THE HAGUE: The Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague has directed India to provide detailed operational records for its Baglihar and Kishanganga hydropower projects on Pakistani rivers by February 9, as part of the ongoing Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) dispute.
Read More: PCA rules India can’t hold IWT in abeyance
Failure to comply will require India to formally justify its non-submission before the tribunal, while Pakistan must clarify by February 2 the specific documents it is seeking. The second phase of the tribunal’s hearing on the merits is scheduled for February 2–3 in The Hague. The court stressed that proceedings will continue regardless of India’s participation.
Hafiz Ahsan, legal expert said, “The Court of Arbitration has categorically stated that India is bound to provide data on the Baglihar dams to Pakistan, reaffirming the Indus Water Treaty as a permanent international agreement.”#IndusWaterTreaty #PakistanIndia #WaterDispute… pic.twitter.com/oMDxL9EtMY
— Pakistan TV (@PakTVGlobal) January 30, 2026
Pakistan secures a major legal victory on the Indus Waters Treaty 🇵🇰
The Court of Arbitration has reaffirmed its full authority, continued proceedings despite India’s absence, and advanced Pakistan’s case.
International law stands — silence is not an escape.#induswatertreaty… pic.twitter.com/YpuWvOOrSo— WNN (@WNnetworks) January 29, 2026
Pakistan secures a major legal win as the Court of Arbitration orders India to provide crucial documents. This strengthens Pakistan’s position for further diplomatic and legal action under international water-sharing rules. -Dr Hassan Abbas (Water Resources Expert)@ShahJiJr… pic.twitter.com/9TY5HOe5eK
— Pakistan TV (@PakTVGlobal) January 30, 2026
A high-level Pakistani delegation, led by the Attorney General, will represent Pakistan at the tribunal. Islamabad alleges that India has misused provisions of the 1960 treaty by illegally storing water in its dams, and that operational logbooks are critical to substantiate Pakistan’s claim of water withholding. The tribunal underscored that only it, not neutral experts, can authorize any additional water storage.
The procedural order is being viewed as a significant win for Pakistan, strengthening its position in the legal proceedings. Islamabad has reiterated its commitment to participate in the Neutral Expert proceedings, despite India’s withdrawal. The Neutral Expert had previously ruled that India’s absence does not prevent arbitration from moving forward.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office highlighted that the tribunal has clarified the scope of its jurisdiction, covering all components of run-of-river hydroelectric plants India may construct on the Western Rivers, including prohibiting any design that artificially raises water levels above the Full Pondage Level.
Read More: Pakistan urges India to restore Indus waters treaty after hague court
The Neutral Expert proceedings, initiated at India’s request, were last held in Vienna from November 17–21, 2025. Pakistan confirmed it will continue to engage fully and in good faith, while India’s non-participation does not halt the arbitration process.