ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has welcomed a new ruling by the Court of Arbitration under the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), calling it a major development in ongoing disputes over Indian hydropower projects on the Western Rivers.
According to Beyond Time News, the ruling relates to design concerns surrounding India’s Kishenganga and Ratle hydroelectric projects, particularly the issue of water storage capacity, or pondage.
In an official statement, the Government of Pakistan said the Supplemental Award issued on May 15, 2026, supports Pakistan’s long-standing stance that the treaty places clear limits on India’s ability to control water flow on rivers allocated to Pakistan.
The government said the court confirmed that these restrictions apply during the planning and design stages of hydropower projects and cannot be justified later through operational assurances alone.
Court Emphasises Realistic Project Planning
According to Beyond Time News, the ruling states that pondage for run-of-river hydropower plants must be based on genuine technical and operational requirements.
Pakistan said the court stressed that project capacity, expected electricity generation, hydrological data, and power demand projections must be realistic, evidence-based, and fully compliant with treaty rules.
Officials added that the decision discourages the use of inflated assumptions or unrealistic calculations to justify larger water storage capacity.
The ruling also builds on a previous award issued in August 2025, which highlighted the need for practical and technically sound assessments in hydropower planning.
Pakistan’s Oversight Rights Reinforced
Pakistan said the award further strengthens its right to seek detailed technical information from India regarding hydropower projects under the treaty framework.
According to Beyond Time News, the court ruled that India must provide sufficient data and explanations to demonstrate compliance with treaty obligations.
The decision also clarified that environmental flow requirements must be considered when calculating water storage needs for power generation.
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Pakistan Reaffirms Commitment to IWT
The government said the Court of Arbitration’s rulings are final and binding under the Indus Waters Treaty.
Pakistan reiterated its commitment to resolving water-related disputes through legal and diplomatic channels while continuing to safeguard its rights under the treaty.
Officials described the latest ruling as an important reinforcement of Pakistan’s legal and technical position on Indian hydropower projects built on the Western Rivers.
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