Pakistan Maintains Commitment to Water Treaty Proceedings
Pakistan has reaffirmed its full participation in the Neutral Expert proceedings concerning the Indus Waters Treaty, even as India has decided to halt its involvement in the process. The Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi confirmed that Pakistan continues to engage in good faith with the next phase of talks scheduled for November 17-21, 2025 in Vienna.
India's Withdrawal and Continuing Process
In an official statement, Andrabi revealed that while India initiated the Neutral Expert proceedings, they have now chosen to suspend their participation. However, he emphasized that the Neutral Expert has ruled that India's absence cannot stop the proceedings from moving forward. This development marks a significant turn in the long-standing water dispute between the two neighboring nations.
The spokesperson detailed that Pakistan has carefully noted the recent Decision of the Court of Arbitration, which provides important clarification on aspects of the Court's 'Award on Issues of General Interpretation of the Indus Waters Treaty' published on August 8, 2025. This clarification comes as part of Pakistan's arbitration case against India under the provisions of the historic water-sharing agreement.
Phased Approach to Resolution
Andrabi further explained that the Court has issued a Procedural Order confirming it will continue to handle these proceedings in a structured, phased manner. Importantly, the Court has committed to considering the parallel proceedings taking place before the Neutral Expert under Article IX and Annexure F of the Indus Waters Treaty.
The continuation of these proceedings demonstrates Pakistan's steadfast commitment to resolving water disputes through established legal channels and international mechanisms. The upcoming Vienna session in November 2025 represents the next critical phase in this ongoing diplomatic and legal process between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
