ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and India resumed talks on the Indus Waters Treaty during the two-day 113th meeting of Permanent Indus Commission in Islamabad today.
The agenda of the talks includes discussions on the design aspects of Pakal Dul, Lower Kalnai and Miyar hydroelectric plants, flood data supply by India and programme of tours of inspection and meetings by Pakistan and India to the sites of their interest in the Indus basin.
The Indian delegation is led by Indian Indus Water Commissioner P.K. Saxena. Pakistan’s Indus Water Commissioner Mirza Asif Baig is leading the Pakistani officials meeting their Indian counterparts.
Addressing a press conference at the Ministry of Water and Power, Minister of Defence and Water and Power Khawaja Asif welcomed the Indian delegation. He said he would not make any speculations on the resolution of disputes.
“The talks, postponed since 2015, have resumed due to efforts made by the government,” said Asif. “They are in the best interests of both neighbours.”
“Deliberations on the Ratle hydro projects on Jhelum and Chenab rivers will begin in Washington next month,” said the minister. “We are hopeful of a positive outcome from the resolution of the water dispute.”
