Pakistan retains all diplomatic, non-diplomatic options to protect its water rights: FO

He said that PCA’s ruling vindicated Pakistan’s consistent position that differences concerning the Indus waters must be addressed strictly within the framework of the Treaty and in accordance with international law. He said that the proceedings at the Permanent Court of Arbitration were conducted strictly under the dispute settlement framework of the Indus Waters Treaty.

“India’s rejection of the award by the Permanent Court of Arbitration raises concerns that extend well beyond the present dispute. India cannot treat international law as a matter of convenience—invoking it when useful and discarding it when inconvenient,” he said.

The spokesperson said that India could not disregard binding treaty obligations and the legal processes and that such an approach by India undermined the sanctity of treaties, eroded confidence in established international dispute settlement mechanisms, and created adverse precedents for other regions.

“India should, therefore, return to full compliance with the treaty, respect the institutional and dispute settlement mechanisms of the treaty, and engage Pakistan constructively within the framework that both countries solemnly accepted.”He said that the statement by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs could not extinguish or alter India’s obligations under the Indus Waters Treaty or its obligations to fulfil the award of the Court of Arbitration.

“Pakistan is committed to implementing it in earnest, in letter and in spirit, in accordance with the language and provisions of the treaty. We will continue to urge India to reciprocate with the same approach whereby the treaty is upheld in letter, in spirit, and in full legal and documented provisions.”