E-Paper
Pak moves WB over Baglihar again
Within the shortest possible time, Pakistan sought a neutral expert, writes Sajjan Singh Thakur.
Even as Kashmir bus is set to roll on Thursday across LoC, Indo-Pak CBMs may hit the roadblock once again. For, Pakistan has again moved the World Bank over Baglihar project row, which became a stumbling block in the peace talks a few weeks ago, it is learnt.
Within the shortest possible time, Pakistan has sought a neutral expert and has rejected the Indian plea for bilateral talks.
Premier Pakistani daily The Nation reported on Wednesday that Pakistan reminded World Bank of the expiry of one month period within which a neutral expert should have been appointed.
In sheer violation of 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, Indian is continuing work on the Baglihar project, Pakistan alleged, and demanded that the Bank must not delay in the appointment of a neutral expert .
Pakistan dismissed any suggestion of bilateral talks, the report said, quoting sources as saying,"There can be talks only if India stops building the dam with immediate effect." Pakistan sees itself "on weaker wicket" if India completes the project.
India is all set to complete the Baglihar dam by end of current month causing reduction of 7-8 thousand cusecs per day water to Pakistan in the Chenab River in Rabi season, reports said.
Meanwhile, another Pak daily Daily Times expressed optimism about the issue, saying India may show some flexibility when its Prime Minister Manmohan Singh welcomes President Pervez Musharraf during his India trip. It hoped that Singh may address Pakistan's concern on 450 megawatt hydropower project.
