Arbitration Court backs Pakistan’s stance on Indus Waters Treaty, confirms its full effectiveness despite India’s objection, Senate panel told

The Ministry of Water Resources reaffirmed that the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) between Pakistan and India is fully operational, a position endorsed by the Hague-based Court of Arbitration (CoA). 

Responding to concerns raised during a Senate Standing Committee on Water Resources meeting, Syed Ali Murtaza, Secretary of the Ministry, clarified that despite India’s letter suggesting the treaty had been put on hold, Pakistan maintains that the treaty remains binding and effective.

Murtaza also addressed the current gap in the Indus Water Commission, with no regular Commissioner in place. To manage this, Additional Secretary Mehar Ali Shah has been assigned the additional charge of Acting Indus Water Commissioner.

The Secretary also responded to concerns over the alleged role of former Indus Water Commissioner Jamaat Ali Shah, stating that an inquiry had exonerated him regarding hydroelectric projects in Indian-held Kashmir. He emphasised that any viewpoints issued by an Indus Water Commissioner must have formal state approval.