Indian water aggression: Pakistani delegation to meet WB head

WASHINGTON: Pakistan intends to take up the Indian violations of the Indus Water Treaty, including the construction of Kishanganga, Ratle and various other projects along the Basin, with the World Bank.

A four-member delegation, led by the Attorney General Ashtar Ausaf Ali, will discuss Pakistan's concerns with the president of the World Bank and urge the financial institution to play its significant role as a mediator.

The delegation will be here for three days, Pakistan's Ambassador to the US Aizaz Ahmed Chaudhry said adding that Islamabad has conveyed its strong opposition to the construction of such hydro-projects in the past. "It's unfortunate that India completed the Kishanganaga project unilaterally, and without addressing Pakistan's concerns. Islamabad had suggested other options including a change in the design of the dam so that the Treaty is not violated, but all these offers were ignored," he said.

He further said that the World Bank, as a guarantor of the Treaty, has to play its role, and Pakistan has the right to voice its concerns. Pakistan's Foreign Ministry had also issued a statement denouncing the Indian project. "Pakistan believes that the inauguration of the project without the resolution of the dispute is tantamount to violations of the IWT," the statement reads.

Addressing a briefing at the embassy on Saturday afternoon, the ambassador also said that the government of Pakistan has directed its embassies all over the world to reach out to people, lawmakers and other officials and show solidarity with the people of Palestine. He said the Muslim countries, including Pakistan, have been opposing the US move to open its embassy in Jerusalem despite of the UN resolutions.

He said that the embassy in Washington has been raising its concern and highlighting the issue in each and every meeting with the American officials. "Pakistani government and its people fully support the Palestinian people and condemn the senseless killings by Israel," the ambassador said.