India won't recognise or accept decision on IWT in Vienna: Official

AN OFFICIAL HAS SAID THAT SINCE THE TREATY IS IN ABEYANCE INDIA WILL CONSIDER ANY DECISION BY THE TRIBUNAL NULL AND VOID

- Zia Haq

India will not accept any decisions, including "proceedings" or "award", by the Viennabased Permanent Court of Arbitration on the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan as the pact remains in "abeyance", an official aware of the matter said on Thursday, requesting anonymity.

On Wednesday, Pakistan said it would go ahead with the next phase of neutral expert proceedings on the treaty slated to begin in Vienna next week, PTI reported.

"Since the government of India has kept the Indus treaty in abeyance, India will consider any decision arising out of the proceedings in the Court of Arbitration as null and void. The Government of India doesn't recognise or accept the so-called court of arbitration," the official said.