Indus water treaty was signed between India and Pakistan on September 19, 1960. This treaty was brokered by the world bank. The treaty fixed and delimited the rights and obligations of both countries concerning the use of the waters of the Indus River system. The treaty gave the waters of the western river- the Indus, Jhelum and Chenab to Pakistan and the eastern rivers- the Ravi, Sutlej and Beas to India. The treaty provides for both the commissioners to meet at least once a year.
A pending situation of mutual disagreement is going on over Kishengenga and Ratle hydroelectricity project which has been operated since 2018, while work on Ratle stands abandoned since 2014. For resolving this issue, a meeting was scheduled in the last week of March on the request of Pakistan. Due to the unforeseeable pandemic outbreak the meeting was delayed.
Considering the fact that it may take some time to normalize the situation, India suggested that the meeting shall be held through video conference. This suggestion was made in the 1st week of July. The Pakistan commissioner, by the end of July insisted that the meeting shall be held at the Attari check post instead.
Also, Islamabad has been insisting the parleys to be conduced at the Attari joint checkout. The Indian commissioner responded by saying that the situation is not so conducive to hold a meeting at Attari as it has been proposed. The Indian commissioner also requested the Pakistan side to at least consider holding of a virtual meeting as an option.
NEWS REPORTED BY:
VRIDHI BHAGNARI.
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