Pakistan's top civil-military leadership has directed authorities to "forcefully" pursue the alleged violations of Indus Waters Treaty with India and the World Bank, the guarantor of the agreement.&nbsp

The last round of talks between India and Pakistan over the issue was facilitated by the World Bank in Washington in September.

Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi chaired the 21st meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC) held at Prime Minister's House yesterday.

According to an official statement, the Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission briefed the meeting on the water policy approved by the Council of Common Interests on April 24, 2018, along with a water charter, which was signed by the Prime Minister and the Chief Ministers of four provinces.

The Committee observed that this was a very significant achievement and if properly implemented could prove instrumental in averting the water crisis that was seriously threatening Pakistan.

Under the provisions of the Indus Waters Treaty, the waters of the eastern rivers -- the Sutlej, Beas and Ravi -- had been allocated to India and that of the western rivers --the Indus, Jhelum and Chenab -- to Pakistan except for certain non-consumptive uses.

Pakistan had approached the World Bank in 2016, raising concerns over the designs of two hydroelectricity projects located in Jammu and Kashmir. It had demanded that the World Bank, which is the mediator between the two countries under the water distribution pact, set up a court of arbitration to look into its concerns.

"The (NSC) Committee also directed the Water Resources Division to forcefully pursue the violations of the Indus Water Treaty by India with the World Bank," according to the statement.&nbsp

The Committee also reviewed the prevailing situation in the Indian Ocean Region and directed to keep a robust security posture for the maintenance of security and safeguarding national interests of Pakistan.

The participants reviewed the proposed administrative reforms package for Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.

No details of the reforms have been so far shared officially, but according to various media reports the reforms may include steps to further integrate Gilgit-Baltistan with Pakistan. It is the region though which the multibillion dollars China-Pakistan Economic Corridor passes.&nbsp

The meeting was attended by the Minister for Interior Ahsan Iqbal, Minister for Finance, Revenue & Economic Affairs Miftah Ismail, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Zubair Mahmood Hayat, Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan, Director General ISI Lt Gen Naveed Mukhtar and National Security Adviser Nasser Khan Janjua.&nbsp

 
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Pakistan's top civil-military leadership has directed authorities to 'forcefully' pursue the alleged violations of Indus Waters Treaty with India and the World Bank, the guarantor of the agreement

Pakistan's top civil-military leadership has directed authorities to "forcefully" pursue the alleged violations of Indus Waters Treaty with India and the World Bank, the guarantor of the agreement. The last round of talks between India and Pakistan over the issue was facilitated by the World Bank in Washington in September. Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi chaired the 21st meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC) held at Prime Minister's House yesterday. According to an official statement, the Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission briefed the meeting on the water policy approved by the Council of Common Interests on April 24, 2018, along with a water charter, which was signed by the Prime Minister and the Chief Ministers of four provinces. The Committee observed that this was a very significant achievement and if properly implemented could prove instrumental in averting the water crisis that was seriously threatening Pakistan. Under the provisions of the Indus Waters Treaty, the waters of the eastern rivers -- the Sutlej, Beas and Ravi -- had been allocated to India and that of the western rivers --the Indus, Jhelum and Chenab -- to Pakistan except for certain non-consumptive uses. Pakistan had approached the World Bank in 2016, raising concerns over the designs of two hydroelectricity projects located in Jammu and Kashmir. It had demanded that the World Bank, which is the mediator between the two countries under the water distribution pact, set up a court of arbitration to look into its concerns. "The (NSC) Committee also directed the Water Resources Division to forcefully pursue the violations of the Indus Water Treaty by India with the World Bank," according to the statement. The Committee also reviewed the prevailing situation in the Indian Ocean Region and directed to keep a robust security posture for the maintenance of security and safeguarding national interests of Pakistan. The participants reviewed the proposed administrative reforms package for Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. No details of the reforms have been so far shared officially, but according to various media reports the reforms may include steps to further integrate Gilgit-Baltistan with Pakistan. It is the region though which the multibillion dollars China-Pakistan Economic Corridor passes. The meeting was attended by the Minister for Interior Ahsan Iqbal, Minister for Finance, Revenue & Economic Affairs Miftah Ismail, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Zubair Mahmood Hayat, Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan, Director General ISI Lt Gen Naveed Mukhtar and National Security Adviser Nasser Khan Janjua.

Pak authorities asked to forcefully pursue with India and World Bank violations of Indus Water Treaty

Pakistan has informed the World Bank about India's completing of the Kishanganga hydropower project during the bank's "pause" period and has urged it to "recognise its responsibility" under the Indus Waters Treaty, a media report said today.

Pakistan has approached the World Bank, the mediator between the two countries of the water distribution treaty, in the past and raised issues over Kishanganga and Ratle projects in Jammu and Kashmir.

It has been flagging concern over designs of India's five hydroelectricity projects - Pakal Dul (1000 MW), Ratle (850 MW), Kishanganga (330 MW), Miyar (120 MW) and Lower Kalnai (48 MW) - being built/planned in the Indus river basin, contending these violate the treaty.

The power division of the energy ministry sent a fresh communique early this week to the bank's vice president urging the international organisation to ensure that India abided by the provisions of the 1960 treaty while building the projects, a government official told Dawn newspaper.

The official said the letter had reached the bank's head office in Washington and had been delivered to its vice president concerned as confirmed by Pakistan's director to the bank, the report said.

The official said there was no doubt that India had completed the Kishanganga project during the period the World Bank "paused" the process for constitution of a Court of Arbitration (COA) as requested by Pakistan in early 2016.

Pakistan's request was countered by India by calling for a neutral expert.

Pakistan had called for resolution of disputes over Kishanganga project on the Neelum river and Ratle hydropower project on the Chenab.

Asked about the government's next move, the official said the authorities could not just sit back and had to take the matter to its logical conclusion.

Pakistan had received reports in August last year that New Delhi had completed the Kishanganga project as per the design that had been objected by Islamabad, the report said.

The letter was sent to the World Bank after a Pakistani delegation of the Indus Waters Commission was not allowed to visit various projects in India, including Kishanganga and Ratle schemes, it said.

Pakistan has raised objections over the design of the hydel project in Jammu and Kashmir, saying it is not in line with the criteria laid down under the Indus Water Treaty between the two countries.

India has, however, asserted the project design is "well within parameters" of the treaty and urged the bank to appoint a neutral expert.

In December 2016, the bank had announced that it had "paused" the process for either appointing a COA or a neutral expert and started mediation between the two countries on how to advance and develop consensus in the light of the treaty on the mechanism for resolution of faulty designs of the two projects.

Since then, the bank has arranged two rounds of talks between the two sides but the Indians kept on building the project, the report alleged.

The last round of bank-facilitated and secretary-level talks between India and Pakistan were held in Washington in September that ended in disappointment for Pakistan, it said.

In view of the inability of the parties to agree on whether a COA or a neutral expert is the way forward, the World Bank is reported to have called another round of discussions to minimise the differences but failed to bring New Delhi to the negotiating table.

Under the provisions of the Indus Waters Treaty, the waters of the eastern rivers&nbspthe Sutlej, Beas and Ravi had been allocated to India and that of the western rivers&nbspthe Indus, Jhelum and Chenab&nbspto Pakistan except for certain non-consumptive uses.&nbsp

Pakistan has informed the World Bank about India's completing of the Kishanganga hydropower project during the bank's 'pause' period and has urged it to 'recognise its responsibility' under the Indus Waters Treaty

Pakistan has informed the World Bank about India's completing of the Kishanganga hydropower project during the bank's "pause" period and has urged it to "recognise its responsibility" under the Indus Waters Treaty, a media report said today. Pakistan has approached the World Bank, the mediator between the two countries of the water distribution treaty, in the past and raised issues over Kishanganga and Ratle projects in Jammu and Kashmir. It has been flagging concern over designs of India's five hydroelectricity projects - Pakal Dul (1000 MW), Ratle (850 MW), Kishanganga (330 MW), Miyar (120 MW) and Lower Kalnai (48 MW) - being built/planned in the Indus river basin, contending these violate the treaty. The power division of the energy ministry sent a fresh communique early this week to the bank's vice president urging the international organisation to ensure that India abided by the provisions of the 1960 treaty while building the projects, a government official told Dawn newspaper. The official said the letter had reached the bank's head office in Washington and had been delivered to its vice president concerned as confirmed by Pakistan's director to the bank, the report said. The official said there was no doubt that India had completed the Kishanganga project during the period the World Bank "paused" the process for constitution of a Court of Arbitration (COA) as requested by Pakistan in early 2016. Pakistan's request was countered by India by calling for a neutral expert. Pakistan had called for resolution of disputes over Kishanganga project on the Neelum river and Ratle hydropower project on the Chenab. Asked about the government's next move, the official said the authorities could not just sit back and had to take the matter to its logical conclusion. Pakistan had received reports in August last year that New Delhi had completed the Kishanganga project as per the design that had been objected by Islamabad, the report said. The letter was sent to the World Bank after a Pakistani delegation of the Indus Waters Commission was not allowed to visit various projects in India, including Kishanganga and Ratle schemes, it said. Pakistan has raised objections over the design of the hydel project in Jammu and Kashmir, saying it is not in line with the criteria laid down under the Indus Water Treaty between the two countries. India has, however, asserted the project design is "well within parameters" of the treaty and urged the bank to appoint a neutral expert. In December 2016, the bank had announced that it had "paused" the process for either appointing a COA or a neutral expert and started mediation between the two countries on how to advance and develop consensus in the light of the treaty on the mechanism for resolution of faulty designs of the two projects. Since then, the bank has arranged two rounds of talks between the two sides but the Indians kept on building the project, the report alleged. The last round of bank-facilitated and secretary-level talks between India and Pakistan were held in Washington in September that ended in disappointment for Pakistan, it said. In view of the inability of the parties to agree on whether a COA or a neutral expert is the way forward, the World Bank is reported to have called another round of discussions to minimise the differences but failed to bring New Delhi to the negotiating table. Under the provisions of the Indus Waters Treaty, the waters of the eastern rivers&nbspthe Sutlej, Beas and Ravi had been allocated to India and that of the western rivers&nbspthe Indus, Jhelum and Chenab&nbspto Pakistan except for certain non-consumptive uses.

Pakistan approaches World Bank over Kishanganga project: Report

In a sign <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/india-to-build-3-dams-on-chenab-pm-modi-reviews-indus-treaty-with-pakistan-6811">of renewed reengagement</a> amid tensions on the border, Pakistan today&nbsp;sought permission from India to undertake inspection of Indian projects on&nbsp;the Indus river basin.

Newswire PTI quoting&nbsp;<a 560="" href="<iframe width=">sources said that India will</a> likely arrange a tour by the&nbsp;Pakistani delegation in accordance to the provisions of the Indus Waters Treaty(IWT).

India had allowed Pak officials to visit its side of the Indus river basin four years ago in Pakal Dul and Lower Kalnai. Pakistan this time has requested for a general tour of various Indian projects on the Indus river basin.&nbsp;

Pakistan maintains that India's designs of Pakal Dul (1000 MW) and Lower Kalnai (48 MW) located in the Chenab basin in J&K violates the IWT agreement signed in 1960.&nbsp;

India, however, disagrees with Pakistan asserting that it is being done in line with the provisions of the water sharing pact.

Pakistan's latest move comes after a two-day meeting with India's Indus water commissioner P K Saxena, technical experts and a representative of the Ministry of External Affairs.

PTI reported that India offered the Pakistan delegation discussion on Ratle located in J&K which was being objected by Islamabad earlier. The Pakistan delegation declined the offer, saying the issue is already being discussed at&nbsp;the secretary-level.

The Permanent Indus Commission (PIC) is an established mechanism under the IWT, which mandates it to establish and maintain cooperative arrangements for the implementation of the water distribution pact and to promote cooperation between the two sides in the development of the Indus water systems.

The IWT covers the water distribution and sharing rights of six rivers - Beas, Ravi, Sutlej, Indus, Chenab and Jhelum.

The treaty specifies that waters from the three western rivers - Indus, Jhelum and Chenab - be reserved for Pakistan, while waters from eastern rivers - Ravi, Sutlej and Beas - are reserved for India.

The meeting of the PIC is held alternately in India and Pakistan at least once every year as mandated by the treaty.

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The IWT covers the water distribution and sharing rights of six rivers - Beas, Ravi, Sutlej, Indus, Chenab and Jhelum.

In a sign of renewed reengagement amid tensions on the border, Pakistan today sought permission from India to undertake inspection of Indian projects on the Indus river basin. Newswire PTI quoting sources said that India will likely arrange a tour by the Pakistani delegation in accordance to the provisions of the Indus Waters Treaty(IWT). India had allowed Pak officials to visit its side of the Indus river basin four years ago in Pakal Dul and Lower Kalnai. Pakistan this time has requested for a general tour of various Indian projects on the Indus river basin. Pakistan maintains that India's designs of Pakal Dul (1000 MW) and Lower Kalnai (48 MW) located in the Chenab basin in J&K violates the IWT agreement signed in 1960. India, however, disagrees with Pakistan asserting that it is being done in line with the provisions of the water sharing pact. Pakistan's latest move comes after a two-day meeting with India's Indus water commissioner P K Saxena, technical experts and a representative of the Ministry of External Affairs. PTI reported that India offered the Pakistan delegation discussion on Ratle located in J&K which was being objected by Islamabad earlier. The Pakistan delegation declined the offer, saying the issue is already being discussed at the secretary-level. The Permanent Indus Commission (PIC) is an established mechanism under the IWT, which mandates it to establish and maintain cooperative arrangements for the implementation of the water distribution pact and to promote cooperation between the two sides in the development of the Indus water systems. The IWT covers the water distribution and sharing rights of six rivers - Beas, Ravi, Sutlej, Indus, Chenab and Jhelum. The treaty specifies that waters from the three western rivers - Indus, Jhelum and Chenab - be reserved for Pakistan, while waters from eastern rivers - Ravi, Sutlej and Beas - are reserved for India. The meeting of the PIC is held alternately in India and Pakistan at least once every year as mandated by the treaty.

Pakistan seeks inspection of India's Indus river basin projects

Pakistan's objections over the designs of some of India's hydropower projects along with other issues related to the Indus Waters Treaty are likely to be discussed during the two-day meeting of the Permanent Indus Commission here starting tomorrow, sources said.

India's Indus water commissioner P K Saxena, technical experts and a representative of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) will be part of the Indian delegation for the annual meeting.

Pakistan's six-member delegation, led by Syed Muhammad Mehar Ali Shah, has already arrived here for the Commission's 114th meeting, which will take place in the backdrop of the continuing tension between the two countries over a host of issues, including the alleged harassment of diplomats.

The PIC is an established mechanism under the IWT, which mandates it to establish and maintain cooperative arrangements for the implementation of the water distribution pact and to promote cooperation between the two sides in the development of the Indus water systems.

Pakistan has objections over designs of some of India's projects. Their objections have been there since 2012. These issues may come up for discussion. There will also be routine exchange of information between the two countries, an official source told.

According to the sources, Pakistan has been expressing concerns over India's Ratle (850 MW), Pakal Dul (1000 MW) and Lower Kalnai (48 MW) projects -- located in the Chenab basin&nbsp;contending that they violate the IWT, signed in 1960.

India continues to maintain its position that designs of the projects are very much in accordance with the treaty, the source said.

The sources said that the issues concerning the 340 MW Kishanganga hydroelectric project, located on river Jhelum's tributary in Bandipora district of Jammu and Kashmir, may not figure during the meeting since the project has already been commissioned.

The IWT covers the water distribution and sharing rights of six rivers -- Beas, Ravi, Sutlej, Indus, Chenab and Jhelum.

The treaty specifies that waters from the three western rivers -- Indus, Jhelum and Chenab -- are reserved for Pakistan, while waters from eastern rivers -- Ravi, Sutlej and Beas -- are for reserved for India.

The PIC had last met in March 2017 in Islamabad. The meeting of the PIC is held alternately in India and Pakistan at least once every year as mandated by the treaty.&nbsp;

India's Indus water commissioner P K Saxena, technical experts and a representative of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) will be part of the Indian delegation for the annual meeting.

Pakistan's objections over the designs of some of India's hydropower projects along with other issues related to the Indus Waters Treaty are likely to be discussed during the two-day meeting of the Permanent Indus Commission here starting tomorrow, sources said. India's Indus water commissioner P K Saxena, technical experts and a representative of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) will be part of the Indian delegation for the annual meeting. Pakistan's six-member delegation, led by Syed Muhammad Mehar Ali Shah, has already arrived here for the Commission's 114th meeting, which will take place in the backdrop of the continuing tension between the two countries over a host of issues, including the alleged harassment of diplomats. The PIC is an established mechanism under the IWT, which mandates it to establish and maintain cooperative arrangements for the implementation of the water distribution pact and to promote cooperation between the two sides in the development of the Indus water systems. Pakistan has objections over designs of some of India's projects. Their objections have been there since 2012. These issues may come up for discussion. There will also be routine exchange of information between the two countries, an official source told. According to the sources, Pakistan has been expressing concerns over India's Ratle (850 MW), Pakal Dul (1000 MW) and Lower Kalnai (48 MW) projects -- located in the Chenab basin contending that they violate the IWT, signed in 1960. India continues to maintain its position that designs of the projects are very much in accordance with the treaty, the source said. The sources said that the issues concerning the 340 MW Kishanganga hydroelectric project, located on river Jhelum's tributary in Bandipora district of Jammu and Kashmir, may not figure during the meeting since the project has already been commissioned. The IWT covers the water distribution and sharing rights of six rivers -- Beas, Ravi, Sutlej, Indus, Chenab and Jhelum. The treaty specifies that waters from the three western rivers -- Indus, Jhelum and Chenab -- are reserved for Pakistan, while waters from eastern rivers -- Ravi, Sutlej and Beas -- are for reserved for India. The PIC had last met in March 2017 in Islamabad. The meeting of the PIC is held alternately in India and Pakistan at least once every year as mandated by the treaty.

Pak's objections to Indian projects may be discussed at Permanent Indus Commission meet

India is set to engage with Pakistan once again, starting with a meeting to resolve the dispute over the Indus Waters Treaty to be held in Lahore next month,&nbsp;news agencies reported.

India and Pakistan will sit across the table to address issues in their meeting of the Permanent Indus Commission -&nbsp;a bilateral commission of officials from India and Pakistan, created to implement and manage goals of the Indus Waters Treaty.

Pakistan has made it clear it will not accept any alterations or changes to the treaty after India had said that it is ready to engage in further consultations with Islamabad on the matter of resolving current differences over the Kishenganga and Ralte projects.&nbsp;

Pakistan has argued that India was buying time to complete its two disputed water projects and then insisting that since the project was already complete, it could not be modified.&nbsp;Pakistan has&nbsp;raised&nbsp;objections to building of the Kishanganga (330 megawatts) and Ratle (850 megawatts) hydroelectric plants by India saying that it violates the provisions of the treaty.

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India has promised to participate in the Lahore meeting of the permanent Indus commission in an attempt to find a permanent solution for the treaty with Pakistan (WION)
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Tensions increased over the water dispute when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi last month threatened to block the flow of water into Pakistan. India had called off talks with Pakistan over the Indus Waters Treaty after the terrorist&nbsp;attack at Uri last year.

(WION with ANI inputs) 
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India and Pakistan will sit across the table to address issues in their meeting of the Permanent Indus Commission

India is set to engage with Pakistan once again, starting with a meeting to resolve the dispute over the Indus Waters Treaty to be held in Lahore next month, news agencies reported. India and Pakistan will sit across the table to address issues in their meeting of the Permanent Indus Commission - a bilateral commission of officials from India and Pakistan, created to implement and manage goals of the Indus Waters Treaty. Pakistan has made it clear it will not accept any alterations or changes to the treaty after India had said that it is ready to engage in further consultations with Islamabad on the matter of resolving current differences over the Kishenganga and Ralte projects. Pakistan has argued that India was buying time to complete its two disputed water projects and then insisting that since the project was already complete, it could not be modified. Pakistan has raised objections to building of the Kishanganga (330 megawatts) and Ratle (850 megawatts) hydroelectric plants by India saying that it violates the provisions of the treaty. India has promised to participate in the Lahore meeting of the permanent Indus commission in an attempt to find a permanent solution for the treaty with Pakistan (WION) × Tensions increased over the water dispute when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi last month threatened to block the flow of water into Pakistan. India had called off talks with Pakistan over the Indus Waters Treaty after the terrorist attack at Uri last year. (WION with ANI inputs)

India to participate in Indus Waters Treaty meet in Lahore

Pakistan has persuaded India to suspend construction work on two hydropower projects on Indus rivers in Jammu and Kashmir.

In a rare joint resolution,&nbsp;Pakistan&#39;s two parliamentary committees said work on Ratle dam and&nbsp;Kishanganga project must stop till arbitration court set up by the World Bank resolves the water dispute, Pakistani daily Dawn reported.

Pakistan also asked the World Bank to mediate immediately by appointing the chairman of the arbitration court.

The construction of dams on the western rivers by India has brought the two countries at loggerheads and Pakistan has engaged the World Bank, a facilitator of the IWT, to stop India from going ahead with the construction.

Pakistan&#39;s foreign secretary Aizaz Chaudhry said Islamabad would &quot;not allow India violate the Indus Waters Treaty&quot;.&nbsp;

Brokered by the World Bank, the Indus Waters Treaty is a water-sharing agreement signed by India and Pakistan in 1960. The treaty allowed India to control three &quot;eastern&quot; rivers &mdash; the&nbsp;<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beas_River" title="Beas River">Beas</a>, the&nbsp;<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ravi_River" title="Ravi River">Ravi</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sutlej" title="Sutlej">Sutlej</a>&nbsp;&mdash; &nbsp;while control over the three &quot;western&quot; rivers &mdash; the&nbsp;<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indus_River" title="Indus River">Indus</a>, the&nbsp;<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chenab_River" title="Chenab River">Chenab</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jhelum_River" title="Jhelum River">Jhelum</a>&nbsp;&mdash; was given to Pakistan.

But India&#39;s decision to construct the Kishanganga dam on Jhelum river and Ratle&nbsp;plant on Chenab has raised the hackles of Islamabad.

Pakistan is also wary of India&#39;s plan to build 45 to 60 dams on the &quot;western&quot; rivers as it would seriously lessen water supply levels.

Former foreign minister and Tehrik-i-Insaf leader Shah Mehmood Qureshi said the water dispute with India had reached such alarming proportions that it could even dwarf the Kashmir issue. He suggested the government to evolve a clear roadmap, assuring his party&#39;s support on the issue.

(WION with inputs from PTI)

Pakistan has accused India of violating the Indus Waters Treaty and urged the World Bank to intervene immediately

Pakistan has persuaded India to suspend construction work on two hydropower projects on Indus rivers in Jammu and Kashmir. In a rare joint resolution, Pakistan's two parliamentary committees said work on Ratle dam and Kishanganga project must stop till arbitration court set up by the World Bank resolves the water dispute, Pakistani daily Dawn reported. Pakistan also asked the World Bank to mediate immediately by appointing the chairman of the arbitration court. The construction of dams on the western rivers by India has brought the two countries at loggerheads and Pakistan has engaged the World Bank, a facilitator of the IWT, to stop India from going ahead with the construction. Pakistan's foreign secretary Aizaz Chaudhry said Islamabad would "not allow India violate the Indus Waters Treaty". Brokered by the World Bank, the Indus Waters Treaty is a water-sharing agreement signed by India and Pakistan in 1960. The treaty allowed India to control three "eastern" rivers — the Beas, the Ravi and the Sutlej — while control over the three "western" rivers — the Indus, the Chenab and the Jhelum — was given to Pakistan. But India's decision to construct the Kishanganga dam on Jhelum river and Ratle plant on Chenab has raised the hackles of Islamabad. Pakistan is also wary of India's plan to build 45 to 60 dams on the "western" rivers as it would seriously lessen water supply levels. Former foreign minister and Tehrik-i-Insaf leader Shah Mehmood Qureshi said the water dispute with India had reached such alarming proportions that it could even dwarf the Kashmir issue. He suggested the government to evolve a clear roadmap, assuring his party's support on the issue. (WION with inputs from PTI)

Pakistan tells India to suspend construction of Indus dams

Pakistan has said that it will not accept any changes to the Indus Waters Treaty.

&quot;Pakistan will not accept any modifications or changes to the provisions of the Indus Waters Treaty. Our position is based on the principles enshrined in the treaty. And the treaty must be honoured in...letter and spirit&quot;, Pakistan daily the Dawn quoted special assistant to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Tariq Fatemi, as saying.

Pakistan&nbsp;said that India was buying time to complete its two disputed water projects and then insisting since the project was already complete it could not be modified.

Islamabad is raising its objection to the Kishanganga (330 megawatts) and Ratle (850 megawatts) hydroelectric plants being built by India,saying that it violates the provisions of the treaty.

Tensions over the water dispute escalated last month when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi threatened to block the flow of water into Pakistan.

The World Bank had earlier asked the two &nbsp;countries to consider alternative ways to resolve their disagreements over the Indus Waters Treaty.

The World Bank had also said it was temporarily halting the appointment of a neutral expert as requested by India, and the Chairman of the Court of Arbitration, as requested by Pakistan, to resolve issues regarding the two hydroelectric power plants.

The treaty which was signed in 1960 gives India control over the three eastern rivers of the Indus basin, the Beas, the Ravi and the Sutlej while Pakistan has the three western rivers, the Indus, the Chenab and the Jhelum.

According to the provision of the treaty, India can use only 20 per cent of the total water carried by the Indus River.

The Indus Waters Treaty is seen as one of the most successful international treaties and has withstood frequent tensions between India and Pakistan, including conflict.

(WION with inputs from ANI) 
&nbsp;

Islamabad is raising its objection to the Kishanganga and Ratle hydroelectric plants India's building, saying that it violates the treaty

Pakistan has said that it will not accept any changes to the Indus Waters Treaty. "Pakistan will not accept any modifications or changes to the provisions of the Indus Waters Treaty. Our position is based on the principles enshrined in the treaty. And the treaty must be honoured in...letter and spirit", Pakistan daily the Dawn quoted special assistant to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Tariq Fatemi, as saying. Pakistan said that India was buying time to complete its two disputed water projects and then insisting since the project was already complete it could not be modified. Islamabad is raising its objection to the Kishanganga (330 megawatts) and Ratle (850 megawatts) hydroelectric plants being built by India,saying that it violates the provisions of the treaty. Tensions over the water dispute escalated last month when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi threatened to block the flow of water into Pakistan. The World Bank had earlier asked the two countries to consider alternative ways to resolve their disagreements over the Indus Waters Treaty. The World Bank had also said it was temporarily halting the appointment of a neutral expert as requested by India, and the Chairman of the Court of Arbitration, as requested by Pakistan, to resolve issues regarding the two hydroelectric power plants. The treaty which was signed in 1960 gives India control over the three eastern rivers of the Indus basin, the Beas, the Ravi and the Sutlej while Pakistan has the three western rivers, the Indus, the Chenab and the Jhelum. According to the provision of the treaty, India can use only 20 per cent of the total water carried by the Indus River. The Indus Waters Treaty is seen as one of the most successful international treaties and has withstood frequent tensions between India and Pakistan, including conflict. (WION with inputs from ANI)

Pakistan not to accept any changes to Indus Waters Treaty

In a significant development, the World Bank has paused the separate processes initiated by India and Pakistan under the Indus Waters Treaty to allow the two countries to consider alternative ways to resolve their disagreements.

&quot;We are announcing this pause to protect the Indus Waters Treaty and to help India and Pakistan consider alternative approaches to resolving conflicting interests under the Treaty and its application to two hydroelectric power plants,&quot; World Bank Group president Jim Yong Kim said.

The pause was announced by Kim in letters to the finance ministers of India and Pakistan. It was also emphasised that the Bank was acting to safeguard the Treaty.

Pausing the process, for now, the Bank would hold off from appointing the Chairman for the Court of Arbitration or the Neutral Expert, appointments that had been expected on December 12 as earlier communicated by the Bank.

India had taken strong exception last month to the World Bank&#39;s decision to set up a Court of Arbitration and appoint a Neutral Expert to go into Pakistan&#39;s complaint against it over Kishenganga and Ratle hydroelectric projects in Jammu and Kashmir.

Surprised at the World Bank&#39;s decision to appoint a Neutral Expert, as sought by the Indian government and at the same time establish a Court of Arbitration as wanted by Pakistan, India had said proceeding with both the steps simultaneously was &quot;legally untenable&quot;.

Both processes initiated by the respective countries were advancing at the same time, creating a risk of contradictory outcomes that could potentially endanger the Treaty, the Bank noted.

&quot;This is an opportunity for the two countries to begin to resolve the issue in an amicable manner and in line with the spirit of the treaty rather than pursuing concurrent processes that could make the treaty unworkable over time. I would hope that the two countries will come to an agreement by the end of January,&quot; Kim said.

The current processes under the treaty concern the Kishenganga (330 megawatts) and Ratle (850 megawatts) hydroelectric power plants. The power plants are being built by India on, respectively, the Kishenganga and Chenab Rivers.

Neither of the two plants are being financed by the World Bank.

The bank said the Indus Waters Treaty, 1960, is seen as one of the most successful international treaties and has withstood frequent tensions between India and Pakistan, including conflict.

In September, the World Bank, which had mediated the Indus Water Treaty, had said it was approached by India and Pakistan and it is &quot;responding in its limited, procedural role as set out in the treaty&quot;.

&quot;India and Pakistan have informed the World Bank that each has initiated proceedings pursuant to the Indus Waters Treaty 1960 and the World Bank Group is responding in its limited, procedural role as set out in the Treaty,&quot; it had said.

The Treaty sets out a mechanism for cooperation and information exchange between the two countries regarding their use of the rivers, known as the Permanent Indus Commission which includes a commissioner from each of the two countries.

It also sets out a process for resolving so-called &quot;questions&quot;, &quot;differences&quot; and &quot;disputes&quot; that may arise between the parties.

(PTI)

World Bank Group president Jim Yong Kim emphasised that the Bank was acting to safeguard the Treaty

In a significant development, the World Bank has paused the separate processes initiated by India and Pakistan under the Indus Waters Treaty to allow the two countries to consider alternative ways to resolve their disagreements. "We are announcing this pause to protect the Indus Waters Treaty and to help India and Pakistan consider alternative approaches to resolving conflicting interests under the Treaty and its application to two hydroelectric power plants," World Bank Group president Jim Yong Kim said. The pause was announced by Kim in letters to the finance ministers of India and Pakistan. It was also emphasised that the Bank was acting to safeguard the Treaty. Pausing the process, for now, the Bank would hold off from appointing the Chairman for the Court of Arbitration or the Neutral Expert, appointments that had been expected on December 12 as earlier communicated by the Bank. India had taken strong exception last month to the World Bank's decision to set up a Court of Arbitration and appoint a Neutral Expert to go into Pakistan's complaint against it over Kishenganga and Ratle hydroelectric projects in Jammu and Kashmir. Surprised at the World Bank's decision to appoint a Neutral Expert, as sought by the Indian government and at the same time establish a Court of Arbitration as wanted by Pakistan, India had said proceeding with both the steps simultaneously was "legally untenable". Both processes initiated by the respective countries were advancing at the same time, creating a risk of contradictory outcomes that could potentially endanger the Treaty, the Bank noted. "This is an opportunity for the two countries to begin to resolve the issue in an amicable manner and in line with the spirit of the treaty rather than pursuing concurrent processes that could make the treaty unworkable over time. I would hope that the two countries will come to an agreement by the end of January," Kim said. The current processes under the treaty concern the Kishenganga (330 megawatts) and Ratle (850 megawatts) hydroelectric power plants. The power plants are being built by India on, respectively, the Kishenganga and Chenab Rivers. Neither of the two plants are being financed by the World Bank. The bank said the Indus Waters Treaty, 1960, is seen as one of the most successful international treaties and has withstood frequent tensions between India and Pakistan, including conflict. In September, the World Bank, which had mediated the Indus Water Treaty, had said it was approached by India and Pakistan and it is "responding in its limited, procedural role as set out in the treaty". "India and Pakistan have informed the World Bank that each has initiated proceedings pursuant to the Indus Waters Treaty 1960 and the World Bank Group is responding in its limited, procedural role as set out in the Treaty," it had said. The Treaty sets out a mechanism for cooperation and information exchange between the two countries regarding their use of the rivers, known as the Permanent Indus Commission which includes a commissioner from each of the two countries. It also sets out a process for resolving so-called "questions", "differences" and "disputes" that may arise between the parties. (PTI)

World Bank 'pauses' Indus treaty processes of India, Pakistan

India cannot walk away from the Indus Waters Treaty, Pakistan said on Thursday.

Pakistan&#39;s Foreign Office spokesman Nafees Zakria cited&nbsp;sub-provisions (3) and (4) of Article XII of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) to state there was no &quot;exit provision&quot;, Pakistani daily Dawn reported.

&quot;The IWT is not time-barred and was never intended to be time- or event-specific,&quot; Zakria said during a weekly press briefing in Islamabad.

Pakistan&#39;s statement comes days after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi suspended the meeting of Indus Water Commission, saying &quot;blood and water can&#39;t flow together&quot;. Modi was referring to Pakistan&#39;s role in helping militants launch attacks in India.

India has of late sounded out its intentions of abrogating the IWT, as a lever to put pressure on Pakistan to change its stance vis-a-vis India.

Pakistan relies heavily on Indus waters, which flow through India,&nbsp;for irrigation and electricity purposes. Under the IWT,&nbsp;India has&nbsp;control of three &#39;eastern&#39;&nbsp;rivers&nbsp;&mdash; Ravi, Sutlej and Beas&nbsp;&mdash; and Pakistan has rights over the &#39;western&#39;&nbsp;rivers&nbsp;&mdash; Indus, Jhelum and Chenab, though India can use 20 per cent of the &#39;western&#39;&nbsp;rivers for power generation purposes.

Pakistan had earlier said if India decided to revoke the treaty, it would be viewed as an &quot;act of war&quot;.

India has also decided to build new hydropower plants on the three rivers that flow to Pakistan.

Relations between the two countries&nbsp;hit a new low after four militants, who New Delhi believes were supported by Pakistan, launched a deadly attack on an Indian Army brigade headquarters on September 18. India then retaliated by conducting surgical strikes on several terror launch pads based in Pakistan on the intervening night of September 28 and 29.

The Foreign Office spokesman denied that India had conducted any surgical strikes in the country. &quot;Falsified and irresponsible statements can only escalate tensions and are indeed a threat to regional peace and security,&quot; he said during the Thursday briefing, Dawn reported.

The spokesman remained tightlipped when asked whether China&#39;s decision to build a dam on Brahmaputra&nbsp;river was an indirect&nbsp;way to put pressure on India. &quot;We have seen media reports. You may like to approach the government of China to ascertain details,&rdquo; he said.

(WION)&nbsp;

Islamabad asserted that the accord was 'never intended to be time- or event-specific'

India cannot walk away from the Indus Waters Treaty, Pakistan said on Thursday. Pakistan's Foreign Office spokesman Nafees Zakria cited sub-provisions (3) and (4) of Article XII of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) to state there was no "exit provision", Pakistani daily Dawn reported. "The IWT is not time-barred and was never intended to be time- or event-specific," Zakria said during a weekly press briefing in Islamabad. Pakistan's statement comes days after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi suspended the meeting of Indus Water Commission, saying "blood and water can't flow together". Modi was referring to Pakistan's role in helping militants launch attacks in India. India has of late sounded out its intentions of abrogating the IWT, as a lever to put pressure on Pakistan to change its stance vis-a-vis India. Pakistan relies heavily on Indus waters, which flow through India, for irrigation and electricity purposes. Under the IWT, India has control of three 'eastern' rivers — Ravi, Sutlej and Beas — and Pakistan has rights over the 'western' rivers — Indus, Jhelum and Chenab, though India can use 20 per cent of the 'western' rivers for power generation purposes. Pakistan had earlier said if India decided to revoke the treaty, it would be viewed as an "act of war". India has also decided to build new hydropower plants on the three rivers that flow to Pakistan. Relations between the two countries hit a new low after four militants, who New Delhi believes were supported by Pakistan, launched a deadly attack on an Indian Army brigade headquarters on September 18. India then retaliated by conducting surgical strikes on several terror launch pads based in Pakistan on the intervening night of September 28 and 29. The Foreign Office spokesman denied that India had conducted any surgical strikes in the country. "Falsified and irresponsible statements can only escalate tensions and are indeed a threat to regional peace and security," he said during the Thursday briefing, Dawn reported. The spokesman remained tightlipped when asked whether China's decision to build a dam on Brahmaputra river was an indirect way to put pressure on India. "We have seen media reports. You may like to approach the government of China to ascertain details,” he said. (WION)

India cannot walk away from Indus Waters Treaty, warns Pakistan

Pakistan has approached the World Bank to step in and prevent India from abrogating the Indus Waters Treaty.&nbsp;

&quot;In the meeting&nbsp;with the Pakistani delegation&nbsp;the World Bank committed itself to timely fulfilling its obligations under the treaty while remaining neutral,&quot; a statement released by the Pakistan Embassy in Washington read, The Dawn reported.&nbsp;

Pakistan also urged the World Bank to set up a court of arbitration quickly&nbsp;by selecting three judges in order to thwart India&#39;s plans to make maximum use of waters of rivers that are governed by Pakistan.&nbsp;

New Delhi&#39;s threat to pull the plug on the water-distribution treaty had come a few days after 18 soldiers stationed in Uri, Kashmir, were killed by four armed men, who India believe&nbsp;were helped by Pakistan.&nbsp;

Back in Washington, a Pakistani delegate, led by attorney general&nbsp;Ashtar Ausaf Ali, told the World Bank that India&#39;s threat was a breach of Article IX of the Indus Waters Treaty.

The Article IX of the treaty deals with arbitration of disputes between the parties concerning the interpretation or application of the treaty or the existence of any fact which, if established, might constitute a breach of the treaty.

World Bank has been asked to initiate the&nbsp;arbitration process because it had originally brokered the treaty in 1960.&nbsp;

Under the IWT, India has&nbsp;control of three &#39;eastern&#39;&nbsp;rivers&nbsp;&mdash; Ravi, Sutlej and Beas&nbsp;&mdash; and Pakistan has rights over the &#39;western&#39;&nbsp;rivers&nbsp;&mdash; Indus, Jhelum and Chenab, though India can use 20 per cent of the &#39;western&#39;&nbsp;rivers for power generation purposes.

But there has been a protracted issue about how&nbsp;Kishanganga and Rattle&nbsp;power projects have been set up by India despite mediation by the International Court of Justice in 2013.

Pakistan has objected to the power&nbsp;plant being built on Kishanganga river because India has planned to build a 24-km tunnel to divert water for generating more electricity. Islamabad say they will get less water if water is diverted.

Kishanganga river is in the Kashmir region and eventually meets Jhelum river in Pakistan.

Islamabad has also objected to the Rattle power project on Chenab river for its faulty designs.&nbsp;

But the Indian government is keen on revoking the treaty&nbsp;because they feel Pakistan has failed to rein in jihadist groups from launching cross-border attacks.&nbsp;

Pakistan&#39;s top diplomat Sartaj Aziz reacted strongly, saying India&#39;s threat of ignoring the agreement would be seen as an &quot;act of war&quot;.&nbsp;

(WION with inputs from agencies)

 
&nbsp;

After the September 18 Uri attack India plans to make maximum use of waters that feed into Pakistan

Pakistan has approached the World Bank to step in and prevent India from abrogating the Indus Waters Treaty. "In the meeting with the Pakistani delegation the World Bank committed itself to timely fulfilling its obligations under the treaty while remaining neutral," a statement released by the Pakistan Embassy in Washington read, The Dawn reported. Pakistan also urged the World Bank to set up a court of arbitration quickly by selecting three judges in order to thwart India's plans to make maximum use of waters of rivers that are governed by Pakistan. New Delhi's threat to pull the plug on the water-distribution treaty had come a few days after 18 soldiers stationed in Uri, Kashmir, were killed by four armed men, who India believe were helped by Pakistan. Back in Washington, a Pakistani delegate, led by attorney general Ashtar Ausaf Ali, told the World Bank that India's threat was a breach of Article IX of the Indus Waters Treaty. The Article IX of the treaty deals with arbitration of disputes between the parties concerning the interpretation or application of the treaty or the existence of any fact which, if established, might constitute a breach of the treaty. World Bank has been asked to initiate the arbitration process because it had originally brokered the treaty in 1960. Under the IWT, India has control of three 'eastern' rivers — Ravi, Sutlej and Beas — and Pakistan has rights over the 'western' rivers — Indus, Jhelum and Chenab, though India can use 20 per cent of the 'western' rivers for power generation purposes. But there has been a protracted issue about how Kishanganga and Rattle power projects have been set up by India despite mediation by the International Court of Justice in 2013. Pakistan has objected to the power plant being built on Kishanganga river because India has planned to build a 24-km tunnel to divert water for generating more electricity. Islamabad say they will get less water if water is diverted. Kishanganga river is in the Kashmir region and eventually meets Jhelum river in Pakistan. Islamabad has also objected to the Rattle power project on Chenab river for its faulty designs. But the Indian government is keen on revoking the treaty because they feel Pakistan has failed to rein in jihadist groups from launching cross-border attacks. Pakistan's top diplomat Sartaj Aziz reacted strongly, saying India's threat of ignoring the agreement would be seen as an "act of war". (WION with inputs from agencies)

Indian threat to dam up Indus waters makes Pakistan seek World Bank help

Pakistan&nbsp;has warned India against breaching the Indus Waters Treaty as it would be viewed as &quot;an act of war&quot;.

Pakistan&#39;s top diplomat Sartaj Aziz on Tuesday said it would approach the United Nations and the International Court of Justice if the Narendra Modi administration decided to revoke the bilateral agreement.&nbsp;

&quot;Between&nbsp;the two countries, this act of revocation can be taken as an act of war,&quot; Aziz said, adding the infringement can be taken as a &quot;breach of international peace&quot;. &quot;This gives Pakistan a good reason to approach the UN Security Council and the International Court of Justice.&quot;

The adviser to Pakistan Prime Minister&nbsp;Nawaz Sharif also said India was bound by international laws and would face repercussions if they reneged on the water-distribution&nbsp;treaty.&nbsp;

Tensions escalated between the two South Asian nations after New Delhi decided to make maximum use of rivers that are governed by Pakistan.

As per the 1960 Treaty, India has control over&nbsp;the Beas, the Ravi and the Sutlej, while Pakistan has control of the the Indus, the Chenab and the Jhelum.&nbsp;

The agreement also allows India to use 20 per cent of water of the three rivers that are controlled by Pakistan.

But a September 18&nbsp;attack on an Indian Army base headquarters, which killed 18 soldiers,&nbsp;near&nbsp;Uri&nbsp;in Kashmir,&nbsp;has deteriorated relations between India and Pakistan.

While no group has claimed responsibility for the deadly attack, the Indian government believes Pakistan aided Jaish-e-Mohamed terrorists in mounting the assault. Islamabad&nbsp;has refuted India&#39;s accusation.

New Delhi is now leveraging the treaty to&nbsp;pressure&nbsp;Islamabad to clamp down on terrorist bases on their soil.&nbsp;

(WION with inputs from agencies)

Senior diplomat Sartaj Aziz said Pakistan will approach the UN if India suspends the 58-year-old treaty

Pakistan has warned India against breaching the Indus Waters Treaty as it would be viewed as "an act of war". Pakistan's top diplomat Sartaj Aziz on Tuesday said it would approach the United Nations and the International Court of Justice if the Narendra Modi administration decided to revoke the bilateral agreement. "Between the two countries, this act of revocation can be taken as an act of war," Aziz said, adding the infringement can be taken as a "breach of international peace". "This gives Pakistan a good reason to approach the UN Security Council and the International Court of Justice." The adviser to Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif also said India was bound by international laws and would face repercussions if they reneged on the water-distribution treaty. Tensions escalated between the two South Asian nations after New Delhi decided to make maximum use of rivers that are governed by Pakistan. As per the 1960 Treaty, India has control over the Beas, the Ravi and the Sutlej, while Pakistan has control of the the Indus, the Chenab and the Jhelum. The agreement also allows India to use 20 per cent of water of the three rivers that are controlled by Pakistan. But a September 18 attack on an Indian Army base headquarters, which killed 18 soldiers, near Uri in Kashmir, has deteriorated relations between India and Pakistan. While no group has claimed responsibility for the deadly attack, the Indian government believes Pakistan aided Jaish-e-Mohamed terrorists in mounting the assault. Islamabad has refuted India's accusation. New Delhi is now leveraging the treaty to pressure Islamabad to clamp down on terrorist bases on their soil. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Revoking Indus Waters Treaty can be taken as act of war: Pakistan

Pakistan will move the International Court of Arbitration (ICA) to restrain India from building two major hydropower projects on Jhelum and Chenab, the two rivers assigned to Islamabad under the 1960s Indus Waters Treaty. 
 
&quot;Pakistan to move international court of arbitration,&quot; tweeted federal minister for water and power Khwaja Mohammad Asif, who also holds the portfolio of federal minister for defence. 
 
An eight-member delegation led by secretary water and power Mohammad Younas Dagha is presently in New Delhi for final talks on resolving the dispute bilaterally or to seek arbitration, Dawn reported. 
 
Asif said the talks for two and a half years with India on the resolution of Pakistan&#39;s objections regarding Kishanganga and Ratle Hydroelectric projects have failed. 
 
&quot;Pakistan with consent of stakeholders decided to take it to full court of arbitration,&quot; he said adding that India has invited Pakistan to discuss points of dispute over the Indus Waters Treaty. 
 
Under the treaty, in case the parties fail to resolve water disputes through bilateral means, the aggrieved party has the option to invoke the jurisdiction of the ICA or the neutral expert under the auspices of the World Bank. 
 
An official said Pakistan feels its water rights are being violated by India on two rivers, the Chenab and Jhelum, through a faulty design of 850 megawatt Ratle Hydropower Project, and 330 megawatt Kishanganga Hydropower, respectively. 
 
Pakistan believes the Indian design of the Ratle project would reduce Chenab water flow by 40 per cent at Head Marala and cause irrigation loss to crops. 
 
(ANI)

Pakistan feels Indian water projects would reduce the flow of its river, causing damage to crops

Pakistan will move the International Court of Arbitration (ICA) to restrain India from building two major hydropower projects on Jhelum and Chenab, the two rivers assigned to Islamabad under the 1960s Indus Waters Treaty. "Pakistan to move international court of arbitration," tweeted federal minister for water and power Khwaja Mohammad Asif, who also holds the portfolio of federal minister for defence. An eight-member delegation led by secretary water and power Mohammad Younas Dagha is presently in New Delhi for final talks on resolving the dispute bilaterally or to seek arbitration, Dawn reported. Asif said the talks for two and a half years with India on the resolution of Pakistan's objections regarding Kishanganga and Ratle Hydroelectric projects have failed. "Pakistan with consent of stakeholders decided to take it to full court of arbitration," he said adding that India has invited Pakistan to discuss points of dispute over the Indus Waters Treaty. Under the treaty, in case the parties fail to resolve water disputes through bilateral means, the aggrieved party has the option to invoke the jurisdiction of the ICA or the neutral expert under the auspices of the World Bank. An official said Pakistan feels its water rights are being violated by India on two rivers, the Chenab and Jhelum, through a faulty design of 850 megawatt Ratle Hydropower Project, and 330 megawatt Kishanganga Hydropower, respectively. Pakistan believes the Indian design of the Ratle project would reduce Chenab water flow by 40 per cent at Head Marala and cause irrigation loss to crops. (ANI)

Pakistan to seek arbitration with India over water dispute