Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday welcomed the Permanent Court of Arbitration’s Supplemental Award concerning the Indus Waters Treaty, calling the decision a major endorsement of Pakistan’s position.
In a statement released by the PM Office Media Wing, PM said the ruling confirmed that India could not unilaterally suspend the agreement, which governs water sharing between the two countries.
“We are working upon water resources as the water is the lifeline for the people of the country,” the prime minister was quoted as saying.
He also praised Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar and Attorney General Mansoor Awan for their legal contributions to the case.
Yesterday, the Court of Arbitration constituted in accordance with the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) of 1960, ruled that India's decision of holding the treaty in abeyance did not deprive it of its competence to adjudicate Pakistan's complaints against its neighbour.
Read: Pak IWT stance vindicated by arbitration court
The court issued the "Supplemental Award" on the proceedings instituted by Pakistan against India.
"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 order read.
The Supplemental Award said that "the text ... does not provide for the unilateral "abeyance" or "suspension" of the Treaty. Rather, the Treaty provides for its continuation in force until terminated by mutual consent by India and Pakistan".
"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, including the treaty's dispute settlement procedures.
The award, made public on the website of the Permanent Court of Arbitration, was welcomed by Pakistan, saying that it affirmed the court or the neutral expert's competence despite India's unilateral action.
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