. It is a responsibility that both countries accepted more than six decades ago.