ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Water and Power on Monday decided to form a subcommittee to review and suggest changes in the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960.
The committee, in its meeting presided by Senator Ghaus Muhammad Khan, discussed the treaty against the backdrop of statements by the Indian leadership regarding its unilateral revocation, its repercussions and Pakistan’s stance and preparedness in such a situation.
Senator Sherry Rahman, who had tabled an adjournment motion on the matter in the house, was invited to the meeting to present her point of view.
She expressed concern that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had openly threatened to revoke the treaty and said there was a need to be prepared for such a situation.
She said that under the present clauses of the treaty, India could temporarily stop and utilise water from the rivers allocated to Pakistan.
“India is rapidly building dams at our rivers. Baglihar and Kishanganga have been completed and now they are working on new projects,” she said and stressed the need for counter-moves by Pakistan.
The committee’s members said there was a need to discuss the treaty and develop national consensus on it. The decision should be taken up with India, they said.
Senator Nisar Muhammad said the Indus Waters Treaty was a technical, legal and sensitive matter.
“This issue should be brought to the notice of the Senate chairman so that a committee of the whole house may be formed,” he suggested.
However, Senator Ghaus Muhammad, the acting chairman of the standing committee, said a subcommittee should be formed to gather technical and legal details of the case. The comprehensive report of the subcommittee would be discussed in the standing committee before moving ahead, he said.
While briefing the committee, Water and Power Secretary Younus Dhaga said India could not revoke or suspend the treaty because there were several international conventions which protected the water rights of neighbouring countries.
He said the ministry had started work on a national water policy, which would be sent to the Council of Common Interests for approval after developing consensus among the provinces.
Water and Power Development Authority Chairman retired Lt Gen Muzzamal Hussain informed the committee that the organisation was following a hiring policy in accordance with the procedure notified by the Establishment Division.
He said there was a ban on recruitment prior to 2015, and Wapda had appointed 585 employees — 68 on daily wages and 516 on contract in Grades 1 to 18.
He added that there had been no violation of rules in the appointments that were made after tests were conducted by the National Testing Service.
http://www.dawn.com/news/1294941/senate-subcommittee-to-review-indus-treaty
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