Pakistan to fully participate in Indus Waters Treaty arbitration despite India’s non-participation: FO

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has reaffirmed its commitment to fully participate in the Neutral Expert proceedings under the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), even as India has decided to halt its participation.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Pakistan has taken note of the recent Decision of the Court of Arbitration, which offered clarifications on certain aspects of the Court’s “Award on Issues of General Interpretation of the Indus Waters Treaty,” published on 8 August 2025.

The ministry added that the Court will continue its proceedings in a phased manner, considering ongoing Neutral Expert proceedings under Article IX and Annexure F of the IWT.

The next phase of the Neutral Expert proceedings, initiated at India’s request, is scheduled to take place in Vienna from November 17-21, 2025. While India has decided not to participate, Pakistan will engage in the proceedings in good faith.

The Neutral Expert has ruled that India’s non-participation will not prevent the arbitration process from moving forward.

Pakistan emphasized its commitment to resolving the matter in accordance with the treaty and international law, underlining its continued cooperation in the arbitration process.