The Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague has directed India to submit detailed operational records of key hydropower projects built on rivers flowing into Pakistan as part of the ongoing dispute under the Indus Waters Treaty.
According to a private media report, the tribunal has instructed India to provide operational logbooks of the Baglihar and Kishanganga hydropower projects by February 9.
If India does not comply, it will be required to formally explain the reasons for non-submission to the court. The tribunal also made clear that the proceedings will continue even if India chooses not to participate.
Pakistan has been asked to clarify by February 2 which specific documents it is seeking from India. The second phase of hearings on the merits of the case is scheduled for February 2 and 3 in The Hague.
A high-level Pakistani delegation, led by the attorney general, will represent Islamabad before the court. Pakistani officials maintain that India has misused provisions of the Indus Waters Treaty by illegally storing water in its hydropower projects.
They argue that the operational logbooks are crucial evidence to establish claims of water withholding and non-compliant dam operations.
The tribunal also underlined that it alone has the authority to approve any additional water storage under the treaty.
It clarified that neutral experts do not have the power to allow interim or unauthorized actions. The court noted that operational data from projects located in Indian-administered Kashmir is central to resolving the dispute.
Legal experts view the order as a significant procedural development for Pakistan, strengthening its position under the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty.
Earlier, on November 12, 2025, Pakistan announced it would take part in neutral expert proceedings despite India’s refusal. The Foreign Office said the court had confirmed its jurisdiction covers all components of run-of-river hydropower projects and prohibits designs that artificially raise water levels beyond treaty limits.
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