Islamabad: Pakistan would continue to fully participate in good faith in the Neutral Expert proceedings regarding the Indus Water Treaty, with the next phase scheduled to take place from the 17th to the 21st of this month in Vienna.

According to Radio Pakistan, a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad today indicated that Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi mentioned the proceedings were initiated at India’s request. Despite India’s decision to halt its participation, Pakistan remains committed to engaging in these proceedings sincerely.

Tahir Andrabi highlighted that the Neutral Expert had determined India’s non-participation would not impede the progression of the proceedings. He further explained that Pakistan had acknowledged the recent Decision of the Court of Arbitration, which provided helpful clarification on some aspects of the Court’s ‘Award on Issues of General Interpretation of the Indus Waters Treaty’, published on August 8th.

The Foreign Office Spokesperson also noted the Procedural Order issued alongside the decision, affirming the Court’s intention to continue the proceedings in a phased manner. The Court is set to consider the concurrent proceedings before the Neutral Expert as per Article-IX and Annexure F of the Indus Water Treaty.