Pakistan approaches World Bank to stop Indian projects on Neelum, Chenab

With speculations rife of India abrogating the Indus Water Treaty (1960) with Pakistan, Islamabad has taken its case to the World Bank, urging it to stop New Delhi from making illegal constructions on the Neelum and Chenab rivers.

According to the Dawn, an official statement issued by the Pakistan Embassy in Washington on Tuesday said, "In the meeting with the Pakistani delegation, the World Bank committed itself to timely fulfilling its obligations under the treaty while remaining neutral."

World Bank officials at its headquarters in Washington to discuss Pakistan's recent request for arbitration under Article IX of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), 1960.

The Article IX of the treaty deals with arbitration of disputes between the parties concerning the interpretation or application of the treaty or the existence of any fact which, if established, might constitute a breach of the treaty.

The World Bank was also reminded by Pakistan that the treaty gives the bank an important role in establishing a court of arbitration by facilitating the process of appointment of three judges, called Umpires, to the Court. Both the countries can appoint two... Read full Story