A delegation from Pakistan arrived in Jammu on Sunday night to scrutinize two hydroelectric energy initiatives, adhering to the stipulations of the Indus Waters Treaty. This go to is an integral a part of the impartial professional proceedings designed to arbitrate disputes pertaining to water utilization.

Throughout their tenure, the delegation will study the Kishenganga and Ratle hydroelectric energy initiatives positioned within the Chenab valley. This marks the primary event in over 5 years {that a} Pakistani contingent has visited Jammu and Kashmir beneath the 1960 treaty’s dispute decision framework. The previous inspection transpired in January 2019, previous the abrogation of Jammu and Kashmir’s particular standing.

In 2016, Pakistan sought the World Financial institution’s intervention regarding its grievances concerning the design of those initiatives. Though initially inclined in the direction of decision through a impartial professional, Pakistan later opted for adjudication by way of a Court docket of Arbitration. Conversely, India has persistently advocated for impartial professional proceedings.

The Indus Waters Treaty, inked by India’s Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Pakistan’s President Ayub Khan in 1960, instituted the Everlasting Indus Fee to foster cooperation on river water administration. The treaty apportions the waters of the Indus, Chenab, and Jhelum rivers to Pakistan, and the Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej rivers to India.

In October 2022, following the collapse of bilateral negotiations, the World Financial institution appointed each a Impartial Knowledgeable and the chair of the Court docket of Arbitration. India subsequently issued a discover to amend the treaty, contending that concurrent consideration of similar points was impermissible beneath the treaty. The Court docket of Arbitration decreed in July 2023 that it might arbitrate Pakistan’s plea for adjudication.

In March 2023, Pakistan submitted its authorized file, and in April, the Court docket of Arbitration inspected the Neelum-Jhelum Hydro-Electrical Plant in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. India, opting out of the arbitration court docket, introduced its case to the Impartial Knowledgeable in August 2023.

To facilitate the delegation’s go to, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has designated 25 liaison officers from varied departments. These officers will synchronize the actions of the impartial consultants and delegations from each nations.