NEW DELHI: Pakistan reiterated its objections over New Delhi’s hydroelectric projects on the western rivers and urged India to take measures in line with the true spirit of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT).
During the two-day meeting of the Pakistan-India Permanent Indus Commission that concluded in New Delhi on Tuesday to discuss issues pertaining to sharing of water resources under the Indus Water Treaty, Pakistan asked India to follow the treaty guidelines.
This was the 118th meeting held annually under the relevant provisions of the Indus Waters Treaty 1960.
Pakistani delegation was led by Pakistan Commissioner for Indus Waters, Syed Muhammad Mehar Ali Shah, while the Indian delegation was headed by the Indian Commissioner for Indus Waters AK Pal.
Pakistan highlighted its objections on India’s hydroelectric projects on the western rivers including Pakal Dul.
The Indian side assured to arrange tours and inspections after the coming flood season.
The Indian side also assured that Pakistan’s outstanding objections would be discussed in the next meeting as the Indian side is still in the process of examining the details.
The Indian side was also urged to communicate advance flood-flow information as per the provisions of the IWT and the practice had been in vogue from 1989 to 2018. The Indian side assured to arrange tours and inspections after the coming flood season.
A wide range of water-related issues between the two countries were also discussed. The two sides expressed the hope that the next meeting of the Commission would be held at an early date in Pakistan.
