THE HAGUE: In the ongoing Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) dispute, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague has issued an order compelling India to provide comprehensive operational data of its hydropower projects on Pakistani rivers, according to News Channel. By February 9th, India must deliver the operational logbooks for the Baglihar and Kishanganga projects. India will have to give the tribunal a formal explanation if it doesn’t comply. In the meanwhile, Pakistan needs to specify the precise documents it is looking for by February 2. The Hague will host the second round of the tribunal’s hearing on the case’s merits on February 2 and 3. The court stressed that regardless of India’s involvement, the procedures will go forward. The Attorney General will lead a high-level Pakistani delegation that will represent the nation before the tribunal. Pakistan contends that India has illegally stored water in its dams by abusing the hydropower provisions of the IWT, and that operational logbooks are essential to supporting Pakistan’s allegation of water withholding. The tribunal emphasized that independent experts cannot approve interim measures and that only it has the power to permit any extra water storage. In order to settle the dispute, the operational records of the dams in Indian-administered Kashmir are regarded as essential evidence. Pakistan’s position in the continuing legal processes under the framework of the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty is strengthened by this order, which is regarded as a major procedural success.
According to a statement released by the Foreign Office (FO), Pakistan declared on November 12, 2025, that it will take part in the Neutral Expert procedures under the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) despite India’s determination not to. According to the FO, the Court of Arbitration clarified Pakistan’s appeal for an interpretation of the Treaty on November 10, 2025. The court confirmed that all elements of run-of-river hydroelectric facilities that India may build on the Western Rivers fall under its authority, which goes beyond the question of “freeboard.” Additionally, it stressed that any design that permits the water level to be artificially raised above the Full Pondage Level indicated in the design is forbidden.
The FO stated, “Pakistan has taken note of the recent Court of Arbitration decision, which provides helpful clarification on aspects of the Court’s Award on Issues of General Interpretation of the Indus Waters Treaty, published on August 8, 2025, in the context of the arbitration initiated by Pakistan against India under the provisions of the Indus Waters Treaty.” Pakistan also accepted the Procedural Order that was issued in conjunction with the ruling, stating that the Court will continue to carry out the arbitration in stages while taking into consideration the Neutral Expert procedures that are being conducted in accordance with Article IX and Annexure F of the Treaty.
The statement further stated that the next part of the Neutral Expert procedures, which were started at India’s request, will take place in Vienna from November 17–21, 2025. Pakistan affirmed that it will continue to participate completely and honestly in the process, despite India’s decision to stop. The FO added that the Neutral Expert has decided that India’s absence does not stop the procedures from advancing.
