Pakistan has decided not to approach the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to resolve dispute on 450 megawatt Baglihar hydropower project being built by India on River Chenab in occupied Kashmir, informed sources told Business Recorder. This decision was taken at a high-level meeting chaired by Minister for Water and Power Liaquat Ali Jatoi here on Thursday.
The Pakistan Indus Water commissioner was of the view that Pakistan should approach ICJ so that work may be stopped on the controversial project, but a Foreign Office representative opposed the move, saying both the countries were trying to resolve all issues through dialogue and this step could hinder peace process.
He, however, assured that the issue of hydropower project would also be made a part of second round of discussions.
The meeting, which lasted for one-and-a-half hour was attended by Wapda chairman Tariq Hamid, Attorney General Makhdoom Ali, foreign office additional secretary and officials from other relevant ministries and irrigation departments.
Pakistan always said that the dam was being built in violation of the Indus Basin Treaty of 1960, which gives India exclusive rights on Sutlej, Ravi and Beas rivers while Pakistan has rights over Indus, Chenab and Jhelum.
Sources said India was continuously progressing on the project, which according to Pakistani officials, was a clear violation of the agreement between the two countries.
According to an official press release, the meeting discussed the current status of dialogue with India and other related issues.
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