Pakistan has hailed an arbitration award that boosts oversight over Indian hydro projects in disputed waters, signaling improved relations under the Indus Waters Treaty.
Pakistan has welcomed a recent arbitration award that it says will enhance its oversight and control over Indian-built hydroelectric projects on the shared rivers of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT). The ruling, which came after years of legal disputes between the two countries, is seen as a significant step towards resolving long-standing tensions in the region.
The Chenab River, one of the main tributaries of the Indus system, has been at the center of these disputes. A 450-megawatt hydropower project located at Baglihar Dam on this river was built by India without prior consultation with Pakistan, leading to years of tension between the two nations.
The arbitration panel, established under the IWT, ruled that pondage levels for the Baglihar Dam must be based on real-time data rather than the previous assumption used by India. This decision is expected to provide Pakistan with greater control over water flow and ensure fair distribution of resources in accordance with the treaty's provisions.
Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry hailed the award as a victory for its sovereignty and emphasized that it would help strengthen oversight mechanisms for hydroelectric projects on shared rivers. The ministry this development reflects improved relations between India and Pakistan under the IWT, which aims to manage water resources equitably.
The arbitration process involved multiple rounds of legal arguments and evidence gathering from both sides. It took nearly a decade to reach a final verdict, highlighting the complexity and sensitivity of these issues. The ruling is seen as a positive development that could pave the way for further negotiations on other contentious areas under the treaty.
However, some experts caution that while this award may improve oversight, it does not address all outstanding disputes related to water sharing in the region. They argue that more comprehensive agreements are needed to ensure sustainable use of shared resources and prevent future conflicts over water management.
Despite these challenges, Pakistan’s positive response underscores its commitment to upholding the terms of the Indus Waters Treaty and maintaining peaceful relations with India. The arbitration award is expected to have far-reaching implications for both countries' energy policies and regional stability in South Asia.
