Islamabad
Following the intervention of the United States and the World Bank, India and Pakistan will begin negotiations over the disputed hydropower projects in April.
Water and Power Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif said that the two nations would hold three-day secretary-level talks on the Kishanganga and Ratle hydropower projects, under the aegis of the World Bank in Washington from April 11, reports Dawn.
Speaking on the sidelines of the two-day talks between Indus water commissioners from both sides, the minister welcomed New Delhi’s decision to resume negotiations under the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty on the proposed Pakul Dal, Miyar and Lower Kalnai hydropower projects, disputed by Pakistan.
“The US has intervened at the highest level to help both countries resolve the issue. There will be secretary-level talks on the Ratle and Kishanganga hydropower projects in Washington on April 11, 12 and 13. We are happy that India has finally agreed to resume talks at the commission level. We welcome this decision and the visit of the Indian delegation,” he said at a press conference.
The 10-member Indian delegation currently in Islamabad is led by Indian Indus Water Commissioner P.K. Saxe
