Pakistan and India are holding another round of talks in New Delhi from Tuesday in a bid to resolve water-related disputes between the two countries under the Indus Waters Treaty. Indus Water Commissioner of Pakistan Syed Jamaat Ali Shah told Business Recorder before his departure for India that this round of Indo-Pak talks is very important, as a number of important issues are on the agenda. He said talks would continue till June 3.
He said Pakistan is sincerely striving to resolve all conflicting issues with India but it should also respond positively. Under Indus Waters Treaty, Pakistan would be forced to approach neutral experts if India does not remove Pakistan's reservations on violations of this treaty, he added.
He further said a seven-member Pakistani delegation comprising senior officials of water and power ministry and Indus Basin Commission of Pakistan are representing the country in these talks.
During this visit, the Pakistani delegation will also attend the annual meeting of Indus Basin Commission in which performance of the commission will be reviewed, he added.
He said the Pakistani delegation would also discuss modalities for providing timely information to Pakistan regarding any flood-like situation during forthcoming monsoon season.
Schedule of meetings for next year and programme of officials' visits of two countries to sites of disputed projects will be discussed during talks, he added. Indus Waters Treaty violations by India on River Ravi would also be discussed with Indian officials.
To a question, he said Baglihar dam issue is not on the agenda of the talks. Jamaat Ali Shah expressed his optimism for the success of talks.
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