Arbitration court confirms jurisdiction in Pakistan's Indus waters case against India

The Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled that India's decision to hold the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance did not affect the court's ability to address Pakistan's complaints. Pakistan had initiated proceedings against India, challenging India's unilateral actions regarding the treaty. The court emphasized that the treaty does not allow either party to unilaterally suspend the dispute settlement process.

The Indus Waters Treaty grants rights to Pakistan over certain rivers for various uses, while India has control over others with specific limitations. The court's decision reaffirmed its competence to address the disputes outlined by Pakistan in the arbitration request.

The dispute between India and Pakistan over shared rivers has been ongoing for years, with concerns over the impact of India's hydropower projects on Pakistan's agriculture. The recent ruling by the PCA underscores the importance of dialogue between the two countries to address issues related to the treaty and other outstanding matters.

According to the source: Arab News.