As if tensions between India and Pakistan could not possibly get any worse, it is clear that relations truly are at an all-time low and this is manifested by the ongoing lack of cooperation regarding the Indus Water Treaty (IWT). Fearing that India is buying time to complete its two disputed water projects, Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif has made it clear that Pakistan would not accept any modifications or changes to the IWT. The treaty, signed in 1960, gives India control over the three eastern rivers of the Indus basin — the Beas, the Ravi and the Sutlej— while Pakistan has the three western rivers— the Indus, the Chenab and the Jhelum. The IWT also sets up a mechanism, the Permanent Indus Commission, which includes a commissioner from each country.
Pakistan would like the treaty to be honoured in letter and in spirit, because its position on the water dispute is enshrined in the principles of the treaty. The current dispute revolves around the Kishanganga and Ratle hydroelectric plants. India is building the plants on the Kishanganga and Chenab Rivers, which Pakistan says violate the IWT. Tensions over the water dispute increased this past year when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi threatened to block the flow of water into Pakistan. International experts fear that the threat, if implemented, could lead to armed clashes between the two sides.
Currently, India is pursuing a plan to construct a number of hydropower and water storage projects that could affect the pattern and flow of the western rivers, if constructed and operated in violation of the treaty. Any violation of the treaty by India could harm the agriculture sector, hydropower generation and environment in Pakistan. Khawaja Asif urged the World Bank, which is one of the signatories to the treaty, to play a constructive role in resolving the dispute. An upcoming meeting in Washington will be crucial for Pakistan.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 31st, 2017.
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