16 September, 2017
The latest round of the Secretary-level discussions between both countries on the technical issues, which has been raised by Pakistan regarding construction of the Kishenganga and Ratle hydroelectric power plants within the framework of the Indus Waters Treaty, took place on September 14-15 in Washington.
The two-day talks between India and Pakistan at the World Bank headquarters in Washington concluded without reaching an agreement, officials said Saturday. It is also acclaimed as one of the most successful global agreements for peacefully resolving previous water disputes between India and Pakistan.
She also said that the Sept 14-15 meetings in Washington focused on "the technical issues of the treaty" and the bank will provide more information about the talks when available.
"These meetings are a continuation of a discussion on how to safeguard the treaty for the benefit of the people in both countries", said World Bank spokesperson Elena Karaban when asked for comments.
The water sharing agreement - seen as one of the most successful global treaties and having survived resurgent India-Pakistan conflict - was signed in 1960 after nine years of negotiations between the two countries with the help of the World Bank.
However, the World Bank said that it will continue to work with complete impartiality in fulfilling its responsibilities under the pact.
The Indian delegation was led by the Union Water Resources Secretary Amarjit Singh.
India is permitted to construct the Kishenganga (330 megawatts) and Ratle (850 megawatts) hydroelectric power plants on Jhelum and the Chenab rivers as specified in the Indus Waters Treaty. The treaty designates these two rivers as well as the Indus as the "Western Rivers" to which Pakistan has unrestricted use.
The Pakistani delegation was led by Secretary Water Resources Division Arif Ahmed Khan along with Secretary of Water and Power Yousuf Naseem Khokhar, High Commissioner of Indus Waters Treaty Mirza Asif Baig and Joint Secretary of Water Syed Mehar Ali Shah. 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. Sources told The Express Tribune that despite the passage of more than one year, the world bank is not establishing the court of arbitration, adding that Indian lobby has also big influence on the bank not play its active role in this matter. However, India has asked for the appointment of a Neutral Expert for the same objective.
