Indus Waters Treaty in interest of both India and Pakistan: Pak minister

Islamabad: India and Pakistan must respect the landmark Indus Waters Treaty as it is in the interest of both countries, Pakistan's Minister for Water and Power Khawaja Asif said on Monday.

Asif's comments came as officials from India and Pakistan today held Indus Water Commission meeting to discuss the designs of three water projects being built by India on the Chenab.

"To respect this agreement [the Indus Waters Treaty] and find a solution through it is in the interest of both countries," the minister said.

Asif also spoke about the Kishanganga and Ratle hydroelectric projects for which Pakistan is seeking international court of arbitration (ICA) through the World
Bank.

Asif said delays had been witnessed in the past in the handling of the Kishanganga project. The minister claimed that, "When we [Pakistan] went to the court of arbitration our position was not as strong as it could have been if we had approached the court in a timely manner."

However, he said that the country's position regarding the Ratle project is "very strong." "We are working to make changes to the design of the project that are in Pakistan's interest and which are in accordance with the treaty," the minister said.

"Since the Indus Waters Treaty was signed [in 1960], no dispute has been handled including the Ratle dam dispute," Asif said, adding, "We are in the position to fully protect our interests."