World Bank (WB) Has Asked Pakistan To Withdraw Its Plea Against India´S Kishanganga And Ratle Hydroelectric Projects
World Bank (WB) Has Asked Pakistan To Withdraw Its Plea Against India´S Kishanganga And Ratle Hydroelectric Projects: After persistent on the issue for two years, the World Bank (WB) has asked Pakistan to withdraw its plea for setting up a ‘Court of Arbitration’ and accept India’s proposal to appoint a neutral expert on the issue of Kishanganga and Ratle hydroelectric projects.
Sources revealed that Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP) office on Thursday received a letter, in which the WB informed Pakistan that it is ready to appoint a neutral expert to examine the issue, if Pakistan gives up its demand for establishing of ‘Court of Arbitration’.
Last month, the AGP Ashtar Ausaf Ali led a delegation for a two-day meeting with the WB officials, to discuss Kishanganga and Ratle hydroelectric projects under the Indus Waters Treaty. However, sources said Pakistan is upset over the WB’s ‘discriminatory attitude’ and its continuous support to India in the last two year.
Sources revealed that the decision on the WB’s recommendation to accept India’s proposal for appointment of a neutral expert will be taken by the government but that might not be possible for the caretaker government, therefore, matter can be referred to next elected government.
Official sources also said it would also not be possible for Pakistan to accept the proposal as it would become a precedent for resolving other water disputes and the Court of Arbitration would not be established. Those water disputes would be more significant for Pakistan than present project.
The legal experts, who are well aware of whole issue, are convinced that United States is fully backing the WB for supporting India. They said there is evidence to establish that the US halted the process for establishing Court of Arbitration for favouring India so that it could easily complete the project. However, lawyers believe it is good for Pakistan as the WB has given option for the first time.
The Kishanganga dam project was started in 1993, when India started its construction and Pakistan rejected its design. However, when India started work on it in 2010, Pakistan approached the WB against the project, saying that its design is violation of Indus Water Treaty of 1960. The WB’s tribunal observed that India can use water of three western rivers but it cannot divert water.
Interestingly, the bank did not halt India to stop construction of the project which shows that the WB is working under influence of the India’s lobby.
For More Information & Videos Subscribe To Our YouTube Channel