Pakistan announced on Wednesday that it will take part in the Neutral Expert proceedings under the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), even though India has opted out of the process, according to a statement issued by the Foreign Office (FO).
The FO said that on November 10, 2025, the Court of Arbitration issued clarifications on Pakistan’s request concerning the interpretation of the Treaty. The Court confirmed that its jurisdiction extends beyond the “freeboard” issue, encompassing all components of run-of-river hydroelectric plants that India may build on the Western Rivers. It further underscored that any design allowing artificial raising of the water level above the Full Pondage Level specified in the original design is strictly prohibited.
“In the context of the arbitration initiated by Pakistan under the Indus Waters Treaty, the government has noted the Court of Arbitration’s recent decision, which offers important clarifications on the Award on Issues of General Interpretation issued on August 8, 2025,” the FO said.
Pakistan also acknowledged the Procedural Order accompanying the decision, noting that the Court will conduct arbitration in a phased manner, aligning with the Neutral Expert proceedings being held under Article IX and Annexure F of the Treaty.
The Neutral Expert process, launched at India’s request, is scheduled to enter its next phase in Vienna from November 17–21, 2025, the FO added.
While India has chosen not to participate, Pakistan affirmed it would continue to engage constructively and in good faith. The FO also stated that the Neutral Expert has ruled India’s absence will not hinder the continuation of the proceedings.
Earlier in August 2025, Pakistan welcomed the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA)’s Award in The Hague, which clarified key design parameters for India’s future run-of-river hydropower projects on the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab Rivers, in accordance with the IWT.
