Latest news with #PCA
Business Recorder
5 hours ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
IWT: PM hails arbitration court's ruling
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday hailed a ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) concerning the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), describing it as a 'major endorsement' of Pakistan's longstanding stance on the dispute with neighbouring India. In a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office, Sharif said the PCA's Supplemental Award confirmed that India does not have the authority to unilaterally suspend or hold in abeyance the treaty, which governs the distribution of water between the two countries. 'We are working upon water resources as the water is the lifeline for the people of the country,' he said. Sharif also commended his legal team for what he described as their 'significant legal contributions' in presenting Pakistan's case before the international tribunal. The Supplemental Award, made public on the PCA's website on Friday, was issued as part of proceedings initiated by Pakistan against India under the terms of the 1960 IWT. The ruling states that India's unilateral decision to suspend the treaty's dispute resolution mechanism did not strip the court of its jurisdiction to hear Pakistan's complaints. In its findings, the PCA concluded: 'The text of the Treaty, read in light of its object and purpose, does not allow either party, acting unilaterally, to hold in abeyance or suspend an ongoing dispute settlement process.' The ruling further clarified that the treaty remains in force unless terminated by mutual agreement between India and Pakistan, stating: 'Such text definitively indicates an intent by the drafters not to allow for unilateral action to alter the rights, obligations, and procedures established by the Treaty.' Pakistan has welcomed the decision, saying it affirms the authority of the court and of the neutral expert to adjudicate matters arising under the treaty, despite India's attempts to halt the proceedings. The 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, brokered by the World Bank, has long been seen as a rare example of sustained cooperation between India and Pakistan, despite decades of political and military tensions. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
See - Sada Elbalad
12 hours ago
- Politics
- See - Sada Elbalad
Shehbaz Welcomes PCA's Supplemental Award on Indus Waters Treaty
By Ahmad El-Assasy Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has welcomed the supplemental award issued by the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague, calling it a significant legal vindication of Pakistan's position in the ongoing Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) dispute with India. The award reaffirmed the Court's jurisdiction, rejecting India's claims that its unilateral suspension of the treaty rendered the arbitration process invalid. In a statement, the Prime Minister hailed the decision as a legal victory for Pakistan, stating that India cannot unilaterally suspend or withdraw from the IWT, which has governed water-sharing arrangements between the two countries since 1960. He stressed that the treaty remains binding and in force unless both parties mutually agree to modify or terminate it, as clearly stipulated under Article XII(4) of the agreement. Shehbaz Sharif praised the efforts of the Pakistani legal team, particularly Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar and Attorney General Mansoor Awan, for their effective handling of the case. He reiterated that water is the lifeline of the nation and that Pakistan remains committed to protecting its water resources and rights under international law. The PCA's award also confirmed that the roles of both the Court of Arbitration and the Neutral Expert can continue in parallel, countering India's objections to the dual proceedings. The tribunal held that once arbitration has been initiated, its authority is not dependent on India's consent, and the process must follow the legal framework outlined in the treaty. Following the tribunal's July 2024 hearings in The Hague, Pakistan now awaits a ruling on the merits of its case concerning Indian hydropower projects, including Kishenganga and Ratle, which Islamabad argues violate treaty provisions. The Prime Minister reiterated Pakistan's willingness to engage in meaningful dialogue with India on all unresolved issues, including Jammu and Kashmir, water, trade, and counterterrorism. However, he stressed that such dialogue must be grounded in mutual respect and international legal obligations. India, for its part, has rejected the PCA's supplemental award, calling the court 'illegally constituted' and insisting that it remains unbound by its decisions. New Delhi maintains that its suspension of the treaty was a sovereign act in the context of security concerns following the April attack in Pahalgam. Despite India's position, the PCA's ruling is widely seen as a reaffirmation of the enduring nature of international treaties and the authority of global arbitration mechanisms. For Pakistan, the decision marks a milestone in its legal efforts to safeguard its share of the Indus Basin waters and uphold the sanctity of the Indus Waters Treaty. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan Technology 50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean
See - Sada Elbalad
12 hours ago
- Politics
- See - Sada Elbalad
The Hague Court Rejects India's Suspension of Indus Waters Treaty
By Ahmad El-Assasy The Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague has issued a supplemental award reaffirming its jurisdiction over the dispute between India and Pakistan under the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT). The tribunal concluded that India's unilateral attempt to suspend its participation in the treaty does not affect the ongoing arbitration proceedings. This ruling delivers a significant blow to New Delhi's legal stance, as it had claimed that the treaty was 'in abeyance' and the court had no authority to proceed. Treaty Cannot Be Unilaterally Suspended The Court emphasized that under Article XII(4) of the Indus Waters Treaty, the agreement remains legally binding on both parties unless mutually modified or terminated. It categorically rejected the idea that one country can withdraw or suspend its obligations under the treaty unilaterally. Legal experts say the ruling is a reaffirmation of the core principle of international law — pacta sunt servanda, or "agreements must be kept." Neutral Expert and Tribunal Both Remain Valid The PCA also clarified that both dispute resolution pathways under the treaty—the Neutral Expert and the Court of Arbitration—can proceed independently. India had argued that Pakistan's use of both mechanisms simultaneously violated the treaty. However, the tribunal ruled that once arbitration is initiated, its authority is established and cannot be overridden by such objections. Pakistan Welcomes the Decision Pakistan's Foreign Office welcomed the supplemental award, calling it a legal victory that strengthens the framework of the 1960 treaty. Islamabad confirmed that the hearings on the merits of the case—relating to India's construction of the Kishenganga and Ratle hydropower projects—were held in July 2024 and a decision is expected in due course. India Rejects the Ruling In contrast, India's Ministry of External Affairs rejected the court's decision, calling the tribunal 'illegally constituted.' It maintained that the treaty remains in abeyance and insisted that it does not recognize the PCA's jurisdiction in this matter. India has consistently argued that Pakistan's simultaneous recourse to both the Court and the Neutral Expert process created a procedural conflict under the treaty. A Broader Implication for Water Diplomacy This decision has wider implications beyond the India–Pakistan water dispute. It reaffirms the binding nature of international treaties and the authority of arbitration forums. Analysts view it as a victory for multilateralism and legal diplomacy in South Asia, particularly in a time of strained bilateral relations. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan Technology 50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean
See - Sada Elbalad
12 hours ago
- Politics
- See - Sada Elbalad
Pakistan welcomes supplemental award by Court of Arbitration
By Ahmad El-Assasy Pakistan has expressed strong approval of the supplemental award issued by the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in the ongoing Indus Waters dispute. Released on Friday via the PCA's website, the decision confirms the tribunal's jurisdiction, stating that India's unilateral measures cannot undermine the authority of either the Court or the Neutral Expert in hearings initiated by Pakistan. Islamabad announced that the Court has explicitly affirmed its competence, rejecting India's attempts to impede the arbitration process. The PCA's award clarified that India's effort to unilaterally suspend the Indus Waters Treaty does not affect the tribunal's mandate. Pakistan is now awaiting the Court's forthcoming decision on the merits, expected in due course after the hearings held at the Peace Palace in The Hague in July 2024. Emphasizing the high importance of reinstating constructive communication, Islamabad underscored the necessity for India and Pakistan to return to meaningful dialogue, especially regarding the implementation of the Treaty. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, on June 24, 2025, reiterated Pakistan's readiness to engage in bilateral discussions with India, covering all unresolved matters—including Jammu & Kashmir, water, trade, and terrorism. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan Technology 50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean
Arab News
21 hours ago
- Politics
- Arab News
Arbitration court says has jurisdiction in Pakistan's Indus waters case against India
ISLAMABAD: The Permanent Court of Arbitration on Friday ruled that India's decision of holding the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) in abeyance did not deprive the court of its competence to adjudicate Pakistan's complaints against its neighbor. In its supplemental award on the proceedings instituted by Pakistan against India, the court said it had previously found that once a proceeding before a court of arbitration is properly initiated, as in the present case, 'there must be a strong presumption against the incidental loss of jurisdiction over the matters placed before it by subsequent acts, such as the appointment of a neutral expert.' India announced it was putting the 1960 World Bank-mediated treaty, which ensures water for 80 percent of Pakistani farms, in abeyance a day after an attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that New Delhi blamed on Pakistan, an allegation Islamabad denies. Pakistan has previously said the treaty has no provision for one side to unilaterally pull back and that any blocking of river water flowing to Pakistan will be considered 'an act of war.' In light of the developments, the PCA issued a procedural order on May 16 and requested the parties to provide written submissions on the effect, if any, of these recent developments before the court. Pakistan filed written submissions and no submissions were filed by India, but the court said it had considered New Delhi's position. 'The current phase of the proceedings before the Court concerns the overall interpretation and application of the Treaty's provisions on hydro-electric project design and operation, as well as the legal effect of past decisions of dispute resolution bodies under the Treaty,' it said. 'Accordingly, the text of the Treaty, read in light of its object and purpose, does not to allow either Party, acting unilaterally, to hold in abeyance or suspend an ongoing dispute settlement process.' The IWT grants Pakistan rights to the Indus basin's western rivers — Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab — for irrigation, drinking, and non-consumptive uses like hydropower, while India controls the eastern rivers — Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej — for unrestricted use but must not significantly alter their flow. India can use the western rivers for limited purposes such as power generation and irrigation, without storing or diverting large volumes, according to the agreement. On July 6, 2023, the PCA had issued its award on competence after considering India's objections. In a unanimous decision, the court had ruled that it was competent to consider and determine the disputes set forth in Pakistan's request for arbitration in the case. Pakistan had initiated the present arbitral proceedings before the court on August 19, 2016. The South Asian neighbors have been arguing over hydroelectric projects on the shared Indus river and its tributaries for decades, with Pakistan complaining that India's planned hydropower dams will cut flows on the river which feeds 80 percent of its irrigated agriculture. The PCA noted on Friday that the principal issue concerned the implications, if any, that India's decision to hold the treaty in 'abeyance' may have on the competence of the court. 'Paragraph 16 of Annexure G to the Treaty provides that '[s]ubject to the provisions of this Treaty and except as the Parties may otherwise agree, the Court shall decide all questions relating to its competence',' the PCA said. 'Accordingly, the Court found that it was for the Court — and the Court alone — to answer the question before it.' New Delhi's halting of the water agreement was one of a series of tit-for-tat diplomatic measures taken by both countries in the immediate aftermath of the April 22 attack in Kashmir, which resulted in a four-day military conflict between the neighbors in May. The Pakistani government welcomed the supplemental award by the PCA in the IWT case. 'Pakistan welcomes the Supplemental Award by the Court of Arbitration in the Indus Waters matter that has been handed down today and made public on the website of the Permanent Court of Arbitration,' it said in an X post on Friday. 'Pakistan notes that the Court has affirmed its Competence in the light of recent developments and that unilateral action by India cannot deprive either the Court or the Neutral Expert... of their competence to adjudicate the issues before them.' Islamabad said the priority at this point was for India and Pakistan to find a way back to a meaningful dialogue, including on the application of the Indus Waters Treaty. Pakistan is 'ready to engage in a meaningful dialogue with India on all outstanding issues, including Jammu and Kashmir, water, trade and terrorism,' it said, quoting Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's comments earlier this week.
