In an attempt to stop legal proceedings in Arbitration Court of the World Bank after realizing that New Delhi is losing the grounds, India has suggested modification to Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Saturday.
A Court of Arbitration is holding its first hearing in The Hague on Pakistan’s objections to Kishanganga and Ratle Hydroelectric Projects.
Pakistan said on Friday that the Court of Arbitration had been set up under the relevant provisions of the Indus Waters Treaty. Such media reports should not divert attention from the important proceedings of the Court of Arbitration.
In this regard, Pakistan has firmly decided against accepting any proposal to modify the Indus Waters Treaty. The proposal reflects India’s illegal and dishonest attitude towards the issue. The treaty is a proven effective agreement between two sovereign states. Any amendment in the IWT can only be possible if both countries with mutual understanding show their willingness to do the same. Any unilateral change or elaboration by a single country does not carry weight.
On Indus, Jhelum and Chenab, the treaty’s Article III (1) states: “Pakistan shall receive for unrestricted use all those waters of the Western Rivers which India is under obligation to let flow under the provisions…”
Pakistan had approached the Arbitration Court of World Bank over disputed designs of Indian hydropower projects on August 19, 2016. After long efforts and due to viewpoint carrying weight, World Bank in March 2022, started the process to constitute an Arbitration Court. The Kishanganga project with 330-megawatt capacity is being termed a strategic plan by India. Both Kishanganga and Rattle power projects are reflective of Narendra Modi’s water war against Pakistan. The Kishanganga project’s design can severely impact Pakistan’s Neelum-Jhelum Hydro Power Project.
Pakistan’s case is based on solid facts and figures so that India cannot run away from the Arbitration Court.
Reporter Ahmad Mansoor