World Bank (WB) has convened a meeting of the experts from Pakistan and India in Washington on May 21st and 22nd, pertaining to the appointment of a neutral expert on Kishanganga and Ratle dams.
Against the Indian building of Kishanganga Dam on the river Neelum and Ratle Dam on the river Chenab, Pakistan approached World Bank for the appointment of a neutral expert. The two countries have held 7 rounds of negotiations during the past 4 years.
The Pakistani delegation headed by Acting Commissioner Indus Basin Mehr Ali Shah will leave Islamabad for Washington to take part in the negotiations.
The delegation includes federal Secretary Water Affairs Shumail Khawaja and one representative each of Foreign Ministry and Attorney General.
An introductory session of negotiations will be held on May 21 and the second session on May 22.
Joint Secretary for Ministry of Water Affairs Mehr Ali Shah has been appointed Acting Commissioner of Indus Basin for three months and his tenure will end on May 8.
Keeping in view the negotiations with the World Bank it has been decided to give Mehr extension.
A formal notification to this effect will be issued next week.