ISLAMABAD: In line with its responsibilities under the Indus Waters Treaty, the World Bank announced its decision to resume the two separate processes requested by India and Pakistan in relation to the Kishenganga and Ratle hydroelectric power plants.

The World Bank stated that the decision was formally communicated in letters to India and Pakistan.

The two countries disagree over whether the technical design features of these two hydroelectric plants contravene the Treaty.

Pakistan asked the World Bank to facilitate setting up a Court of Arbitration to consider its concerns about the designs of the two hydroelectric power projects, while India asked for the appointment of a Neutral Expert for the same purpose.

On December 12, 2016, the World Bank had declared a pause in the two separate processes to allow the two countries to consider alternative ways to resolve their disagreements. Since then, the World Bank has encouraged and worked with both countries to seek an amicable resolution. Multiple high-level meetings have been convened and a variety of proposals have been discussed.

54 projects being implemented through World Bank funding

The World Bank continues to share the concerns of the Parties that carrying out the two appointments concurrently poses practical and legal risks. However, the lack of success in finding an acceptable solution over the past five years is also a risk to the Treaty itself.

In arriving at the decision to resume the two processes, the Bank has carefully considered the views of all Parties involved.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2022