Pakistan concerned at inauguration

RECORDER REPORT

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Friday expressed serious concern about inauguration of Kishanganga Hydroelectric Project (KHEP) by India in violation of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT).

“Pakistan is seriously concerned about the inauguration of Kishanganga Hydroelectric Project (KHEP). Pakistan believes that the inauguration of the project without the resolution of the dispute is tantamount to violation of the IWT,” Foreign Office Spokesperson Dr Mohammad Faisal said while expressing Pakistan’s concern over the controversial project.

Setting aside Pakistan’s reservations, the 330WM project on the Kishanganga River in Indian occupied Kashmir’s Bandipora district is scheduled to be formally inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi today (Saturday).

“Despite several rounds of bilateral negotiations as well mediations under the auspices of the World Bank, India continued with the construction of the project. This intransigence on part of India clearly threatens the sanctity of the Treaty,” the spokesperson said.

“Pakistan reiterates that as the custodian of the Treaty, World Bank must urge India to address to Pakistan’s reservations on Kishanganga Hydroelectric Project (KHEP),” he added.