The International Court of Arbitration that has maintained the stay orders halting the construction of Kishanganga dam would, it appears, be aware of the spectre of confrontation that Indo-Pak quarrel on water dispute might lead to. The detailed decision is expected to be announced in December. Hopefully, it obliges India to give up claims on three western rivers, whose waters are solely meant for Pakistan’s use.
Where this does prove that India is flagrantly breaching Indus Waters Treaty, it calls for proactive posturing by Islamabad to see to it that all its provisions are respected in letter and in spirit. The present decision is a successful example of Pakistan‘s utilisation of the Indus Watet Treaty and deserves to be richly commended. Jamaat Ali Shah former chair of the water commission, faces the allegation that his actions benefited India to pace up the construction activity. Why such tactics need to be fiercely resisted is that the dams upstream in the occupied Valley have no justification to exist; during past proceedings the ICA hinted that those illegally built could be demolished. For its part, the Pakistan government’s apathy has prevented it time and again from putting sufficient diplomatic pressure on New Delhi to compel India to comply with the treaty. Peaceful co-existence will remain an elusive goal with such vicious games.