LAHORE: Indus Water Commissioner Mehar Ali Shah has announced that Pakistan will invite India for another round of water talks next month, stressing that the dialogue with the neighbouring country on the water issues would continue.
Talking to the media at Wagah border crossing on his return from India, Shah said it was “a good omen” that the talks process under the Indus Water Treaty had been restored after 2017, adding that the Indian side listened to the stance of Pakistan seriously, which would help take the talks process forward.
“The Indian side listened to the objections raised by Pakistan on different projects on its rivers and promised a serious review of such projects,” the commissioner added.
He announced that Pakistan would invite Indian officials for a meeting after April 1. “India would give the names and dates for the sites’ visit, which was due,” he said, adding that India had expressed its willingness for Pakistan’s visit.
In response to a question, he said Pakistan side raised objections on Indian technical projects on its rivers and demanded the host side to address those objections and resolve the controversial issues on a permanent basis.
“The Indian side also provided flood data during the monsoon season,” he added. Shah also rejected the perception that Indian hydel power projects were near completion and made it clear that Lower-Kulnai and Pakal Dul projects would not be completed in the near future.
Shah attended the two-day water talks in New Delhi on Tuesday and Wednesday. According to the Indian external affairs ministry the talks were held in a “cordial manner” and both sides agreed to interact more frequently to resolve issues through bilateral discussions.
