ISLAMABAD – Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif on Tuesday said that India was not implementing the Indus Water Treaty, signed by both countries, due to which Pakistan’s agriculture sector and hydel power projects are facing damages.
The foreign minister urged the World Bank to play its role for implementing treaty in order to maintain regional peace and stability.
He stated this while speaking at a seminar regarding the Indus Water Treaty, adding that Pakistan is ready to settle the water issues under the pact.
Claiming violations being made by the India, he asked the neighbourhood to ensure the implementation of the pact as Pakistan is executing it.
He alleged that India was deviating from basic points of the treaty, adding that protection of water was matter of great importance in these days.
The neighbouring country is not following the design and methods for its projects described by this treaty in letter and spirit, he said, adding that Pakistan received major part of water from Western rivers.
Highlighting an internal issue, he said that water is being used carelessly in Pakistan which is a serious crime.
The Indus Water Treaty signed in 1960 deals with water distribution and sharing of the six rivers of the Indus basin, of which the three eastern rivers Beas, Sutlej, Ravi were allocated to India and the three western rivers Jhelum, Chenab and Indus to Pakistan. The World Bank had brokered the agreement and have a role in dispute resolution. It was also responsible for the provision of funds to both countries that would allow them to construct several dams and canals to fulfill their needs.
The treaty has been violated twice already when India constructed two hydroelectric power plants named ‘Kishenganga’ and ‘Ratle’ on the Neelum and Chenab rivers.
